Study & Meditation Programs
Modern Kadampa Buddhism
Weekly classes, courses, special events & meditation retreats
General Program
Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Foundation Program
Sundays 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Teacher Training Program
Three Study & Meditation Programs
At the heart of modern Kadampa Buddhism are three special study and meditation programs designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche and that are especially suited to the modern world: the General Program, the Foundation Program and the Teacher Training Program. These programs help us to develop our wisdom, cultivate a good heart and maintain a peaceful state of mind, free from anxiety and unhappiness.
The General Program
The General Program offers a wide range of events suitable for everyone, offering practical teachings and guided meditations that can be integrated easily into our busy daily lives. From weekly classes to half-day courses, meditation retreats to special events such as public talks or Tantric empowerments, there is something for everyone. Most events at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada are part of the General Program and open to everyone. If you are interested to starting a study and meditation program, the weekly classes are a good way to start.
If we just dabble superficially in a spiritual path we will never gain a deep and stable experience, and our wisdom will never develop to its full potential. This is why these spiritual programs are so important.
— Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
with Gen Kelsang Chodor
The Foundation Program
The Foundation Program is designed for those who wish to deepen their understanding and experience of Kadampa Buddhism through a systematic study of six texts by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. When you join, you will experience the great benefits of being part of this systematic study program. Through this you can improve your good heart, your wisdom, and your cherishing of others by going deeper into your study and meditation practice.
This is not a walk-in program and enrolment is required. It is strongly recommended to have attended the General Program (i.e. weekly classes) regularly for a minimum of 6 months before joining the program. It is also advised that, if possible, you start your studies at the beginning of a new book or new section of a book.
The Teacher Training Program
Sundays 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
& Wednesdays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
with Gen Kelsang Chodor
The Teacher Training Program is designed for people who wish to train as authentic Dharma Teachers in the New Kadampa Tradition. In addition to completing the study of fourteen texts of Sutra and Tantra, including the six texts studied on the Foundation Program, students are required to observe certain commitments with regard to behaviour and way of life, and to complete a number of meditation retreats each year.
This is not a walk-in program and enrolment is required. Students must have received Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments within the New Kadampa Tradition in order to study most of the books in this program. When students sign up for this program, they have a strong intention and commit to complete the study of all the 12 subjects of the program without stopping.
Coming to Foundation Program at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada has improved my knowledge on how to make myself happy, and also others!
— Maria
Joining a study program at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada has been one of the best decision in my life so far.
— Alex
Joining the Foundation Program has helped me to understand that I can have control over my mind and how I interact with the world.
— Cathy
