deepen your understanding – the Foundation Programme
The Foundation Programme (FP) is for anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding and experience of Buddhism through systematic study. FP is a practical method to improve our good heart, wisdom, and inner peace. Anyone can join and experience the great benefits from being a part of this regular study programme. The programme is based on a systematic study of six Kadampa Buddhist texts written by the Founder of the New Kadampa Tradition, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
the classes
Mondays 6.30pm – 9.00pm
The classes include: • Guided meditations • Commentary to the text by the teacher • Group discussion • Question & answer opportunities • The company of like-minded spiritual friends.
This is not a drop in class – pre-registration is required.
The first class is a free introductory class. The following four sessions are a $12 class fee. This gives you time to decide if you want to commit to joining the class.
Joining the Foundation Programme involves enrolling for a section of a book and then attending all the classes in person at the Centre, one of which is an end-of-term exam. The minimum commitment is to complete the section of the text being studied and sit an exam. Studying in this way gives our lives a meaningful structure and helps us to gain fuller experience of the teachings. You can join the programme at any time.
who can join FP?
If you have been coming to classes regularly and have been getting a lot out of your GP classes but feel you want to go a bit deeper with your study and practice – the systematic study of this essential Buddhist text on FP may be a perfect next step for you.
New students are advised to attend some drop-in evening classes prior to enrolling, to gain some experience of Buddhist teachings.
class fee
The FP fee is $88 per month, which entitles you to attend all the classes and courses run by Kalpa Bhadra Buddhist Centre, except the Mountains Retreats and events held outside the Centre.
If you are interested in joining the Foundation Programme or finding out more about it, please call the Centre or email education@meditateinchristchurch.org
venue
Kalpa Bhadra Buddhist Centre, 24 Rugby St, Merivale, Christchurch
the book
Joyful Path of Good Fortune
Our present text is Joyful Path of Good Fortune by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
Joyful Path of Good Fortune provides a clear and comprehensive explanation of the entire path to enlightenment. We all have the potential for self-transformation, and a limitless capacity for the growth of good qualities, but to fulfil this potential we need to know what to do along every stage of our spiritual journey.
With this book, Geshe Kelsang offers us step-by-step guidance on the meditation practices that will lead us to lasting inner peace and happiness. With extraordinary clarity, he presents all Buddha’s teachings in the order in which they are to be practised, enriching his explanation with stories and illuminating analogies. This is a perfect guidebook to the Buddhist path.
The practice of Lamrim is very important because everyone needs to cultivate peaceful states of mind. By listening to or reading these teachings we can learn how to control our mind and always keep a good motivation in our heart. This will make all our daily actions pure and meaningful.
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Joyful Path of Good Fortune.
