A Unique Study Program 

The Foundation Program (FP) is designed for students who have gained a basic understanding of Kadampa Buddhist practice and are interested in pursuing a formalized and committed study program. Through regular teachings and meditation, systematic study, and group discussion, the Foundation Program offers the same training followed by spiritual practitioners in an unbroken lineage dating back to Buddha Shakyamuni. In this way, we can gain an authentic experience of the Dharma while still maintaining our contemporary lifestyle. By studying in this program, we shall gain great confidence in meditation – from basic techniques for overcoming our everyday problems to practices leading to unsurpassed happiness and permanent inner peace. Warm friendships develop as students inspire each other, sharing insights and experiences of the spiritual path.

The Program Structure

The secret to the Foundation Program’s success lies in the manageable commitment made by the student and in the clear structure of study. Students sign up to study a book or part of a book, agree to attend every class, learn the material, and take a test at the conclusion of the study.

The Class Structure

Before class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages long, and memorize the essential points. The class begins with chanted prayers and guided meditation. The teacher then reads the assigned selection from the book while giving commentary on the text. The students then divide into pairs to discuss the material. The teacher and students conclude by deciding what to meditate on in the next class and how to practice during the coming week.

Commitments

Students participate in putting up the shrine offerings and setting up the meditation room on the day of their class. In this way, they learn about the rituals associated with Buddhist practice. In addition to weekly attendance in the class, there is also a commitment to participate in at least one chanted prayer session at the Centre each month.

Books Studied

The purpose of the Foundation Program is to provide a systematic presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism.

1. The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary, Joyful Path of Good Fortune
2. Training the Mind, based on the commentaries, Universal Compassion and The New Eight Steps to Happiness
3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary The New Heart of Wisdom
4. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold
5. Types of Mind, based on the commentary How to Understand the Mind

We are starting a new book on September 12, 2022! 

Joyful Path of Good Fortune: The Path to the Supreme Happiness of 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 at every stage of our spiritual journey.

With this book, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche 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 Buddha’s teachings in the order in which they are to be practiced, enriching his explanation with stories and analogies. A perfect guidebook to the Buddhist Path.

From the author: ‘What we need is not displays of miracle powers but a clear example of how to enter an unmistaken spiritual path, how to practice that path comfortably and smoothly, and how to complete it successfully. This is the actual method for solving our daily problems.’

HOW TO JOIN

Enrolment is required.  For more information and to enroll in a trial class, please contact our Education Program Coordinator at epc@meditateinvancouver.org.

Gen Kelsang Sanden is a Canadian Buddhist monk, and the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver.  He has been a long time student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. He is well loved for his compassion, sense of humour and the clarity of his teachings.