Our study program – the Foundation Program (FP) is an in-depth program designed for people who wish to deepen their understanding and experience of Kadampa Buddhism through a systematic study of essential Buddhist commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. 

This study program was designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche as a means to facilitate the development of our unlimited spiritual potential.

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. Through the kindness of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who has updated the commentaries of these teachings into a presentation for the modern world, we can gain authentic experience of the Dharma while still maintaining our contemporary lifestyle.

The new term begins Monday 24^th Jan 2022.

If you are keen but would like a ‘taster’ class please let us know to arrange it. (no cost, no commitments)

Study of The New Heart of Wisdom gives us:

–       Understanding of the relationship between our mind and our world.

–       A special method for overcoming difficulties in our daily life.

–       Removal of obstacles to realizing our full potential.

The secret of the Foundation Program’s success lies in the 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 to take a test at the conclusion of the study. If for a suitable reason a student is not able to attend the class in person, he or she agrees to catch up by listening to a recording of the class.

*This is not a walk-in program and enrollment is required. Students should be familiar with weekly classes and show interest in further study. A trial class can be requested. It is suggested that students should have some experience of General Programme Classes before joining.

Email: rt@meditateindurban.org for more information.

Prior to class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages long, and memorise 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 to 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.

The students participate in preparation of the meditation room on the day of their class (when classes at the Centre are possible as per lockdown status).

The program comprises the following five subjects based on Buddha’s Sutra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso:

The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary, Joyful Path of Good Fortune

1. Training the Mind, based on the commentaries, Universal Compassion and Eight Steps to Happiness
2. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary, Heart of Wisdom
3. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary, Meaningful to Behold
4. Types of Mind, based on the commentary, How to Understanding the Mind

The New Heart of Wisdom

The New Heart of Wisdom is an extraordinary book. It reveals the direct and hidden meanings of Buddha’s Perfection of Wisdom Sutras in a way that we can apply them to our modern life.

As soon as we start reading we feel as if we are transported back to 567 BC listening to Buddha himself as he delivers the Sutra on Massed Vultures Mountain.

Then reading Venerable Geshe-la’s commentary to the Sutra we are brought immediately to the present day and see clearly how the profound meaning of this Sutra can be applied to solving the problems of modern life and to transforming our daily life into the path to liberation and enlightenment.

And when we read in the appendices how to apply the meaning of the Sutra to Tantric practice and experience the union of profundity and clarity, we see how it is possible to complete this journey swiftly through practicing the union of Sutra and Tantra.

What could be more precious?

The cost is R450 a month to become a member which includes the Foundation Study Programme, free admission to General Program Classes at the Centre and branches, discount on certain events and retreats at the Centre.

To find out more about the Foundation Program and how you can join Click the this Memberships Link