Foundation Study Program

The Foundation Program (FP) 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.

Through being a part of this program you can improve your good heart, your wisdom, and your capacity to genuinely cherish others by going deeper into your study and meditation practice. The Foundation Program is a method to solve our own problems by overcoming our negativities and nurturing our good qualities to their full. Its a way of learning to experience real happiness and fulfillment all the time no matter whats going on around us and gain the ability to help others to do the same.

Buddha’s teachings are precious wisdom insights that can open the door to a profoundly rich and meaningful life and lead us to lasting happiness. To extract their full meaning, we need to systematically familiarise our minds with these insights until we have penetrated so deeply into their meaning that they become our own.

The method for taking these teachings deep into our hearts is centred around three key activities: listening, contemplating and meditating. In Joyful Path of Good Fortune,

Geshe Kelsang says:
“To increase our wisdom arisen from listening we need to listen to correct instructions from fully qualified Spiritual Guides, read authentic Dharma books and discuss what we have heard. Wisdom arisen from contemplation arises from reflecting again and again upon what we have heard and understood, and wisdom arisen from meditation arises from meditating on what we have heard and contemplated. We need to keep increasing these three wisdoms continuously until we attain enlightenment.
Our study programs are structured to support the development of these three wisdoms.”

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: epc@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:

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 Eight Steps to Happiness
3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary, 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 Understanding the Mind

UNIVERSAL COMPASSION

The heart of Buddha’s teachings is unconditional love and compassion. In this inspiring explanation of the popular Buddhist poem Training the Mind in Seven Points, Geshe Kelsang reveals powerful and far-reaching methods for us to develop these altruistic states. Ancient meditative techniques that have been tried and tested for centuries are brought alive and made relevant to our everyday experiences. Also included is a practical explanation of how we can transform our day-to-day problems – even the most demanding and difficult conditions – into opportunities for personal and spiritual development. By pointing the way to an unchanging freedom and happiness, this immensely readable book challenges us to grow, and will have a remarkable impact on our life.

To have the opportunity to practise this precious and profound teaching is infinitely more meaningful than being given all the precious jewels in the world. If we understand how extremely worthwhile it is to read, listen to, study, contemplate, and engage in the practice of this very special Dharma, we will do so with great faith and a happy mind.

The cost is R360 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 button below