Foundation Program
Thursdays 7-9pm
with Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Thekchen
This fall is a perfect time to join our Foundation Program. The new term begins on Thursday August 28, from 7-9pm.
In the fall term, we'll be starting with the chapter "The Precious Mind of Bodhichitta", and then for most of the term we'll be taking time to study carefully & in-depth the chapter on emptiness, "Training in Ultimate Bodhichitta".
In Buddhism, the word emptiness has great meaning. It does not mean nothingness, but the way things really are. In the short term, studying emptiness can help us to:
- reduce our worries and fears
- help us to solve all of our daily problems &
- be of great benefit to others
In the long term, if we realize emptiness directly, we will attain permanent liberation from all the sufferings of this life, and our countless future lives. There is no greater meaning than this.
This is a rare and precious opportunity to study this incredible subject with a qualified Teacher and a dedicated group of students.
About the text
The text that we'll be studying is The New Eight Steps to Happiness by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. This inspiring book explains how to meditate on eight beautiful verses that comprise one of Buddhism's best-loved teachings, Eight Verse of Training the Mind, which has inspired generations of Buddhist practitioners for almost a thousand years. Composed by the great Tibetan bodhisattva, Geshe Langri Tangpa, this short poem shows how we can transform all life's difficulties into valuable spiritual insights.
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche reveals practical ways in which we can use this timeless wisdom to find meaning and lasting happiness in our busy modern lives.
We will have copies available in our bookshop for you to purchase and/or you may purchase an ebook or audiobook at Tharpa Publications.
You are welcome to try up to two complimentary classes before deciding to join- simply email us at education@meditateinottawa.org to express your interest.
For those who live at a distance, we have options to help you to attend
If distance prevents you from being able to attend our study programs in person at KMC Ottawa, we have other options for you. You may choose to enroll by correspondence, which means you would receive the audio class recording of each class, or you can participate online with Zoom Livestream. Need more info? Want to try it out before deciding? Simply contact education@meditateinottawa.org for more information.
ABOUT THE
FOUNDATION PROGRAM
Foundation Program is a tried and tested program to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of Buddha’s teachings, establish and maintain a daily meditation practice that is both focused and powerful, and make genuine spiritual progress. If you have been attending and benefitting from our General Program classes and feel you're ready to go a bit deeper with your study and practice - embarking in the Foundation study program may be the perfect next step.
Structure of the Program
The study program includes guided meditation, teaching, student commitments, discussion, and teacher support. One of the main benefits is the building of a spiritual community which fosters meaningful class discussion and mutual support among the class members.
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.
Structure of Each Class
In FP, the class meets each week. Prior to class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages, and memorize the essential points. The class begins with chanted prayers and a guided meditation. The teacher then reads the assigned section 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
What are the Commitments?
- Agree to attend every class
- Take part in class discussions
- Attend at least one weekly chanted prayer (puja) - highly recommended
- Take the exam (at the conclusion the book or a section of the book at the teacher's discretion)
The Teacher for this program
Foundation Program is taught by Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Thekchen, who is a senior Teacher in the New Kadampa Tradition. He has been a Kadampa Buddhist monk and Teacher under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than 30 years. He is well known for his ability to present Buddha's teachings in a simple, profound, practical and often humorous way, making them easy to put into practice in everyday life.
Membership fees for FP Program
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.