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 we're 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.
If you'd like to experience one or two Foundation Program classes before deciding if you'd like to join, free of charge, please email us at education@meditateinottawa.org to let us know.
For those who live at a distance, we have options to help you to attend
If distance prevents you from attending our study programs at KMC Ottawa, we have other options for you. You can enroll in Foundation Program by correspondence, which means you can receive audio recordings of all the classes, or you can participate online with Zoom Livestream. Or, would you just like to try out these options before deciding? Please contact education@meditateinottawa.org for more information.
ABOUT THE
FOUNDATION PROGRAM
Foundation Program is a tried and tested way to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of Buddha’s teachings, maintain a daily meditation practice that is both focused and powerful, and make genuine spiritual progress. If you have been coming to classes regularly and have been getting a lot out of your General Program classes and feel you're ready 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.
Structure of the Program
All the study programs are based on a clear structure that includes guided meditation, teaching, student commitments, discussion, and teacher support. One of the main benefits for everyone is the building of a spiritual community within the class, which in turn fosters meaningful class discussion as well as 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?
- Attending all classes and taking part in class discussions
- Attending one group puja (chanted prayers) weekly is highly recommended
- Taking an exam at the conclusion of either a section of the assigned book or the entire book
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.
The cost of joining the 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.