Foundation Program
In-depth Study Program

Foundation Program

Thursdays 7-9pm
with Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Thekchen

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
How to join Foundation Program, & find out more

On Thursday May 9 (7-9pm), we will be starting a new text in Foundation Program, so that would be a perfect time to join the program.  The first class will be an Introduction to FP class, which will introduce you to the structure of the class and what to expect. The new text we'll be studying will be The New Eight Steps to Happiness by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. We will have copies available in our bookshop for you to purchase.

Please let us know in advance if you'd like to come to the Introduction class on May 9, by sending an email to our Education Program Coordinator, Kelsang Lamden by clicking below.

Send an email to find out about joining FP

Read the transcript of a talk, “The Benefits of the Study Programs”, by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche by clicking below:

Read transcript

For a list of the six texts which are studied on the Foundation Program, and the benefits of studying them, click below:

Read about FP texts

The Teacher for this program

Gen Kelsang Thekchen, Buddhist Monk & TeacherFoundation 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 25 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

The cost of joining the FP Program is $80 per month. This also gives you all the benefits of having a Gold level Membership at our Centre, which gives you free access to all of our GP classes and livestream classes. For more information about membership, please click here.
Coming up this month

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.
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche