Deepen your experience of Buddha’s teachings with the Foundation Programme (FP)

 

 

Systematic study each week is essential in developing and nurturing both our wisdom and compassion, which are necessary qualities leading to the lasting inner peace of a Buddha. By studying the essential Buddhist texts as presented by our Spiritual Guide, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, we can internalise Buddha’s teachings and develop the qualities that enable us to become a source of peace and happiness for other and we can then be of real benefit to our family and friends, our society and our world.

Each session is led by Gen Kelsang Su-ma, our resident teacher, and includes preliminary prayers, guided meditation, teachings and transmission of the text, with discussion and dedication to conclude each session.

FP in Swansea runs on Sunday and Monday evenings, from 7pm to 9pm during term times, and from September 2007 to Easter 2008 we will be studying Universal Compassion. Beginning Monday 28th April 2008 we will be studying Eight Steps to Happiness.

If a branch class has the intention to become a centre then they can also start an FP group if over 10 people wish to study.

“The benefits of studying on FP are inexhaustible” - Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

 

Eight Steps to Happiness

 

This inspiring book reveals essential methods for developing universal love and compassion, the source of true happiness for both self and others. It gives a detailed and practical commentary to eight beautiful verses that comprise one of Buddhism's best-loved and most enduring teachings, Eight Verses of Training the Mind. Composed by the great Tibetan Bodhisattva, Langri Tangpa, this short poem shows how we can transform all life's difficulties into valuable spiritual insights. For centuries, these liberating meditation practices have brought lasting peace, inspiration and serenity to countless people in the East. Now, in this book, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso shares the immeasurably rich insight of this ancient wisdom with all those seeking lasting happiness and greater meaning in their modern lives.

Requirements

Students enrol for one subject or section of the book at a time, and to ensure their studies are successful they are asked to:
- Attend each class
- Study and memorise the essential meaning of the text
- Take an examination at the end of the section. This is an opportunity for you check for yourself how much you have learnt over the course
- Attend at least one special puja each week at the centre. This gives us special blessings so that our study is successful

Foundation Programme costs £35 per month, which also includes all other drop-in classes, day and weekend courses except special events

 

Finding out more

If you interested in finding out more about FP or wish to enrol then please contact our Education Programme Co-ordinator, or read more on kadampa.org