IN-DEPTH STUDY Classes on WEDNESday Evenings

WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION PROGRAMME? 

The Foundation Programme (FP) provides an opportunity to engage in systematic study and meditation on the essential subjects of Kadampa Buddhism. The emphasis in the classes, which consist of teachings, meditation, and discussion, is on gaining practical experience of Buddha’s teachings that you can apply to your daily life.  By keeping your connection with the teachings and gaining spiritual friends, Foundation Programme is the perfect way to energise and sustain our spiritual life.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? 

• Increased personal insight, wisdom and experience of Dharma (Buddha’s teachings)
• Studying and meditating more effectively following a specially-designed programme and qualified meditation teacher
• An opportunity to discuss and ask questions
• Gain the ability to integrate Buddha’s instructions into busy modern life
• Be part of a supportive community who use meditation in their daily life to bring about lasting changes in their relationships with themselves and those around them.

IN-PERSON – By far the best mode of studying on Foundation Programme is to attend the Centre in person each week to receive the teachings directly from our Resident Teacher Gen Tubchen and to enjoy the lively discussions.  We will always recommend you try and attend the programme in this way as this is the best method for making spiritual progress.  

LIVESTREAM  – For those for whom it is not possible to attend the Centre in-person there is the option to register to attend the classes and engage in the discussions via Livestream at the live class time. 

CORRESPONDENCE – For those who cannot attend in-person or via Livestream at the class time it is possible to be on the programme as a Correspondence Student. This mode of attendance depends on students personally committing time each week to keep up with the audio recordings from the live class.  

WHAT TO EXPECT – Each class will begin with some preparatory prayers and a guided meditation. This will be followed by the transmission of the text, ‘The New Eight Steps to Happiness’ together with teachings giving commentary or raising questions for discussion. There is time in each class for paired discussion and every fourth class is a group discussion. 

From Sept 2026 the Foundation Programme teachings will be a Commentary to the book ‘The New Eight Steps to Happiness’ by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.

The New Eight Steps to Happiness is a detailed and practical explanation of one of Buddhism’s best-loved teachings, Eight Verses of Training the Mind, by the great Bodhisattva, Langri Tangpa. Clear methods are simply presented for transforming all life’s difficulties into valuable spiritual insights, for improving our relationships, and for bringing greater patience, empathy and compassion into our daily life. These methods have inspired generations of Buddhist practitioners for almost a thousand years, and brought lasting peace, inspiration and serenity to countless people. Now, with this book, Venerable Geshe Kelsang shares the immeasurably rich insight of this ancient wisdom to help us find greater happiness and meaning in our busy, modern lives. With this revised presentation, The New Eight Steps to Happiness, Venerable Geshe-la re-introduces us to the essential practices of Training the Mind. He not only challenges our entire understanding of the world, but also challenges us to transform ourself into the greatest being we can possibly become!

“Everyone, whether religious or non-religious, is looking for happiness all the time and wants to be free from problems and suffering permanently. We can fulfil these wishes through understanding and practising the instructions given in this book. “

The New Eight Steps to Happiness is available in our shop or direct from Tharpa Publications. 

FREE INTRODUCTORY SESSION & FEE INFO 

You are invited to a free introductory session on Wednesday 16 September, 7-9pm. You are then welcome to sign up for our one-month membership to trial the programme for the next three sessions.

If you wish to continue after that, you will need to set up a recurring membership to become a Centre Member and also complete and return the relevant FP enrolment form available from the Education Programme Coordinator.

Study Dates

FP Sessions are 7-9pm on the following Wednesdays: