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Kadampa Buddhism

Study programmes Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has designed three special spiritual programmes for the systematic study and practice of Kadampa Buddhism that are especially suited to the modern world. These programmes are modelled on the three traditional Tibetan methods of study. The three programmes are: the General Programme (also referred to as Drop-in classes), the Foundation Programme, and the Teacher Training Programme.

The Foundation Programme
The Foundation Programme provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding and experience of Buddhism through a systematic study of five texts:

Joyful Path of Good Fortune - a commentary to Atisha's Lamrim instructions, the stages of the path to enlightenment. By studying this book we gain the ability to put all Buddha's teachings of both Sutra and Tantra into practice. We can easily make progress on and complete the stages of the path to the supreme happiness of enlightenment. From a practical point of view, Lamrim is the main body of Buddha's teachings, and the other teachings are like its limbs.

Universal Compassion - a commentary to Bodhisattva Chekhawa's Training the Mind in Seven Points. By studying this book we gain the ability to integrate Buddha's teachings into our daily lives and solve all our human problems.

Heart of Wisdom - a commentary to the Heart Sutra. By studying this book we gain a realization of the ultimate nature of reality. By gaining this realization we can eliminate the ignorance of self-grasping, which is the root of all our suffering.

Meaningful to Behold - a commentary to Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life. By studying this book we transform our daily activities into the Bodhisattva's way of life, thereby making every moment of our human life meaningful.

Understanding the Mind - a detailed explanation of the mind based on the works of the Buddhist scholars Dharmakirti and Dignaga.By studying this book we understand the relationship between our mind and its external objects. If we understand that objects depend upon the subjective mind, we can change the way objects appear to us by changing our own mind. Gradually we shall gain the ability to control our mind and in this way solve all our problems.

Eight Steps to Happiness - a commentary of the revered poem Eight Verses of Training the Mind, by Bodhisattva Langri Tangpa. By studying this book we understand the profound yet totally practical methods given by Bodhisattva Langri Tangpa to enable a powerful opening of the heart, the source of all true happiness.

The Foundation Program takes approximately four years to complete and requires an enrollment procedure.

What book is currently being studied? Currently at Ratnasambhava Centre we are studying the book Eight Steps to Happiness. Through studying Eight Steps we can learn how to develop love based on genuine cherishing of others; how to gain practical instructions on transforming life’s difficulties; and essential advice for developing compassion and wisdom. Eight Steps is Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's commentary to the much revered Buddhist text Eight Verses of Training the Mind, by the 11th century Buddhist monk Geshe Langri Tangpa.

When is Foundation Programme taught?
Foundation Programme is taught on Sundays, from 4.00 - 9.00 p.m. with a one hour break for dinner at 6.00p.m.

I'm interested in joining, where do I find out more?
If you have any questions, or if you wish to find out more about Foundation Programme please don't hesitate to contact us at the centre.