The New Eight Steps to Happiness is Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s inspiring commentary to one of Buddhism’s best-loved teachings, Eight Verses of Training the Mind. This poem, composed by Geshe Langri Tangpa, has inspired generations of Buddhist practitioners for almost a thousand years.
It principally reveals the Buddhist way of loving kindness, explaining how all our suffering arises from self-centredness and all the happiness we long for is found in our love for others. Ultimately love will lead us to enlightenment. The text also shows how to transform all life’s difficulties into valuable spiritual insights without abandoning our busy modern life.
If you have been attending the drop-in classes for a while, you might be interested in the Foundation Programme – a committed programme which consists of teachings, meditation and discussion. You are welcome to attend two free taster sessions before enrolling, to see if the programme is for you – please email fp@meditationinleeds.org for more info. Premium membership required, fee: £35 per month.
Gen Kelsang Chö is the Resident Teacher of KMC Leeds.
He is an English Buddhist monk who has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism for over 25 years. The great clarity of his teachings, his loving kindness and pure example make him a valued and inspiring teacher.
– Deepen your personal insights into Dharma (Buddha’s teachings)
– Give structure to your meditation practice and study of Buddhism
– Learn from the teacher’s practical and profound experience
– Enjoy the help and support of like-minded spiritual friends
– Cultivate a state of mind that is calm, clear and positive all the time
– Develop and realise the true limitless potential of your own mind
We ask that you commit for about three to six months initially, to give the programme a good try. Of course you can quit at any time. It takes 6 months to 2+ years to complete a book, depending on how big the book is, because we normally cover 3 to 4 pages per class. These really are in-depth study programmes! When we finish one book, we begin to study another one.
Many students have been in these programmes for many years because Buddha’s teachings (Dharma) are very extensive and it takes time for our minds to really change. Considering that the ultimate intention is to attain enlightenment, you need to decide how far you wish to go. KMC Leeds strives to offer the conditions to support you in your study and practice of Dharma, at whichever level is most comfortable for you.
– Obtain a copy of the text to be studied
– Prepare before each class by studying the text
– Make a sincere effort to attend every class
– Put effort into memorising the essential points
– Attend weekly classes for at least three months
The Foundation Programme systematically studies six texts by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. These are:
Email: fp@meditationinleeds.org