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Monday evening classes, 7-9 pm in Kensington
Everyone welcome. Can be joined at any point.

What is Foundation Programme

The Foundation Programme (FP) is designed for students who have gained a basic understanding of Kadampa Buddhist practice and are interested in pursuing a formalised and committed study program. Through regular teachings and meditation, systematic study, and group discussion, the Foundation Programme offers the same training followed by spiritual practitioners in an unbroken lineage dating back to Buddha Shakyamuni. In this way we can gain authentic experience of the Dharma while still maintaining our contemporary lifestyle. By studying on this programme we shall gain great confidence in meditation – from basic techniques for overcoming our everyday problems to practices leading to unsurpassed happiness and permanent inner peace. Warm friendships develop as students inspire each other, sharing insights and experiences of the spiritual path.

buddha nature 7

These are some of the BENEFITS of joining FP:
 
  • Deepen your personal knowledge and insights into Dharma (Buddha’s teachings)
  • Give proper structure to your meditation practice and study of Buddhism
  • Enjoy the help and support of like-minded spiritual friends
  • Cultivate a state of mind that is calm, clear, and positive.
  • Develop and realise the true limitless potential of your own mind

What is currently being studied

book how to understand the mind frntWe are currently studying part 1 of the book How to Understand the Mind, by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.

The first part is a practical guide to developing and maintaining a light, positive mind. We learn how to recognise and abandon states of mind that harm us and to replace them with peaceful and beneficial ones. 

The second part describes different types of mind in detail, revealing the depth and profundity of the Buddhist understanding of the mind. In particular it reveals the process we go through in abandoning wrong and mistaken minds and eventually attaining qualified spiritual realizations.

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 guided meditation. The teacher then reads the assigned selection 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, followed by dedication prayers.

The Teacher

The Teacher of FP is Gen Kelsang Chodor. He has been ordained since 2001 and has taught in the UK and in the US. He is loved and admired by his students because of his practical knowledge and warm presentations, authentic teachings, as well as his natural joy and sense of humour.

How to join

insidekmcIf you are interested in joining Foundation Programme we invite you to attend two free taster sessions. If you wish to attend two taster sessions please click on the link below to book your place or email our education programme coordinator (epc@meditation.london). 

If you wish to continue after the taster sessions you need to enrol on the programme. Students enrol to study one section of the book – which lasts approximately 4 – 6 months. They should try their best to attend every class of Foundation Programme (Foundation Program is not a drop-in class and cannot be attended on a drop-in basis), and prepare for each class by reading and contemplating the essential points of the book How To Understand The Mind.

It is also possible to study FP by correspondence – please email us (epc@meditation.londonfor further details or questions.

What is the fee for joining the classes?

Students who join FP will require KMC London silver membership (£45 per month) for the duration of their study. Silver membership also includes free access to all KMC London regular day and evening drop-in classes, branch classes, half-day / full-day / whole weekend courses, events and retreats. 

You will also need a copy of the book How To Understand The Mind. Copies can be purchased in the Centre shop. If you have any questions please feel free to email epc@meditation.london.

We hope to see you soon!

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