Foundation Programme Classes
– Everyone Welcome –
Mondays, 7 – 9pm
KMC London (Kensington)
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 programme. 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.
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What is currently being studied​?
We 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.
What happens in a class?
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.
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Interested in joining?
If 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 “Book Two Taster Sessions” above.
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 Joyful Path of Good Fortune.
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Fees for joining Foundation Programme
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.
Gen Kelsang Zoma is a Buddhist nun, and has been studying and practising meditation and Buddhism under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for over 25 years. She is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Centre London, and is dedicated to helping others discover the benefits of meditation and the teachings of Buddha. Through Gen Zoma’s warm and light hearted example, she shows us how to apply these teachings in our daily lives to improve our happiness, wisdom and well-being bringing benefit to ourselves and others.
KMC London, 27 Earls Court Road
London W8 6ED
KMC London is a dedicated spiritual space in Kensington which provides people with a quiet, beautiful, peaceful, and safe environment to learn about Meditation. The Centre is part of an international network of Kadampa Centres providing a place of peace and refuge open to everyone.
Here are some common questions that people ask about our meditation classes. If you have any other questions please contact us and we will be happy to help you in anyway.
Q) What is meditation?
The purpose of meditation is to cultivate positive states of mind, conducive to peace and well-being, and overcome negative habits of mind. Happiness is a state of mind, therefore the real source of happiness lies in the mind, not in external conditions. When our mind is peaceful we are free from worries and mental discomfort, and we experience true happiness.
Meditation is a technique used by millions of people to develop a calm and peaceful mind. It reduces stress, anxiety, and other negative states of mind and promotes physical and mental well-being. The meditations we guide are non-sectarian, non-judgemental, and universal. They are simple and accepted methods to help people tackle the stress and anxiety associated with the challenges of modern daily life.
Q: Do I have to sit of the floor?
A: No, people have the choice of sitting on a chair or they can bring their own cushion and sit on the floor.
Q: Do I need to have a religious affiliation to attend these weekly classes?
A: No. Everything is presented in a way that is accessible to everyone, and no religious affiliation is required.
Q: Do I need to have experience of meditation to attend a weekly class?
A: No. Everyone is welcome, including beginners.
Q: Are these classes suitable for someone who already has some experience of meditation?
A: The teachings are designed to be simple yet profound, so that every class provides something for everyone.
Q: Will I be asked to say anything, or speak in front of a group of people?
A: No. But you can ask questions if you want to.
Q: Is there any physical exercise involved, such as yoga?
A: No. The courses focus on meditation alone.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Nothing in particular. However, some people find it useful to bring a notepad and pen.
Q: How should I dress?
A: There are no special requirements, but comfortable clothing is generally best.
Q: If I want to attend a weekly class, do I need to wait for the next course of classes to begin?
A: No. Each class is self-contained. You can drop in whenever you can, and start whenever you like.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: For weekly classes it is not necessary to book in advance.
