Foundation Programme Classes
– Everyone Welcome –
What is the Foundation Program exactly?
The Foundation Program is a global study program that is offered in hundreds of Buddhist Centers around the world.
Our FP gives you the opportunity to engage in a step by step study and practice of the essential teachings and meditations of the Buddhist spiritual path to enlightenment, right here at KMC London, with a highly qualified Buddhist teacher.
To make successful and consistent spiritual progress, it is invaluable to have a close connection with a qualified teacher who can give us personal advice and encouragement, to listen to qualified Dharma teachings, and to be a part of a strong spiritual community.
Through regular teachings & meditation, in-depth study, contemplative prayers, and group discussion, the FP offers the same training followed by spiritual practitioners in an unbroken lineage dating all the way back to Buddha Shakyamuni.
All the books studied:
The purpose of the Foundation Program is to provide a systematic presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism.
1. The stages of the path to enlightenment (Lamrim), based on the commentary, Joyful Path of Good Fortune 2. Training the mind (Lojong), based on the commentaries, Universal Compassion and The New Eight Steps to Happiness 3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary, The New Heart of Wisdom 4. Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, based on the commentary, Meaningful to Behold 5. Types of Mind (Lorig), based on the commentary, How to Understand the Mind
Become a Foundation Program student!
The Foundation Program is not a drop-in class but a study program requiring enrollment. Official enrollment into the program is for one book (or part of a longer book) at a time, a period of approximately 4-8 months. Please e-mail the Education Program Coordinator, Bri, with any additional questions, and/or to enroll in the Foundation Program at KMC London.
Email: EPC@meditation.london
What book are we studying?
How to Understand the Mind by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
We are currently studying part one 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 are some of the benefits of this program?
The Foundation Program is based on study programs that have been taking place in Buddhist monasteries and Centers since the time of Buddha. The FP has been tried and tested for decades, and enabled many people all over the world to gain authentic experience of Buddha's teachings, Dharma, while maintaining their contemporary lifestyle.
Kadam Lucy was actually appointed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang as one of the first three FP teachers in the NKT, when this program started back in 1986! She has taught hundreds if not thousands of FP students since that time. Also, as an editor on most of his books, her knowledge and experience of Buddhism is exceptional.
By studying on this program 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 of liberation and enlightenment.
Because the program is by enrolment only, students get to know each other well, developing warm friendships, inspiring each other, sharing insights, and supporting each other along the spiritual path.
What is a typical class like?
The secret of the Foundation Program’s success lies in the manageable commitment made by the student and in the clear structure of study. Students sign up to study a book (or part of a book if it is a longer book) and agree to attend every class (or catch up), study the material, discuss with a rotating assigned partner, and take a self-assessment test at the conclusion of each module.
Prior to class, students read a portion of the text, usually a few pages long, and take to heart the essential points.
Most classes consist of contemplative prayers, guided meditation, and a reading and explanation of the text. The students then divide into pairs to discuss the material. Once the teacher has answered any questions, she and the students conclude by deciding how to bring these insights into daily life that week.
Some classes are group discussions, which are very helpful and enjoyable.
Fees for joining FP
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, retreats, and discounts for special events.
Location - KMC London, 1a Ashridge Way, London SM4 4EF
KMC London's World Peace Temple is a dedicated spiritual space in South London 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.
Thomas Tozer has over 15 years’ experience of meditation and study within the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT). He is known and respected for his skill in presenting meditation topics in a way that is joyful, practical and down to earth.
