Study Classes

The Foundation Programme

Taught by Kelsang Kyobpa

Sundays 9.30am - 1.15pm
Compassion Buddhist Centre

Many Buddhist practitioners have a sincere wish to deepen their knowledge and experience of Dharma and to gain authentic spiritual realisations through a structured programme of Dharma studies. The Foundation Programme is designed to fulfil this wish. It provides a systematic presentation of the basic subjects of Mahayana Buddhism and forms a perfect basis for a strong daily practice.

Geshe Kelsang says: "Our present understanding and experience of Dharma is quite superficial. There is a big gap between our mind and Dharma and we cannot apply Dharma in our daily lives. Our approach remains passive, like someone watching television, and our mind remains as uncontrolled as before. Why is this? It is because we are not studying systematically, according to a specially designed programme. If we just pick at Dharma randomly we shall never gain deep and stable experience. For this reason the foundation programme is very important."

We will begin the Foundation Programme in 2008 and will study the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary ‘Joyful Path of Good Fortune’ by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

The Programme
When joining the Foundation Programme you undertake to come to all classes in the term unless there is a good reason not to attend. There are plenty of term breaks so there is time for holidays and other activities. You enrol for one book at a time and are asked to study and memorise the essential points of that book and to take an exam at the end. Studying in this way gives our lives a meaningful structure and helps us to gain fuller experience of the teachings.

The Classes
Sundays 9.30am - 1.15pm Starts 4th May
Each class consists of preliminary prayers, guided meditation and a reading from the book with commentary and discussion.

Class Fee: $80 per month which also entitles you to attend all classes at Compassion Buddhist Centre and its branches.

If you are interested in joining the Foundation Programme please email:info@meditateinauckland.org or call Compassion Buddhist Centre (09) 846 5829.