Study Classes
The Foundation Programme
Taught by Kelsang Kyobpa
Mondays 7-9pm
Venue: Takapuna
(email education@meditateinauckland.org to confirm dates)
Discover the essential methods for developing universal love and compassion, the source of true happiness for both ourself and others.
On the Foundation Programme we are studying the book, "Eight Steps to Happiness" by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso - an inspiring book that explains how to meditate on eight beautiful verses that comprise one of Buddhism's best loved teachings.
In these classes we can enjoy this ancient wisdom and the extraordinary results of applying these teachings in our daily lives: loving relationships, a peaceful mind, and the ability to transform all life's difficulties into valuable spiritual insights.
We a new study section - the final chapter of this book ('Ultimate Bodhichitta) on March 12th 2012.
The Foundation Programme (FP) is a way to deepen your experience of Buddha's teachings and find meaning and lasting happiness in your modern life.
Joining FP involves studying the entire section of the book and trying to attend all classes, one of which is an end-of-term exam. Each class consists of prayers, guided meditation, teaching and discussion.
You can join the programme at any time. You are welcome to attend a class before enrolling (Fee: $12)
I f you would like to try FP, please email education@meditateinauckland.org to confirm your attendance. To Register your interest and receive updates about FP, please complete the details in the box to the right.
The Programme
Joining the Foundation Programme involves enrolling for the study of a book/ section of a book at a time and then trying to attend all the classes, one of which is an end-of-term exam. Studying in this way gives our lives a meaningful structure and helps us to gain fuller experience of the teachings. You can join the programme at any time.
The Foundation Programme (FP) is a study programme that provides a systematic presentation of Mahayana Buddhism to enable students to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddha’s teachings. Through regular teachings and meditation, systematic study and group discussion, Foundation Programme offers support and structure to our spiritual life. It forms a perfect basis for a strong daily practice.
The Classes
Time: Mondays 7-9pm
Each class consists of preliminary prayers, guided meditation and a reading from the book with commentary and discussion.
Venue: Takapuna & other venues TBA
Class Fees: $75 per month which also entitles you to attend all classes and day courses at Compassion Buddhist Centre and its branches.
If you are interested in joining the Foundation Programme please email: education@meditateinauckland.org or call Compassion Buddhist Centre (09) 846 5829.
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."