Foundation Program

This series of classes runs from September through February (see schedule below). The series includes teaching classes and discussion classes to gain a deeper understanding. For this reason, students enroll for the entire series.

During the six months we will cover the 14 Lamrim meditations in the text How to Understand the Mind. Lamrim is a special presentation of meditations from Buddha’s teachings that help us to progressively improve our good qualities.

Anyone interested in meditation will benefit from studying these 14 meditations.

How does FP work?

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, agree to attend each class, learn the material, and take a test at the conclusion of the study. Class meets once a week for two hours.

If, for a suitable reason, a student is not able to attend the class in person, he or she agrees to catch up by listening to a recording of the class. Generally, the students take turns putting up the shrine offerings and setting up the meditation room on the day of their class. In this way they learn about the rituals associated with Buddhist practice.

Meaningful to Behold – Becoming a friend of the world

Many people have the compassionate wish to benefit others, but few understand how to accomplish this successfully in daily life.

Bodhisattvas are friends of the world, who have such strong compassion that they are able to transform all their daily activities into ways of benefiting others.

The path of the Bodhisattva was exquisitely explained in the universally loved poem Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, by the 8th century master Shantideva.

With this commentary, the full effectiveness and profundity of this wonderful poem are revealed in full and made applicable for our time.

This practical handbook is essential for those wishing to follow a way of life characterised by greater empathy and compassion for others.