Foundation Programme

The Foundation Programme (FP) is an inspiring study programme that has been specially designed to develop and enhance our understanding and practical experience of Buddha’s teachings through a systematic study of six texts. It is designed for those people who wish to study Buddha’s teachings in more depth than is available at General Programme classes. It takes a more structured approach and classes consist of teachings, discussions, chanted prayers and guided meditations.

There are two Foundation Programmes to choose from at the Centre, on Thursday or Sunday evenings; these are also available as an online correspondence programme.

When you join the Foundation Programme, you agree to come to every class, but you are welcome to come along to a couple of classes first to see if you would like to sign up. For costs, see Membership. For more information please contact the Education Programme Co-ordinator.

Evening FP

Thursday Evening FP

Thursdays 7 – 9pm
with Pet Finden

Introductory talk on the new book: 13th June

For class dates, see the calendar

The Book

A detailed and practical explanation of one of Buddhism’s best-loved teachings, Eight Verses of Training the Mind, by the great Bodhisattva, Langri Tangpa. Clear methods are simply presented for transforming all life’s difficulties into valuable spiritual insights, for improving our relationships, and for bringing greater patience, empathy and compassion into our daily life. These methods have inspired generations of Buddhist practitioners for almost a thousand years, and brought lasting peace, inspiration and serenity to countless people. Now, with this book, Venerable Geshe Kelsang shares the immeasurably rich insight of this ancient wisdom to help us find greater happiness and meaning in our busy, modern lives. With this revised presentation, The New Eight Steps to Happiness, Venerable Geshe-la re-introduces us to the essential practices of Training the Mind. He not only challenges our entire understanding of the world, but also challenges us to transform ourselves into the greatest being we can possibly become!

Explore the book

The Teacher

Sunday FP

Sunday Evening FP

Sundays 4 – 6pm
with Kelsang Kunden

For class dates, see the calendar

The Book

A clear and comprehensive explanation of the entire path to enlightenment. We all have the potential for self-transformation, and a limitless capacity for the growth of good qualities, but to fulfil this potential we need to know what to do along every stage of our spiritual journey.

With this book, Geshe Kelsang offers us step-by-step guidance on the meditation practices that will lead us to lasting inner peace and happiness. With extraordinary clarity, he presents all Buddha’s teachings in the order in which they are to be practised, enriching his explanation with stories and illuminating analogies. This is a perfect guidebook to the Buddhist path.

Explore the book

The Teacher