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.

Thursday Evening FP

Thursdays 7 – 9pm with Pet Finden

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

The programme teacher is Pet Finden, who is on the Teacher Training Programme and has been practising Buddhism for over 25 years.

Sunday FP

Sundays 4 – 6pm with Kelsang Kunden
New book starting on 7th February 2027: come along to the introductory talk to try it out!

For class dates, see the calendar

The Book

The heart of Buddha’s teachings is unconditional love and compassion. In this inspiring explanation of the popular Buddhist poem Training the Mind in Seven Points, Geshe Kelsang reveals powerful and far-reaching methods for us to develop these altruistic states. Ancient meditative techniques that have been tried and tested for centuries are brought alive and made relevant to our everyday experiences. Also included is a practical explanation of how we can transform our day-to-day problems – even the most demanding and difficult conditions – into opportunities for personal and spiritual development. By pointing the way to an unchanging freedom and happiness, this immensely readable book challenges us to grow, and will have a remarkable impact on our life.

The Teacher

The programme teacher is Kelsang Kunden, who is on the Teacher Training Programme and has been practising Buddhism for over 25 years.