Study Programmes
Listening is a lamp that dispels the darkness of ignorance – Buddha
The Foundation Programme is a study and meditation programme designed to deepen our understanding and experience of Buddhism. It involves the systematic study and contemplation of any or all of six essential Buddhist texts and their commentaries by Geshe Kelsang. By making a light commitment to the course, students are able to give their spiritual life the time and attention it deserves. This is especially appreciated by students who have spent years trying to study without this discipline.
The Foundation Programme in Cheltenham is taught by our Resident Teacher, Kelsang Rinchen, and runs on Sundays, 9am – 1.30 pm.
We are currently studying Heart of Wisdom, a commentary to the Heart Sutra. The classes are held on about 28 Sundays in each year. Click here to see dates.
Subjects covered
The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment
based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune
Training the Mind
based on Universal Compassion and Eight Steps to Happiness, (commentaries to Training the Mind in Seven Points and Eight Verses of Training the Mind, respectively).
The Heart Sutra
based on the commentary Heart of Wisdom
Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life
based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold
Types of mind
based on the commentary Understanding the mind , a detailed explanation of the mind based on the works of the Buddhist scholars Dharmakirti and Dignaga.
The benefits of studying and practising three of these texts are as follows:
Joyful Path of Good Fortune – we gain the ability to put all Buddha’s teachings of both Sutra and Tantra into practice. We can easily make progress on and complete the stages of the path to the supreme happiness of enlightenment. From a practical point of view, Lamrim is the main body of Buddha’s teachings, and the other teachings are like its
limbs.
Eight Steps to Happiness – Geshe Kelsang reveals powerful and far-reaching methods for us to develop unconditional love and compassion and transform our day-to-day living, including even the most demanding and difficult conditions, into opportunities for personal and spiritual development.
Meaningful to Behold – we transform our daily activities into the Bodhisattva’s way of life, thereby making every moment of our human life meaningful.
How can I find out more?
Begin by attending a few General Programme (GP) drop-in classes, in Cheltenham or at one of our branches. If you enjoy consistent attendance at GP classes you can enrol for FP at any time. You may attend a couple of FP classes before enrolling.
If you would like to enrol for a book (or a part of a book if a long text is being studied), or if you would like to discuss the programme, please contact Kelsang Kyabchog, the programme co-ordinator, or Kelsang Rinchen, the programme Teacher.
Facility fee
For a monthly contriibution of £36 (£24 conc.) towards the running of the charity, FP students can subscribe to a ‘Centre Card’ and attend all their Foundation Programme (FP) classes and any evening classes and weekend courses (except special fundraising courses) organised by Akanishta Centre for no further charge.
Explanation of facility fees