Study Programmes
Want to deepen your experience and understanding
of Buddha’s teachings?
Why not join the Foundation Programme?
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 Mahayana Buddhist scriptures, and their commentaries by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
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 at Akanishta KBC is taught by our Resident Teacher, Kelsang Rinchen, and runs on :
Sundays, 9am – 1.30 pm.
Classes are held on approximately 28 of the Sundays in each year.
On June 13th we will begin a new book, so this is a perfect time to join.
Meaningful to Behold is a commentary to
Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by Shantideva, a classic text which reveals how to develop bodhichitta - the mind of enlightenment - and to follow the Mahayana path to full enlightenment. A Bodhisattva is a friend of the world who,motivated by great compassion, seeks enlightenment in order to benefit all beings.This well-loved and revered text has been relied on by practitioners for thousands of years, and we at Akanishta Centre feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to study it deeply here in Cheltenham.
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 Matthew Lees, 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