Foundation Programme
NEW FOUNDATION PROGRAMME starting Sunday 8 September 3pm to 5.30pm, please register your interest at epc@meditationincheltenham.org.uk
Would you like to study and practise meditation and Kadampa Buddhism more regularly? Would you like to go deeper and stabilise your experience of inner peace? Would you like to meet and discuss the teachings with like-minded people?
Go Deeper
Buddha’s teachings are very extensive, but you can gradually improve your understanding and personal experience by joining the Foundation Programme. Foundation Programme is a tried and tested way to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of Buddha’s teachings, maintain a daily meditation practice that is both focused and powerful, and make genuine spiritual progress. If you have been coming to classes regularly and have been getting a lot out of your GP classes but feel you want to go a bit deeper with your study and practice – the systematic study of this essential Buddhist text on FP may be a perfect next step for you.
Taster Class
If you would like to give foundation programme a try, you’re most welcome to join a taster class to see if this is for you. Everyone is welcome! Just read this page then send us a request by email epc@meditationincheltenham.org.uk or WhatsApp 07788945212
Eight Steps to Happiness
Sundays 3-5.30pm
Taster sessions available if you have some interest to join and want to find out more.
We are studying in-depth the powerful meditations from The New Eight Steps to Happiness by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
These meditations will help you transform your mind from its present, often negative and unhappy, state into a powerful, loving, compassionate and wise mind. This study programme is open to everyone and is a particularly good step for those who’ve been attending drop-in classes and want to take their meditation to a deeper level.
If you would like to join, contact us at epc@meditaionincheltenham.org.uk or speak to your branch teacher for more details.
Benefits of Foundation Programme
These are the main BENEFITS of joining FP:
Deepen your personal knowledge and insights into Dharma (Buddha’s teachings)
Give proper structure to your meditation practice and study of Buddhism
Enjoy the help and support of like-minded spiritual friends
Cultivate a state of mind that is calm, clear, and positive all the time
Develop and realise the true limitless potential of your own mind
Teacher of the Programme
Gen Kelsang Öpel, is the teacher of foundation programme and the resident teacher of Akanishta Kadampa Buddhist Centre. She is a Buddhist nun and has been a disciple of the founder of our tradition, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, for over twenty four years and has been the Resident teacher at Akanishta Kadampa Buddhist Centre for over ten years.
Gen Öpel, is an experienced meditator and qualified teacher and well known and appreciated for her practical explanations and ability to help others connect to profound topics in a personal and empowering way. She’s greatly cherished by her students for her warm-hearted and wise example.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the classes like?
Each class consists of prayers (to prepare your mind for meditation), a meditation guided by the teacher (to deepen your personal experience), a teaching covering approximately three to four pages of the book (to deepen your knowledge), and time for paired discussion (to help you decide how to practice the teachings in your personal life).
What if it conflicts with my schedule?
You can study by correspondence, if it is not possible for you to attend the Centre and if this is the only class you’re interested in, then you can pay a reduced rate of £20/month, however if you choose standard membership, you also have access to many other classes.
What happens if I miss a session?
You can request an audio recording of the teaching.
Is there opportunity for discussion?
You are assigned a discussion partner. You can discuss during the time for discussion in each class (by phone or WhatsApp) and during the week. Once a month there is a group discussion class led by two students.
How much does the programme cost?
You will need to obtain membership at the Centre before joining this programme. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
How long does each course last?
We ask that you commit for about three to six months initially, to give the programme a good try. Of course you can quit at any time. It takes 6 months to 2+ years to complete a book, depending on how big the book is, because we normally cover 3 to 4 pages per class. These really are in-depth study programmes! When we finish one book, we begin to study another one. Many students have been in these programmes for many years because Buddha’s teachings (Dharma) are very extensive and it takes time for our minds to really change. Considering that the ultimate intention is to attain enlightenment, you need to decide how far you wish to go. Akanishta KBC endeavours to offer the conditions to support you in your study and practice of Dharma, at whichever level is most comfortable for you.
Commitments
- Enrol for one section or complete book
- To have your own copy of the book being studied
- Prepare before each class by reading the pages to be covered in the class
- Make a sincere effort to attend every class (FP is not a drop-in class)
- Try your best to memorise the essential points of the book
- Try to attend one centre puja per week
- Sit an examination at the end of the enrolled section or section of the book
Interested?
Please send an email to epc@meditationincheltenham.org.uk or WhatsApp 07788945212 to express your interest.
You will be able to attend one or two taster classes before making a commitment. You will need to obtain membership at the Centre before joining this programme.
