The Foundation Programme at KMC York
Going Deeper: The Foundation Programme
Foundation Programme (FP) is an ongoing, weekly course on Buddhism and meditation. The course is suitable for anyone with interest in deepening their understanding of Buddhist meditation and wisdom.
The Programme consists of a dynamic combination of teachings, meditation and discussion, all of which enable us to go deeper into the layers of meaning within each book that we study. All of this helps us to make real progress along our spiritual path. Each class consists of preliminary prayers, guided meditation and reading from the book with commentary and discussion.
There are many benefits to joining the Foundation Programme namely:
- Increased personal insight, wisdom and experience of Dharma (Buddha’s teachings)
- Studying and meditating more effectively following a specially-designed programme and qualified meditation teacher
- An opportunity to discuss and ask questions
- Help, support and friendship from like-minded people
- Gain the ability to integrate Buddha’s instructions into busy modern life.
The cost is £35 a month to become a monthly member which also includes free admission to General Programme Classes at the Centre and branches, weekend events, and retreats at the Centre (except empowerments, meals and accommodation)
Too far away to attend?
If travel, time, or another reason prevents you from attending the study classes you may apply to join the Correspondence Study Programme. Students on the Correspondence Study Programme receive recordings of the classes in MP3 (available for download from the internet). For more information on this Programme please contact us.
Commitments
Each student has the commitment to complete the section in which they’ve joined FP, and to try to attend each week.
In addition to weekly attendance in the class, there is also a commitment to participate in at least one chanted-prayer session at the Centre each week (e.g. Wishfulfilling Jewel).
Interested in joining?
If you wish to join Foundation Programme please contact us and we will arrange for you to attend a free ‘taster session’. This will give you an opportunity to find out more about the course and consider if it is something you would like to join.
The Book We Are Studying
What are we studying?
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 Gyatso 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.