Foundation Program

Wanting more from your practice?

NOW is the perfect opportunity to join our Foundation Program!

Try it out!

Class meets Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30pm at KMC Madison. Attend the first two classes of the new term on March 4 & 11 – no commitment required unless you continue! Please let us know you will be there: email [email protected].

Learn more about Foundation Program and the book we’ll be studying below.

Preview the book at this link. Copies are available in our bookstore!

Seeking Happiness From a Different Source

Starting in March, Foundation Program will explore one of Buddhism’s best-loved teachings, Eight Verses of Training the Mind, by the great Bodhisattva, Langri Tangpa.

In The New Eight Steps to Happiness – Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyato’s commentary on Eight Verses of Training the Mind  – clear methods are simply presented for transforming all life’s difficulties into valuable spiritual insights, for improving our relationships, and for bringing greater patience, empathy and compassion into our daily life. These methods have inspired generations of Buddhist practitioners for almost a thousand years, and brought lasting peace, inspiration and serenity to countless people. 

These teachings will not only challenge your view of the world but also inspire you to transform yourself into the greatest being you can possibly become!. 

Through studying this inspiring book, we will learn how to be truly kind to ourselves and how to better express love and compassion for others. This will allow us to easily transform all of life’s difficulties into valuable spiritual insights. 

“It is time we sought happiness from a different source. Happiness is a part of the mind that experiences inner peace, or peace of mind, so the real source of happiness must lie within the mind, not in external conditions. If our mind is pure and peaceful, we will be happy, regardless of our external circumstances, but if it is impure and unpeaceful, we will never be happy, no matter how hard we try to change our external conditions.”

– Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, in The New Eight Steps to Happiness

Program structure

All the study programs are based on a clear structure that includes guided meditation, teaching, student commitments, discussion, and teacher support. One of the main benefits for everyone is the building of a spiritual community within the class, which in turn fosters meaningful class discussion as well as mutual support among the class members.

Students sign up to study a book or part of a book, agree to attend every class, learn the material, and to take a test at the conclusion of the study.

Class structure

During the FP term, the class meets weekly. Prior to class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages, and memorize the essential points. The class begins with chanted prayers and a guided meditation. The teacher then reads the assigned section from the book while giving commentary to the text. The students then divide into pairs to discuss the material. The teacher and students conclude by deciding what to meditate on in the next class and how to practice during the coming week.

Commitments

  1. Attend all classes and take part in class discussions
  2. Attend one General Program class or group puja weekly
  3. Take an exam at the conclusion of either a section of the assigned book or the entire book

Building community

Because the class meets weekly, Foundation Program students are able to grow and stabilize their connection to the teachings and one another, week by week. This happens formally in class during group discussion and also after classes and during other Center functions.

Class logistics

  •  FP program is available both in person and by livestream.
  • Please contact [email protected] to express your interest in the program and to find out more.