Foundation Program

The Foundation Program (FP) is for those who wish to cultivate a deeper experience of Buddha’s teachings.

The Foundation Program is designed for students who have gained a basic understanding of Kadampa Buddhist practice and are interested in pursuing a formalized and committed study program. Through regular teachings and meditation, systematic study, and group discussion, the Foundation Program offers the same training followed by spiritual practitioners in an unbroken lineage dating back to Buddha Shakyamuni.

In this way we can gain authentic experience of the Dharma while still maintaining our contemporary lifestyle. By studying on this program we shall gain great confidence in meditation – from basic techniques for overcoming our everyday problems to practices leading to unsurpassed happiness and permanent inner peace. Warm friendships develop as students inspire each other, sharing insights and experiences of the spiritual path.

What will be we studying?

Mondays 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Beginning Monday, January 22nd, we will begin studying Joyful Path of Good Fortune: The Path to the Supreme Happiness of Enlightenment.

We all have the potential for self-transformation, and a limitless capacity for the growth of good qualities, but to fulfil this potential we need to know what to do at every stage of our spiritual journey.

With this book, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche offers us step-by-step guidance on the meditation practices that will lead us to lasting inner peace and happiness. With extraordinary clarity, he presents Buddha’s teachings in the order in which they are to be practiced, enriching his explanation with stories and analogies. A perfect guidebook to the Buddhist Path.

What we need is not displays of miracle powers but a clear example of how to enter an unmistaken spiritual path, how to practice that path comfortably and smoothly, and how to complete it successfully. This is the actual method for solving our daily problems.

The Foundation Program requires enrollment and attendance every week. It is not a drop-in class. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please contact our Foundation Program Coordinator at FP@meditation-indianapolis.org.

Those who are interested, are welcome to attend two free trial sessions, at any point in time during the program to see if it is right for them.

  • The only prerequisite to joining is a sincere wish to improve your own mind for the benefit of yourself and others, although a basic understanding of Buddhist teachings is encouraged.

  • Attending all classes and participating in class discussions

    Attending a puja once a week

    Taking an exam at the conclusion of either the end of a section of the book, or the entire book

  • Yes, you can join the Foundation Program at any time.

    Please contact our Foundation Program Coordinator (FP@meditation-indianapolis.org) for enrollment details, and to help determine if it is right for you.

  • FP is a structured and thorough approach to learning modern Buddhism and taking meditation to a deeper level.

    We study one book at a time, going through each section slowly.

    Prior to class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages long, and memorize the essential points.

    During class, we:

    • Meditate each week on what we studied the previous week

    • Discuss in pairs, as well as a group, to share and learn from each other.

    • Conclude by deciding what to meditate on in the next class and how to practice during the coming week.

  • For those who cannot be at the Center regularly there are both streaming and correspondence options available.

    Please contact our Foundation Program Coordinator (FP@meditation-indianapolis.org) for more information.

  • If for a suitable reason a student is not able to attend the class in person, he or she is expected to listen to the class recording and submit a summary.

    There is also a commitment to participate in at least one chanted prayer (puja) session at the Center per week.

  • The Foundation Program is included in the Benefactor membership level which is $75 per month,

  • 1. The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary, Joyful Path of Good Fortune

    2. Training the Mind, based on the commentaries, Universal Compassion and The New Eight Steps to Happiness

    3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary, The New Heart of Wisdom

    4. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary, Meaningful to Behold

    5. Types of Mind, based on the commentary, How to Understand the Mind

About the Resident Teacher

The Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Indianapolis is Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Wangden.

Gen Wangden is known for his kind heart, joyful nature, and practical advice. He enjoys helping students of all abilities and interests understand and apply Buddhist lessons and cultivate inner peace.