FOUNDATION PROGRAM | MONDAYS | 6:30-8:30pm

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.

The Foundation Program requires enrollment and attendance weekly versus the drop-in meditation classes. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please contact Kara Faris, Foundation Program Coordinator, at FP@meditation-indianapolis.org

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

We are studying Joyful Path of Good Fortune: The Path to the Supreme Happiness of Enlightenment by Geshe Kelsang Gyasto Rinpoche.

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 Lamrim 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.

  • General Program (GP) classes are designed to provide varying topics of Kadam Dharma to give students a general experience of Buddhism. They are drop-in classes designed so you can come and go as you wish without a commitment.

    Foundation Program (FP) classes are structured to provide continual teachings from one book start to finish. It is a study program where students commit to come to each class, engage in longer meditations (30 minutes), actively interact in discussion with fellow students, and study outside of class.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

As a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Gen Kelsang Chokyi is a modern-day Kadampa nun. With joy, wisdom, and experience, she shows how everyone can easily integrate Buddha’s teachings into daily life. She has been a student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for 20 years.