Classes for Beginners:
General Program Classes
These classes are suitable for individuals of all levels of interest, from those who just wish to explore the practice of Buddhist meditation, to those who are interested in learning more about the rich spiritual traditions of Buddhism. All GP classes are on a drop-in basis, with no need to have attended the previous classes in any given series.
Classes by Location:
Columbia:
Aiken: Monday Evenings (resumes January 16)
Augusta: Tuesday Evenings (begins February 7)
Beaufort: Monday Evenings (begins February 13)
Charleston: Wednesday Evenings
Greenville:
- Tuesday Evenings (Furman University – begins January 10)
- Tuesday Evenings
Irmo: Wednesday Evenings (begins May 2)
Lexington: Monday Evenings (begins March 19)
Savannah: Thursday Evenings (begins February 2)
Summerville: Monday Evenings (begins January 23)
In-Depth Study and Meditation:
Foundation Program Classes (New term begins 1/22)
The Foundation Program (FP) provides a systematic presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism. FP consists of the five subjects based on Buddha’s Sutra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
To learn more about Foundation Program, click here.
If you are interested in joining the FP class, drop in for free to see if it’s right for you. FP classes are held twice per week on Thursdays, 7pm – 9pm, and on Sundays, 3:30pm – 5:30pm.
Training for Future Meditation Teachers:
Teacher Training Program Classes
The Teacher Training Program (TTP) provides a more extensive presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism, and to train as qualified New Kadampa Tradition Teachers. The program comprises twelve subjects, based on Buddha’s Sutra and Tantra teachings, and the corresponding commentaries by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Participants in TTP are also expected to observe certain commitments with regards to their behavior and way of life, and to complete a number of meditation retreats.
Currently, Ganden Center does not offer any TTP classes, but we hope to include these classes in the future. Students who wish to enter the Teacher Training Program should first spend some time participating in the Foundation Program.
A Special Teacher Training Program
This course is a new special course designed by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso himself to help prepare and train qualified Teachers in Kadampa Buddhism. The duration of each course is six months, running from April to September each year. The first course will begin at Manjushri KMC in April 2012 with the General Spiritual Director Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong as the Teacher. Thereafter it will be offered yearly and be taught either by the General Spiritual Director or the Deputy Spiritual Director.
Successful applicants will receive the following facilities free of charge from the NKT:
1. A six-month course on the Special Teacher Training Programme
2. Accommodation and food at Manjushri KMC for the duration of the course
3. Travel expenses to and from Manjushri KMC
4. Assistance with visa applications if required
5. Certificate upon completion of the course.
6. At the end of the course students who successfully complete the programme and are awarded a certificate will be offered a full time position as a Kadampa Buddhist Resident Teacher
The requirements of the students of this programme are:
1. To have been a practitioner of Kadampa Buddhism for a number of years, but at least two
2. To have the wish to become a qualified Kadampa Buddhist Teacher
3. To be free to become a full time Kadampa Buddhist Resident Teacher after completing
If you are interested in this unique opportunity, please contact our Administrative Director (mailto:admin@
The application deadline is February 15, 2012.
