To enroll in this program, either:

FP Commitments:

  1. To attend every class, unless there is a valid health, family, or work-related reason for missing.
  2. To apply effort to memorize the Condensed Meaning of the book.
  3. To take the exam at the end of each part of the book.
  4. To attend at least one General Program class (Sunday morning, Wednesday night, Thursday lunchtime; or Monday in Charleston) or puja (such as Heart Jewel) at the center each week.

Foundation Program (FP): New Book and Free Introductory Class!

Tuesday, March 4 in Columbia, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Taught by our Resident Teacher, modern Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Tabkay

Foundation Program is a tried and tested way to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of Buddha’s teachings, form a connection with a spiritual community, maintain a daily meditation practice that is both focused and powerful, and make genuine spiritual progress. If you have been coming to classes regularly and have been getting a lot out of your General Program classes and feel you’re ready to go a bit deeper with your study and practice – the systematic study of this essential Buddhist text on FP may be a perfect next step for you.  Feel free to join us to try out the program on March 4! Everyone is welcome to this free introductory class.

Structure of the Program:

All the study programs are based on a clear structure that includes guided meditation, chanted prayers, 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.

About the Book: The New Eight Steps to Happiness

A detailed and practical explanation of one of Buddhism’s best-loved teachings, Eight Verses of Training the Mind, by the great Tibetan Bodhisattva, Langri Tangpa.  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.

Now, with this book, the author Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche re-introduces us to the essential practices of Training the Mind. He not only challenges our entire understanding of the world, but also challenges us to transform ourself into the greatest being we can possibly become!  With this revised presentation, The New Eight Steps to Happiness, Venerable Geshe Kelsang shares the immeasurably rich insight of this ancient wisdom to help us find greater happiness and meaning in our busy, modern lives.