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) Open House

Tuesday, August 19 in Columbia, 6:30 – 8:30pm

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

Join us for a free introduction to the Foundation Program as we begin a new chapter in the book, The New Eight Steps to Happiness. The Foundation Program (FP) 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.

Each class consists of preliminary prayers, meditation, teaching and discussion. Students commit to study a book together and to attend all classes whether online or in-person.

By studying on this program we will gain great confidence in building our spiritual practice as well as experience the support of Sangha community.

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.