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 18 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.

The Class Structure

Prior to class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages, and memorize the essential points. The class begins with chanted prayers and guided meditation. The teacher then reads the assigned selection from the book while giving commentary to the text. The students then divide into pairs to discuss the material. The teacher and students conclude by deciding what to meditate on in the next class and how to practice during the coming week, followed by dedication prayers.

The Program Structure

The secret of the Foundation Program’s success lies in the manageable commitment made by the student and in the clear structure of study. Students agree to attend every class, learn the material, and to take a test at the conclusion of each book.

The Main Benefits

“By increasing our wisdom and Dharma experience we will gradually solve all our problems and eventually we will achieve the ultimate happiness of full enlightenment, the bliss of Buddhahood. This is how the Foundation Program can fulfill our own wishes.”
– Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso