Foundation Programme
Thursdays 7 – 9pm
Our Foundation Programme class runs on Thursday evenings from 7 – 9pm
How To Understand The Mind
We are currently studying the extraordinary text – ‘How to understand your mind’ by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso – a book that offers us deep insight into our mind, and shows how an understanding of its nature and functions can be used practically in every day experience to improve our lives.
This book offers us deep insight into our mind, and shows how an understanding of its nature and functions can be used practically in every day experience to improve our lives.
In September we are starting the section entitled ‘Meditation’ – a detailed explanation of meditation, showing how by controlling and transforming our mind we can attain a lasting state of joy, independent of external conditions.
We will be receiving Venerable Geshe-la’s oral instructions on the wisdom of meditation, and exploring, week by week, the meditations that are the stages of the path to enlightenment.
If you are interested in finding out more please eMail epc@heartjewel.org.uk
The Foundation Programme
Classes run approximately 36 times a year (roughly following school term dates). Students commit to attend every class (unless for unavoidable reasons).
Why study on FP
The study format has been designed by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso to quickly deepen our understanding and experience of the teachings and meditations. In this way the programme functions to fulfil both our own and others wishes by increasing our wisdom and compassion. With wisdom and compassion we can solve all the problems we encounter in daily life.
All the teachings are given by our resident teacher, Gen Kelsang Osung.
What is involved
Classes include prayers, guided meditations, teachings and discussion. Every fourth class is a whole class discussion to further deepen our understanding.
Participants enrol for the study of each book (or section of the book), and undertake to take an exam at the end of the section.
The fee for attending foundation programme is £30 per month, and this also gives access to all evening classes, day courses and retreats.
How to participate
You can participate in one of three ways:
- In-person – students attend each scheduled class at Heart Jewel Centre
- Correspondence – if students wish to study on FP but cannot make the Thursday evening class time, they can sign up for this option – to receive an audio recording of each class to listen to at a time convenient for them.
Gen Kelsang Osung
Resident Teacher
She has been studying under the guidance of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for 25 years and ordained for 15 years. As a mother and a modern Buddhist nun, she is loved for her joyful and inspiring presentation of Buddha’s teachings, clearly close to her heart.
Foundation Programme Books
Joyful Path of Good Fortune
The complete Buddhist path to enlightenment.
Universal Compassion
Transforming your life through love and compassion.
The New Heart of Wisdom
A commentary to the Heart Sutra.
The New Eight Steps to Happiness
The Buddhist way of loving kindness.
How to Understand then Mind
An explanation of the nature and functions of the mind.
Meaningful to Behold
The Bodhisattva’s way of life.