Foundation Study Program

Sundays 10.00 – 12.00

Want to take your Dharma studies to new depths? The Foundation Programme is the ideal step after attending the drop-in classes. Students undertake a more systematic and thorough study of the subjects covered in Geshe-la’s books.

Foundation Programme is 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.

Part 1 is a practical guide to developing and maintaining a light, positive mind – showing how to recognize and abandon states of mind that harm us, and to replace them with peaceful and beneficial ones.

Part 2 describes different types of mind in detail, revealing the depth and profundity of the Buddhist understanding of the mind. It concludes with 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.

Come along to a free taster session one Sunday (please see calendar for dates) to see what it’s all about. You can start at any time.  Click the button below to book for a taster session.

How to participate

You can participate in one of three ways: in-person, live streamed, or by correspondence:

• In-person – students attend each scheduled class at Heart Jewel Centre
• Live streamed – if in-person attendance is not possible due to certain conditions eg disability, students can sign up for this option – to attend the classes ‘live online’
• Correspondence – if students wish to study on FP but cannot make the Sunday morning 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.

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, who has been practising for over 25 years.

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.