The Foundation Programme
There is a Foundation Programme in Amsterdam. The classes are on Saturdays from 11.00h - 16.00h and are given in English. You will find more information about the FP below. If you are interested in trying out the FP please contact KMC Nederland.
What is the Foundation Programme?
The Foundation Programme (FP) is a study programme of the New Kadampa Tradition, a Mahayana Buddhist tradition derived from Buddhist Masters like Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa, and founded in the West by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. The aim of the Foundation Programme is to provide a systematic presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable people to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism. The programme comprises five subjects from Buddha’s Sutra teachings which are studied on the basis of six books by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
Why should we study Buddha’s teachings?
There are three reasons why we need to study and practise the teachings of Buddha:
- To develop our wisdom
- To cultivate a good heart
- To maintain a peaceful state of mind
If we do not strive to develop our wisdom, our ignorance will lead us to create the causes for future suffering, even though we are looking for happiness.
If we do not cultivate a good heart, our selfish motivation will destroy the harmony a good relationships with others. Learning to cherish others sincerely is the solution for all the problems of daily life.
If we do not maintain a peaceful state of mind, we will not be happy even if we have ideal external conditions. On the other hand, when our mind is peaceful we will be happy in all circumstances.
Therefore, the development of these qualities is of utmost importance for our daily happiness!
What does a class look like?
The classes consist of reciting preliminary prayers, meditation, an explanation of the text that is studied and partner discussion. Every fourth class is a group discussion. There are two classes per week each lasting for two hours. FP takes place about thirty weeks each year. During the classes we study the following six books by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso:
- Joyful Path of Good Fortune, a commentary to Atisha's Lamrim instructions, the stages of the path to enlightenment
- Universal Compassion, a commentary to Bodhisattva Chekhawa's Training the Mind in Seven Points
- Eight Steps to Happiness, a commentary to Bodhisattva Langri Tangpa's Eight Verses of Training the Mind
- Heart of Wisdom, a commentary to the Heart Sutra
- Meaningful to Behold, a commentary to Bodhisattva Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life.
- Understanding the Mind, a detailed explanation of the mind, based on the works of the Buddhist scholars Dharmakirti and Dignaga.
Every book (or part of a book) is concluded with an exam.
What does the Foundation Programme cost?
The Foundation Programme costs 45 euro per month. For this you will receive besides all the classes of the Foundation Programme also the Centre Card of KMC Netherlands. A Centre Card gives access to all classes and meditations, day and weekend courses, and empowerments that are organized by KMC Netherlands without extra charge. (This does not include meals, accommodation and National and International Festivals.)
What does Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso say?
“Within one day we experience mental pain and discomfort many times, sometimes due to unpleasant circumstances and sometimes due to other people, even our friends. Sometimes for no apparent reason unhappiness, disappointment, dissatisfaction, or pain arise naturally due to the ripening of karmic imprints.
We need a remedy for this pain. No one else can give us medicine that will relieve this type of pain, we have to become our own karma-doctor and cure ourselves through Dharma experience. 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.This is how the Foundation Programme can fulfil our own wishes.”
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
To download the Foundation Programme brochure please click here
