Take Your Practice to the next level with Foundation Program
FOUNDATION PROGRAM AT KMC NC
taught by Resident Teacher
Gen Kelsang Tilopa
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has designed three study programs of Buddhist teachings. These programs – the General, Foundation and Teacher Training Programs – form the very core of the NKT-IKBU, and are what distinguishes the New Kadampa Tradition from other traditions.
After attending General Program classes (Sunday mornings/Tuesday or Wednesday evenings/or a branch class in your area) for some time, you may wish to go deeper in your practice and study of Kadampa Buddhism.
Foundation Program is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your experience of Kadampa Buddhism and to be supported in your path by a loving spiritual community.
Learn about our membership options
We are currently studying Universal Compassion
The heart of Buddha’s teachings is unconditional love and compassion. In this inspiring explanation of the popular Buddhist poem Training the Mind in Seven Points, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso reveals powerful and far-reaching methods for us to develop these altruistic states. Ancient meditative techniques that have been tried and tested for centuries are brought alive and made relevant to our everyday experiences. Also included is a practical explanation of how we can transform our day-to-day problems—even the most demanding and difficult conditions—into opportunities for personal and spiritual development. By pointing the way to an unchanging freedom and happiness, this immensely readable book challenges us to grow, and will have a remarkable impact on our life.
When are Classes Held?
There is a 2 hour class (with a break) every Thursday from 6-8pm at our main center on 528 East Blvd except during the summer program (July and August). Students commit to attend all classes.
What Happens in Classes?
Each class begins with preparatory prayers to set a correct motivation, generate correct motivation, accumulate positive energy, and remove obstructions to learning. This is followed by a guided meditation based on the section of the text studied in the previous week. Then the students recite together the relevant section of the Condensed Meaning of the Text. The oral transmission and explanation of the text is then given by the resident teacher, Gen Kelsang Tilopa, and this is followed by discussion in pairs so that students can reach a conclusion and formulate any questions about what they have just learned. The class concludes with dedication prayers.
I live a long way away from KMC NC – can I do correspondence? Are the classes recorded?
Yes and yes. Each class is recorded and MP3 files are shared with everyone in FP.
I Would like to Join the Program. How do I do this?
Great! You can join at any time as a Member or a Supporter. All Members and Supporters are granted free access to all normal weekly classes – the big difference is that Supporters get 1/2 off the cost of workshops, empowerments and special events. Please contact mail@meditationcharlotte.org for more information.
FP Supporter Benefits and Rates
The FP Subscriber rate includes all FP weekly classes, the After-work Meditation classes, Lunchtime Meditation, the General Program classes (includes KMC NC as well as Cornelius branch class), Kadampa Book Club classes, and Sunday morning class. It also includes 1/2 off workshops, empowerments, and in-house retreats. You’ll be charged the applicable rate once per calendar month. The cost for Supporters is $85 per calendar month for Adults and $75 per calendar month for Students and Seniors (+60).
