Foundation Program

About the Foundation Program

Who Should Attend?

The Foundation Program (FP) is ideal for those with basic Dharma understanding and experience e.g. who have attended the Tuesday evening General Program Classes and who are now interested in a more in-depth study and practice of Buddhist teachings and lifestyle. Full time students and Seniors (60+) are eligible for a discounted study rate.

When are Classes Held?

There is a three and a half hour class (with a break) every Sunday from 4-7:30pm at our main center on 528 East Blvd except during the summer program (July and August). Students commit to try 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.

Which Text is Studied?

The text we will be studying together is “Joyful Path of Good Fortune, the Complete Buddhist Path to Enlightenment”. You can purchase a copy in the bookstore.

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. See below for details

FP Subscriber Benefits and Rates

The FP Member rate includes all FP weekly classes, the After-work Meditation classes, the General Program classes (includes KMC NC as well as Cornelius and Matthews branch classes), and Kadampa Book Club classes. You’ll also get access to Early Registration for special events and retreat discounts, when offered. The cost for Members is $65 per calendar month for Adults or $50 per calendar month for Students and Seniors (+60).

Please only choose the Student option if you are active student or the Senior option if you are above 60 years old.

Adult

Student/Senior

FP Supporter Benefits and Rates

The FP Subscriber rate includes all FP weekly classes, the After-work Meditation classes, the General Program classes (includes KMC NC as well as Cornelius and Matthews branch classes), and Kadampa Book Club classes. 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 $70 per calendar month for Students and Seniors (+60).