1. General Program
2. Foundation Program
3. Teacher Training Program
The General Program of meditation and teachings is tailored for anyone interested in finding out about the Buddhist way of meditating and thinking about life’s opportunities and challenges. The purpose is to help anyone find peace and happiness in everyday life. These self-contained classes give a basic introduction to Buddhist philosophy, psychology and meditation. Classes are held on Monday evenings from 7-8:30pm Classes are on a drop-in basis. You do not need to sign up for the whole course or a sub-series.
The cost is $10 per class for adults and $5 per class for students and seniors.
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The Foundation Program provides an opportunity to deepen your understanding and experience of Buddha’s teachings. It involves a study of six essential subjects of Mahayana Buddhism based on commentaries and texts by our Spiritual Director and Founder, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Classes are held on Sunday evenings from 5:00pm-8:00pm at the Center.Texts studied include Universal Compassion - A commentary on Lojong, training the mind, The Joyful Path of Good Fortune – A study of all of the stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Eight Steps to Happiness - a commentary on the famous Mahayana text by Geshe Langri Tangpa, Heart of Wisdom - a commentary on the Heart Sutra, Meaningful to Behold - a commentary on Shantideva’s Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, and Understanding the Mind - a detailed explanation of the nature and function of mind based on the works of Dharmakirti and Dignapa.
Studying on the Foundation Program is a profound method of deepening your knowledge and experience of Dharma and of making progress on your inner spiritual journey. We are currently studying Meaningful to Behold.
Commitments
Students enroll for one subject at a time, and try to attend all the classes for that subject; learn the condensed meaning and root text of the subject; sit an examination at the end of the classes on the subject, and attend one session of center pujas each week.
Enrollment
To join the class, please contact Gen Kelsang Tilopa at FP@meditationcharlotte.org. You may attend a session of the class before committing to the program.
Fees
The fees are $55 per month for each of twelve months each calendar year. Students should subscribe in the member programs to facilitate monthly payments.
Format
- Preparatory prayers, Essence of Good Fortune
- First Meditation
- First Oral Transmission
- First Discussion
- Enjoy Tea
- Second Meditation
- Second Oral Transmission
- Second Discussion
- Closing Prayers and Meditation
Total: Three Hours
“We shall experience the beneficial results of studying on this Program for life after life until we reach enlightenment. The benefits are inexhaustible.” – Geshe Kelsang Gyatso __________________________________________________
The Teacher Training Program is designed for people with experience of study on the Foundation Program who wish to train as authentic Dharma Teachers. In addition to completing the study of twelve texts of Sutra and Tantra, which include the six texts mentioned above, the student is required to observe certain commitments with regard to behavior and way of life, and to complete a number of meditation retreats.
