Foundation Program

Mondays in Guelph @ AKBC • 6:45 PM – 9pm

Our study program – the Foundation Program (FP) is an in-depth program designed for people who wish to deepen their understanding and experience of Kadampa Buddhism through a systematic study of essential Buddhist commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. This study program was designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche as a means to facilitate the development of our unlimited spiritual potential. This class is a perfect opportunity to engage in discussion and meditation with fellow students. Anyone can join and experience the great benefits of being part of this regular study program. As a result of systematic study, meditation and discussion, we can improve our good heart, our wisdom, and our cherishing of others by going deeper into our study and meditation practice.

Through regular teachings and meditation, systematic study and group discussion, the Foundation Program offers the same training followed by spiritual practitioners in an unbroken lineage dating back to Buddha Shakyamuni. Through the kindness of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who has updated the commentaries of these teachings into a presentation for the modern world, we can gain authentic experience of the Dharma while still maintaining our contemporary lifestyle.

On September 12, we will begin a new term of study with the fifth section of Meaningful to Behold – Becoming a Friend of the World. This section of the book covers Chapters 9 “Wisdom” and the final dedication chapter.

The first class on September 12 is an open house class that everyone is welcome to attend. Classes are in person but those who live a long distance from the Centre may be able to attend online. This section will continue until April 2023.

If you would like to sit in on a class or join our class online, please email education@akbc.ca.

Foundation Program Frequently asked questions

If you have been attending our drop-in General Program classes regularly and would like to engage in more meditation and discussion to gain deep realizations of the spiritual path, the Foundation Program is for you. You are welcome to attend and sit in for the first two classes before joining. Upon joining the class, we ask that you attend all the classes in this section. We have classes every Monday, except holiday Mondays. All classes held at AKBC are included in your Foundation Program membership, so you can drop-in to any class, at any time and deepen your Dharma experience.

FP Schedule – Section Five

The next term of Foundation Program studying Meaningful to Behold, will cover Chapter 9 “Wisdom” with the corresponding chapters in The Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life. A new term starts on September 12 with an Open House class that everyone is welcome to attend.

Foundation Program FAQ2022-09-02T15:12:17-04:00

Foundation Program FAQ

Q) When is the Foundation Program?

A) Foundation Program is from 6:45 – 9 pm on Monday evenings, except for holiday Mondays. There is some time off on Mondays in December and for two Mondays in August.

Q) How long is a term?

A) Terms cover a section of a book – approximately 100 pages. Each term is roughly 6 months – usually from April to October and October to April.

Q) What are the books studied?

A) If you sign up online using Paypal, your membership will automatically renew each month using the credit card you registered with. If you sign up choose to pay with Interact eTransfer, you will receive an invoice the day before your membership is due. You can send your payment by interact eTransfer to payment@akbc.ca. Alternatively, you can pay securely through Paypal with monthly recurring payments here. It is also possible to pay by cash at the Centre or post-dated cheques. Please contact us at membership@akbc.ca to arrange payment with post-dated cheques.

Q) Is the Foundation Program a drop-in class?

No. The Foundation Program in not a drop-in class but requires enrolment to study this section of the book. You will need to become a Foundation Program (Level 2) Member to attend the Foundation Program. This will also give you unlimited access to all classes offered at AKBC.

Q) Do I need to become a member to attend Foundation Program?

A) Yes. To attend the Foundation Program you will need to become a Foundation Program (Level 2) member. You can request membership on our membership page. As a Foundation Program member, you can attend Foundation Program and all meditation classes, and courses for one monthly membership fee.

Q) How do I enrol in the Foundation Program?

A) Before enrolling you are welcome to sit in on a class to try out the program. Then we ask you to attend a short pre-registration interview. Please contact the Education Program Coordinator at education@akbc.ca to set up an interview time.

Q) Can I attend the Foundation Program online?

A) From September 2022, the F0undation Program is offered in-person. However, there is an opportunity for those in our area who live at a distance to join us online. To enquire, please contact education@akbc.ca.

Q) Can I sit in on a trial class?

A) Yes. Before enrolling in Foundation Program, we encourage you to try out a class. We have an Open House class at the beginning of each section that everyone is invited to attend. However, you can sit in on a class at any time.

Q) Can I join the Foundation Program at any time?

A) Yes. You can join the Foundation Program at any time during the section. We have an Open House class at the beginning of each section that everyone is invited to attend. However, if you would like to join mid-section, you are also welcome to. Please contact education@akbc.ca for details.

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