Buddhist Study Program in Providence RI
Foundation Program (FP)
PROVIDENCE RI CLASS
Classes opening for new students
Sept 2012 click here for more info
Currently studying the text “Understanding the Mind:
The Nature and Power of the Mind”,
by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
Mondays 5:30-7:00pm & 7:30-9pm
With Kelsang Pawo
The Sunday Foundation Program in Providence consists of two sessions, from 5:30–7:00pm and 7:30–9:00pm. The purpose of the Foundation Program is to provide a systematic presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the education program coordinator; email EPC@MeditationInMass.org.
What is Foundation Program?
If you’ve been attending general Buddhist classes at the Serlingpa Buddhist Center, or a branch location, joining Foundation Program (FP) is the next step in deepening your practical experience of Buddha’s teachings. FP classes are similar in format and depth to college-level classes. The program is based on a systematic study of six Kadampa Buddhist texts written by NKT founder Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. These include: Joyful Path of Good Fortune, Universal Compassion, Eight Steps to Happiness, Heart of Wisdom, Meaningful to Behold, and Understanding the Mind. In Providence, FP is taught by Resident Teacher Kelsang Pawo.
These classes include: • Guided meditations • Commentary to the text by the teacher • Group discussion • Question & answer opportunities • The company of like-minded spiritual friends
The program comprises the following five subjects, based on Buddha’s Sutra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso:
- The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune
- Training the Mind, based on the commentaries Universal Compassion and Eight Steps to Happiness
- The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary Heart of Wisdom
- Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold
- Types of Mind, based on the commentary Understanding the Mind
