Study Programs


Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has designed three special Study Programs for the systematic study and practice of Kadampa Buddhism that are especially suited to the modern world: the General Program, Foundation Program, and Teacher Training Program. There are three reasons why we need to study and practice the teachings of Buddha:

  • If we do not strive to develop our wisdom, we shall always remain ignorant of ultimate truth – the true nature of reality. Although we wish for happiness, our ignorance leads us to engage in non-virtuous actions, which are the main cause of all our suffering.

  • If we do not cultivate a good heart, our selfish motivation destroys harmony and good relationships with others. We have no peace, and no chance to gain pure happiness. Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible.

  • If we do not maintain a peaceful state of mind we are not happy even if we have ideal conditions. On the other hand, when our mind is peaceful we are happy even if our external conditions are unpleasant.

Therefore, the development of these qualities is of utmost importance for our daily happiness!If you are interested in joining Foundation Program or Teacher Training program please contact the Education Program Coordinator at KMC GA.

  • General Program

    The General Program introduces basic Buddhist view, meditation and action, along with various other teachings and practices, all within the Mahayana Buddhist tradition of Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa, to help practitioners deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism.

    All the teachings are based on commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

    The General Program is taught at every Kadampa Buddhist Center and is an ideal starting point for those interested to find out more about Buddhism and meditation.

    The program consists of drop-in classes (evening and lunchtimes), usually supplemented by optional day courses, weekend courses, and meditation retreats. All classes are open to everyone. Please see our General Program Classes under the menu Classes above.

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  • Foundation Program

    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.
    Five subjects

    The program comprises the following five subjects, based on Buddha’s Sutra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso:

    1. The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune

    2. Training the Mind, based on the commentaries Universal Compassion and Eight Steps to Happiness

    3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary Heart of Wisdom

    4. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold

    5. Types of Mind, based on the commentary How to Understand the Mind

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  • Teacher Training Program

    The purpose of the Teacher Training Program is to provide an extensive presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism, and to train as qualified New Kadampa Tradition Teachers.

    All Resident Teachers of Kadampa Buddhist Centers follow this in-depth program of study and practice.

    In addition to the Foundation Program topics, this program comprises the following twelve subjects, based on Buddha’s Sutra and Tantra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso:

    6. Guide to the Middle Way, based on the commentary Ocean of Nectar

    7. Vajrayana Mahamudra, based on the commentary Clear Light of Bliss

    8. The Bodhisattva’s Moral Discipline, based on the commentary The Bodhisattva Vow

    9. Offering to the Spiritual Guide, based on the commentaries Great Treasury of Merit and Mahamudra Tantra

    10. Vajrayogini Tantra, based on the commentary Guide to Dakini Land

    11. Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra, based on the commentary Tantric Grounds and Paths

    12. The Practice of Heruka Body Mandala, based on the commentary Essence of Vajrayana

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