Foundation Program
Deepen your understanding and experience of Buddha's teachings.
If you are interested in joining this program, please email: epc@meditateinsanfrancisco.org
THE FOUNDATION PROGRAM (FP) gives you the opportunity to engage in a structured study and meditation program on the essential teachings of the Buddhist spiritual path. FP is a practical method to improve our good heart, wisdom, and inner peace within a supportive community of fellow students.
Everyone can join and experience great benefits from being a part of this regular study program. The program is based on the study of six Kadampa Buddhist texts written by the Founder of the New Kadampa Tradition, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
The classes include:
• Guided meditations and prayers
• Commentary to the text by the teacher
• Paired and group discussion
• Question & answer opportunities
• The company of like-minded people
Pre-registration is required.
Program Structure
All the study programs are based on a clear structure that includes guided meditation, teaching, student commitments, discussion, and teacher support. One of the main benefits for everyone is the building of a spiritual community within the class, which in turn fosters meaningful class discussion as well as mutual support among the class members.
Students sign up to study a book or part of a book, agree to attend every class, learn the material, and to take a test at the conclusion of the study.
Class Structure
Prior to class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages, and memorize the essential points. The class begins with chanted prayers and a guided meditation. The teacher then reads the assigned section from the book while giving commentary to the text. The students then divide into pairs to discuss the material. The teacher and students conclude by deciding what to meditate on in the next class and how to practice during the coming week.
Commitments
Commitments include:
Attending all classes and taking part in class discussions.
Attending one group puja (chanted prayers) weekly is highly recommended.
Taking an exam at the conclusion of either a section of the assigned book or the entire book.
Wednesdays 7 pm – 9 pm
The Wednesday night Foundation Program will continue to study Joyful Path of Good Fortune, a perfect guidebook to the Buddhist Path.
With this book, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso offers us step-by-step guidance on the meditation practices that will lead us to lasting inner peace and happiness.
Teacher
Eva Brzeski
Eva Brzeski began studying and practicing Buddhist teachings in 2004. She is
well-loved for her sincerity and warmth, and she shows the joy of living a spiritual life.
Thursdays 9:15 am – 11:15 am
The Thursday class will also begin studying the book, Joyful Path of Good Fortune. With this book, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso offers us step-by-step guidance on the meditation practices that will lead us to lasting inner peace and happiness.
Teacher
Kathleen Thurston
Kathleen Thurston has been a dedicated student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for over twenty years; and has taught for several years. She currently teaches one of the Foundation Programs offered at KMC SF and is much appreciated for her clarity, warmth, and love of the dharma.
Interested?
If you are interested, please contact epc@meditateinsanfrancisco.org or call 415-503-1187
Two Free Classes
Before committing to join the class, you are welcome to audit two classes.
Cost
Cost is $75/month and includes other benefits such as admission to all General Program classes and to some workshops. Please visit Membership page for more details.
Beginning the Foundation Program at a Center presents us with a great opportunity because this program fulfills both our own and others’ wishes.
How does the Foundation Program fulfill our own wishes? By increasing our wisdom and our experience of Dharma. With wisdom and Dharma experience we can solve all the problems we encounter in daily life and we can protect ourselves from danger in the future. Since beginningless time we have had strong, bad habits that arise from our self-grasping and self-cherishing.
— Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche