Foundation Program (FP) is a structured program that meets weekly for at least two hours and is more than just a drop-in class. On the FP, we engage in the systematic study of key Buddhist texts in order to gain a deep and lasting understanding and experience of the spiritual path, as well as an authentic confidence as a meditator and practitioner.

The secret of the Foundation Program’s success lies in the manageable commitment made by the student and in the clear structure of study. Students sign up to study one book or part of a book and agree to attend every class, learn the material, and type up a summary if they miss a class. Regular attendance is very important. This ongoing, committed aspect of the class creates a real sense of community and helps nourish and support the spiritual life of everyone in the class. If for a suitable reason a student is not able to attend the class in person, he or she agrees to catch up by listening to a podcast of the class.

Generally, students take turns putting up the shrine offerings and setting up the meditation room on the day of their class. In this way they learn about the rituals associated with Buddhist practice. Each FP class at KMC-LI is assigned a rotation of duties to help keep the meditation center clean and orderly. This also helps build a sense of community and responsibility so that everyone feels like they are contributing to the success of the center.

Prior to the class, students are given a reading assignment and asked to study a portion of the text, usually a few pages long, and to memorize the essential points. The class begins with chanted prayers and guided meditation.

The teacher then reads the assigned selection 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.

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 The New Eight Steps to Happiness

3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary The New 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

The cost to join a Foundation Program study class is $95 a month. An added benefit is that at this membership level, all General Program classes (with the exception of a few special events a year) are included. This helps to ensure that the center remains financially strong so that our classes and programming can continue. Please see the membership page on our website for more details.