A Wealth of Wisdom and Compassion For All
At the very heart of modern Kadampa Buddhism are the three core study programmes developed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. KMC Plymouth offers all three of these programmes.
Why Practice Meditation & Study Modern Buddhism?
There are three reasons why we need to study and practice the teachings of Buddha – to develop our wisdom, to cultivate a good heart and to maintain a peaceful state of mind:
Maintain a peaceful state of mind
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.
Develop wisdom
If we do not strive to develop our wisdom we will 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.
Cultivate a good heart
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.
For these reasons, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has designed the three special Study Programs for the systematic study and practice of Modern Buddhism that are especially suited to the modern world.
Three Programmes For the Modern World
General Programme (GP)
Suitable for everyone including beginners as well as those with experience. Start attending these classes whenever you like and come to as many as you choose when it suits you. The more regularly you attend though, the greater the benefit.
Foundation Programme (FP)
Best suited to those with some experience of our general programme classes who want to go a bit deeper with their understanding and meditation practice. A hugely beneficial weekly class with a more extensive look at core Buddhist teachings and texts.
Teacher Training Programme (TTP)
This programme is very in-depth and extensive and principally aimed at those people with an aspiration to teach others about meditation and the teachings of Buddha.
General Programme
Suitable for all and an excellent starting point for beginners. Start attending anytime, just turn up!
The General Program (GP) is taught at every centre for Modern Kadampa Buddhism and is an ideal starting point for those interested to find out more about the practical application of Buddhism and meditation to modern life.
It consists of a wide range of events from regular weekly classes and entry level courses to Tantric empowerments and long retreats. All of the teachings are based on books by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
All GP classes are open to everyone. Anyone can benefit from these classes, which include practical subjects such as how to use meditation to solve our anger problem, which lies at the root of many family problems. This activity is completely peaceful and joyful and is very important as protection against future suffering.
To find out more about what our General Programme is currently offering at the centre and our branches, click HERE to find your nearest class.
Foundation Programme
Suitable for all but some experience of our general programme before joining this programme is strongly advised.
The purpose of the Foundation Programme (FP) is to provide a systematic presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism.
At KMC Plymouth this class runs on Monday evenings from 7pm-9pm.
Five Subjects
The program comprises the following five subjects, based on Buddha’s Sutra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche:
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
Benefits of The Programme
The benefits of studying and practicing these texts are as follows:
Joyful Path of Good Fortune – we gain the ability to put all Buddha’s teachings of both Sutra and Tantra into practice. We can easily make progress on and complete the stages of the path to the supreme happiness of enlightenment. From a practical point of view, the Stages of the Path, or Lamrim, is the main body of Buddha’s teachings, and the other teachings are like its limbs.
Universal Compassion and The New Eight Steps to Happiness – we gain the ability to integrate Buddha’s teachings into our daily life and solve all our human problems.
The New Heart of Wisdom – we gain a realization of the ultimate nature of reality. By gaining this realization we can eliminate the ignorance of self-grasping that is the root of all our suffering.
Meaningful to Behold – we transform our daily activities into the Bodhisattva’s way of life, thereby making every moment of our human life meaningful.
How to Understand the Mind – we understand the relationship between our mind and its external objects. If we understand that objects depend upon the subjective mind we can change the way objects appear to us by changing our own mind. Gradually we shall gain the ability to control our mind and in this way solve all our problems.
What Are FP Classes Like?
Classes consist of teachings, guided meditations, and discussions. The emphasis is on gaining practical experience of the teachings that you can apply to your daily life. Prayers, or chanted meditations as some people refer to them are used at the start and end of the class.
FP is a tried and tested way to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of Buddha’s teachings, maintain a daily meditation practice that is both focused and powerful, and make genuine spiritual progress.
If you feel you want to go a bit deeper with your study and practice – this systematic study of these essential Buddhist texts on FP may be a perfect next step for you.
The recommended way to join is to attend classes in person, this way you will receive the most benefit from being with the group and taking part in discussions. If you don’t live close enough to attend in person, you can join via correspondence.
For more information or to ask about joining FP, please contact the Education Programme Coordinator on: epc@meditationinplymouth.org
You can also try a free taster session of FP by contacting us on the email address above. We advise you to been attending our general programme for a period before joining FP.
What is Being Studied on FP at The Moment?
We are currently studying the book, Joyful Path of Good Fortune.
This is an incredible opportunity to look at all of the stages of the path to Enlightenment. We are so lucky to be able to gain our own understanding and experience of the series of Lamrim meditations that form the core of a daily meditation practice.
Can I Try FP Before Joining?
Yes, everyone is welcome to come along for a free taster session anytime, but you need to arrange this with out Education Programme Coordinator (EPC). Please email us to make the necessary arrangements and to ask any questions you might have. Email us at: epc@meditationinplymouth.org
When & How Can I Join FP?
If you feel you want to go a bit deeper with your study and practice – this systematic study of these essential Buddhist texts on FP may be a perfect next step for you.
You can enrol in FP at anytime – you do not need to wait until we start studying a new book. You can also try a free taster session of FP by contacting us on the email address below. We do advise you to been attending our general programme for a period before joining FP.
For more information or to ask about joining FP, please contact the Education Programme Coordinator on: epc@meditationinplymouth.org
FP Dates Coming UP
Forthcoming dates for FP at KMC Plymouth are:
December 1
December 8
December 15 – with group discussion
Christmas Break
January 5
January 12
January 19
January 26
These dates may be subject to change but are the currently confirmed dates. There are gaps for the International NKT-IKBU Festivals and national and regional NKT events. Please keep in contact with the FP monitor or EPC.
Books Studied on Foundation Programme
Teacher Training Programme
Suitable for those with good experience of either our general or foundation programmes who aspire to becoming a teacher of Modern Kadampa Buddhism.
The purpose of the Teacher Training Program (TTP) 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 Teachers of Modern Buddhism.
At KMC Plymouth this class runs on Sundays from 12noon to 3:45pm.
Twelve Subjects
The program comprises the following twelve subjects, based on Buddha’s Sutra and Tantra 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
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 The New 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
Further Information & Joining TTP
The Teacher Training Programme requires enrolment. Normally you should have experience of both our general and foundation programmes before commencing TTP.
For further information and to discuss TTP, please contact our Education Programme Co-ordinator: epc@meditationinplymouth.org
TTP Dates Coming Up
Forthcoming dates for TTP at KMC Plymouth are:
November 30
December 7 – Vajrassatva Retreat
December 14
December 21 – with group discussion
Christmas Break
2026
January 4 – Solutions for Daily Life Retreat (Guided)
January 11 – Wisdom for Daily Life Retreat (Guided)
January 18 – Solutions for Daily Life Retreat (UNguided)
January 25 – HYT Retreat (UNguided)
These dates may be subject to change but are the currently confirmed dates. There are gaps for the International NKT-IKBU Festivals and national and regional NKT events. Please keep in contact with the TTP monitor or EPC.
Books Studied on Teacher Training Programme
