Foundation Programme (FP)
Mondays, 7pm-9pm
Venue: KMC Plymouth
Membership is required to join this study programme and separate enrolment is required – see below
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
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
Our Other Study Programmes…
Books Studied on Foundation Programme
About the FP Teacher at KMC Plymouth
Gen Kelsang Dragden, Resident Teacher at KMC Plymouth, presents Buddha’s teachings and meditations in an inspiring yet practical way. He is very skilled at explaining how to make these teachings immediately effective in our busy modern lives, to help both ourselves and everyone around us.
Current Text For FP
We are currently studying the book, “Joyful Path of Good Fortune” – click the image below to find out more.
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 “The Stages to The Path” (also known as “Lamrim”), meditations that form the core of a daily meditation practice.
Everyone is welcome to come along for a free taster session anytime.
Further Information & Joining FP
For more information please contact the Education Programme Coordinator on: epc@meditationinplymouth.org
Published FP Dates for 2026
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.
CHRISTMAS BREAK
January 5
January 12
January 19
January 26
February 2
February 9
February 16
February 22
March 2
March 9
March 16
March 23
March 30 with Group Discussion
EASTER BREAK
April 13