Sunday Foundation Program is a special study and meditation programme designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. It provides an opportunity to deepen our knowledge and experience of Buddhism and to gain authentic spiritual realizations through a structured programme of study and meditation classes.

What is the Foundation Programme?
The Foundation Programme is a special study and meditation programme designed by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. It provides an opportunity to deepen our knowledge and experience of Buddhism and to gain authentic spiritual realizations through a structured programme of study and meditation classes.

The Programme comprises of the systematic study of five texts written by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso:

Joyful Path of Good Fortune
A commentary to Atisha’s Lamrim instructions, the stages of the path to enlightenment.

Universal Compassion
A commentary to Bodhisattva Chekhawa’s Training the Mind in Seven Points.

Heart of Wisdom
A commentary to the Heart Sutra.

Meaningful to Behold
A commentary to Venerable Shantideva’s Guide to Bodhisattva’s Way of Life.

Understanding the Mind
A detailed explanation of the mind, based on the works of the Buddhist scholars of Dharmakirti and Dignaga.

Why do we need a study programme?
Buddhism teaches that to find lasting happiness and meaning in our lives we need to follow a spiritual path. To follow this path it is important to have a close connection with a qualified Teacher who can give us personal advice and encouragement, to listen to pure Dharma teachings, and to belong to a strong spiritual community. These enable us to penetrate deeply into the meaning of Buddha’s teachings, to maintain a daily meditation practice that is both focused and powerful, and to make genuine spiritual progress.

A unique study programme
Through regular teachings and meditation, systematic study and group discussion, the Foundation Programme offers us spiritual support. In essence, it is the same training followed by spiritual practitioners in an unbroken lineage dating back to Buddha Shakyamuni.

Its special quality is that we can gain authentic experience without abandoning our modern lifestyle. By studying on this programme, we will gain great confidence in meditation - from basic techniques for overcoming our everyday problems, to pratices leading to unsurpassed happiness and permanent inner peace.

Enrollment is open to anyone, and it is possible to enrol at anytime throughout the course. Course brochure and enrollment form are available at Odiyana.