study programmes

Studying Dharma

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has designed three special Study Programmes for the systematic study and practice of Kadampa Buddhism that are especially suited to the modern world: the General Programme, Foundation Programme, and Teacher Training Programme. All classes, courses and retreats at Tara KMC are part of the three NKT Study Programmes.

General Programme

The General Programme (GP) is an ideal starting point for those interested to find out more about Buddhism and meditation. GP introduces basic Buddhist view, meditation and action, along with various other teachings and practices, all within the Kadampa Buddhist tradition, to help practitioners deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism. All the teachings are based on commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. The programme consists of drop-in classes, supplemented by day courses, weekend courses, and meditation retreats. All classes are open to everyone.

Regular classes are held at the Centre and at venues throughout the region (see Local Classes in the menu to the left). There is no need to book for drop-in classes, just pay on the door as you arrive.

Tara KMC GP classes at Ashe Hall:

Foundation Programme

In September out TTP and weekday FP programmes will temporarily combine to study Eight Steps to Happiness with Gen-la Khyenrab. Classes will run Mon & Tues 7.-9am & 7.30 – 9.30pm.

The Foundation Programme (FP) provides a systematic study of six texts by Venerable Geshe-la, building a firm foundation for an authentic spiritual practice, enabling practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism.

The programme 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 Eight Steps to Happiness
  3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary 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 Understanding the Mind

Tara KMC offers two FPs:

Teacher Training Programme

 

The Teacher Training Programme (TTP) provides an extensive study of fourteen texts by Venerable Geshe-la, and includes nine weeks of meditation retreat each year, training students as qualified NKT Teachers.

The program comprises the following twelve subjects (the first five being the same as those covered in FP), 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 Eight Steps to Happiness
  3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary 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 Understanding 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 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

The Teacher Training Program takes approximately twelve years to complete and requires an enrollment procedure.

why we need to study

There are three reasons why we need to study and practise the teachings of Buddha:

If we do not strive to develop our wisdom, we shall 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. 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. 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. Therefore, the development of these qualities is of utmost importance for our daily happiness.


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