Manchester Buddhist Study Programmes
Introducing the Foundation Programme

What is the Foundation Programme?

Many people have a sincere wish to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhist meditation and practice through a structured study programme. At Vairochana Centre we offer the "Foundation Programme" which is designed to fulfil this wish. It provides a systematic presentation of the basic subjects of Mahayana Buddhism and forms a perfect basis for a strong and successful daily meditation practice.

Although we all wish for happiness, our mis-understanding of the true nature of things leads us to engage in negative actions, which are the main cause of all our problems. Furthermore, if we do not learn to cultivate a good heart in our daily activities, our selfish motivation destroys harmony and good relationships with others, and we have no peace and no opportunity to gain pure happiness. Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. Through studying on the Foundation Programme we learn how to eliminate our negative states of mind and how to cultivate positive states of mind. Our negative minds such as anger and selfishness will not go away by themselves; we need a tried and tested method to reduce and eventually to eliminate all negativity from our minds.

Geshe Kelsang says: ‘Our present understanding and experience of Dharma (Buddhist Teachings) is quite superficial. We are like someone who has entered a huge food store and seen many things but sampled only a few. We may have received many different teachings from many different Teachers, but we have taken in very little, just a few morsels. There is a big gap between our mind and Dharma and we cannot apply Dharma in our daily lives. Our approach remains passive, like someone watching television, and our mind remains as uncontrolled as before. Why is this? It is because we are not studying systematically, according to a specially designed programme. If we just pick at Dharma randomly we shall never gain deep and stable experience. For this reason the spiritual programmes offered in New Kadampa Tradition Centres are very important.’

What book is currently being studied?

We are studying the book "Universal Compasion" by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. At the heart of Buddha's teachings is unconditional love and compassion. In this inspired explanation of the popular Buddhist poem Training the Mind in Seven Points, Geshe Kelsang reveals powerful and far-reaching methods for us to develop these altruistic states.

Ancient meditative techniques that have been tried and tested for centuries are brought alive and made relevant to our everyday experiences.

Also included is a practical and uplifting explanation of how we can transform our day-to-day living – including even the most demanding and difficult conditions – into opportunities for personal and spiritual development. By pointing the way to an unchanging freedom and happiness, this immensely readable book challenges us to grow, and will have a remarkable impact on our life.

Who is the teacher of the course?

The Foundation Programme is taught by Kelsang Chodor. He has been practicing Buddhism & Meditation for many years and is the Principal Teacher at Vairochana Centre. He is a practical and insightful teacher who draws upon years of experience within the tradition of Kadampa Buddhism.

When is Foundation Programme taught?

Foundation Programme is taught on Sunday & Wednesday evenings, from 7.30 - 9.30 p.m.

How long is the Foundation Programme course?

The length of the programme depends upon which book you study. Students enrol for a section of a book at a time which typically lasts about 3-6 months. The Foundation Programme takes longer than our traditional meditation courses but you can guarantee that your understanding and experience of Meditation & Buddhism will be greatly enhanced.

What is the cost of joining Foundation Programme?

The cost of the Foundation Programme is £30 per month. The fee includes free entrance to all evening meditation classes and day courses at Vairochana Centre.

I'm interested in joining, where do I find out more?

If you have any questions, or if you wish to find out more about Foundation Programme please don't hesitate to contact us at the centre.