Foundation Program ~ Intermediate level meditation classes
Sunday Afternoon
12:00 noon - 02:00 pm
Driving Directions and Address
Are you ready to go deeper?
The Foundation Program is an intermediate study program designed for those with some familiarity with meditation who would like to delve more deeply into the practice. It is a tried and tested program that has already helped many thousands of people around the world. We offer the Foundation Program (FP) at all our Centers.
The Foundation Program is a unique structured study program that enables us to gain deeper understanding and experience of Buddhist teachings and to develop a regular meditation practice. It is ideal for those who have an introductory understanding of Buddhism and who wish to learn more. We meet each week during term times, and have regular term breaks and a longer break in the summer. Students are requested to enroll for a section of the text and commit to attend all the classes, as well as try to go to a puja (chanted meditation) and General Program class.
Through regular teachings, meditation, systematic study and group discussion, the Foundation Program offers deep support for your spiritual life. 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 program we will gain great confidence in meditation - from basic techniques for overcoming our everyday problems, to practices leading to unsurpassed happiness and permanent inner peace.
Maitreya Kadampa Buddhist Center is starting an FP program soon. If you are interested, please speak to your teacher. This program is open to anyone who has been attending regular General Program classes for a few months and wants to deepen their knowledge and practice of Buddhism. FP members are supporting sponsors of the Center, $60/month ($40 students) which includes free attendance at all GP classes, workshops and retreats (except for lunch costs).
The texts studied in depth on this program are the following:
Joyful Path of Good Fortune *currently in use*
– commentary to Atisha’s Lam Rim
Universal Compassion
– commentary to Geshe Chekowa’s Training the Mind in 7 Points
Heart of Wisdom
– Commentary to the Heart Sutra
Meaningful to Behold
– Commentary to Shantideva’s Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life
Understanding the Mind
– detailed explanation of the mind, based on Dharmakirti
Eight Steps to Happiness
– commentary on Langri Tangpa’s Eight verses of Training the Mind
For more information and registration, please contact Carol Lutker at (904)222-8531 or email RT@MeditationInJacksonville.org.
To listen to past Foundation Program classes, please follow this link.