The Foundation Programme
Taught by Kelsang Dornying

Many Buddhist practitioners have a sincere wish to deepen their knowledge and experience of Dharma and to gain authentic spiritual realisations through a structured programme of Dharma studies. The Foundation Programme 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 daily practice.

Geshe Kelsang says: "Our present understanding and experience of Dharma is quite superficial. 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 foundation programme is very important."

Join us on the Foundation Programme as we study the book "Eight Steps to Happiness", an inspiring explanation of one of Buddhism's best loved teachings, Eight Verses of Training the Mind. Composed by the great Tibetan Bodhisattva, Geshe Langri Tangpa, this short poem shows how we can transform all life's difficulties into valuable spiritual insights.

In these classes Kelsang Dornying will give a commentary to the profound and beautiful instructions in this book. He will reveal how training in love, compassion and wisdom quickly brings meaning and lasting happiness into our modern lives.


The Programme
When joining the Foundation Programme you undertake to come to all classes in the term unless there is a good reason not to attend. There are plenty of term breaks so there is time for holidays and other activities.You enrol for one book at a time and are asked to study and memorise the essential points of that book and to take an exam at the end. Studying in this way gives our lives a meaningful structure and helps us to gain fuller experience of the teachings.

The Classes
Sundays 9.15am - 1.00pm
Each class consists of preliminary prayers, guided meditation and a reading from the book with commentary and discussion.

Class Fee: $100 per month which also entitles you to attend all classes at Mahasiddha Centre and its branches.

If you are interested in joining the Foundation Programme or would like to enrol, please contact Shechog at the centre. You are welcome to try the programme for a week before enrolling. Cost $25.

Mahasiddha Buddhist Centre, 85 Old South Head Rd, Bondi Junction
tel: 9387 7717 email: education@meditateinsydney.org

The Teacher Training Programme
Taught by Kelsang Dornying

The Teacher Training Programme (TTP) offers the perfect opportunity to train as an authentic teacher of Kadampa Buddhism. This committed study programme covers twelve of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s books on Sutra and Tantra, and includes a series of meditation retreats. TTP is the perfect basis for transforming our minds and swiftly progressing on the spiritual path. With this deeper understanding and clarity we can become fully qualified as a teacher of the New Kadampa Tradition. Currently in the programme, Kelsang Dornying is giving commentary to "The Bodhisattva Vow". With this handbook as our companion we can enter the Bodhisattva's way of life and progress along the path to full enlightenment.

The Classes
Each class, taught by Kelsang Dornying consists of chanted prayers, a guided meditation, teaching and discussion. For further information or if you would like to enrol please call Shechog at the centre.

Mahasiddha Buddhist Centre, 85 Old South Head Rd,
Bondi Junction
tel: 9387 7717 email: education@meditateinsydney.org