Introduction to Foundation Program (Wicker Park)

Would you like to

• Deepen your understanding of essential Buddhist topics like karma, the Four Noble Truths, and Enlightenment?

• Develop a regular meditation practice and become a skillful, confident meditator?

• Learn to maintain a meditative outlook amidst busy daily life?

• Be part of a friendly and supportive spiritual community?

Foundation Program (FP) is an enrollment-based class that emphasizes gaining deeper understanding and practical experience of Kadampa Buddhism through systematic and guided study, discussion and meditation. The students in this class are diverse, spiritually curious, welcoming and encouraging. Absolutely everyone is welcome!

SCHEDULE

You are invited to attend two free introductory sessions of Foundation Program on Tuesday, September 1 and/or September 8, 7:00 - 9:00 pm. You are welcome to attend one or both!

The class meets weekly on Tuesday evenings, 7-9 pm (with breaks throughout the year); each Tuesday session includes guided meditation, brief traditional prayers, inspiring teachings, and enriching discussion.

No previous experience is necessary. Although attendance at these intro sessions is free, we ask you to RSVP below. We welcome you to meet our wonderful FP student community!

TOPIC / BOOK

We are currently studying the book The New Heart of Wisdom: Profound Teachings from Buddha's Heart, based upon Buddha's famous teachings, the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras.

In particular, we are exploring and practicing the Lamrim (Tibetan: "Stages of the Path"), a systematic presentation of meditations that cover a variety of essential Buddhist topics. These meditations gradually reduce our inner poisons of attachment, aversion, and spiritual ignorance, and gradually awaken our potential for unconditional love, universal compassion, and profound wisdom. Ultimately the Lamrim meditations lead to the supreme, everlasting happiness of Enlightenment. How extraordinary!

TEACHER

Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Zamling

LIVESTREAMING

This in-person class is available by livestream for eligible students. Please contact us to find out if you're eligible.