Foundation Program
(Oak Park)
Ready to go deeper?
Try Foundation Program
with Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Zamling
Sundays, 12 - 3:30pm
In Oak Park
(online option still available for those outside Chicagoland)
Classes Resume Feb 5
12:00 - 3:30pm in Oak Park
(or livestream, if outside Chicagoland)
12 - 2pm: Teaching and meditation
2 - 2:30pm: Break & social time
2:30 - 3:30pm: Become inspired with group meditation prayers
Try it for free!
Unique Benefits
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Learn from an experienced teacher with over 20 years of experience
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Develop confidence and skill in your meditation practice
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Connect with a supportive and inspiring spiritual community, open to everyone
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Gain skills to apply what you learn in class to everyday life
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Develop comprehensive understanding of the Buddhist spiritual path
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Created by renowned Buddhist master, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, based upon traditional meditation & study programs used for centuries.
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Foundation Program students during meditation prayers
Unique Format
Unlike our drop-in (GP) classes, FP is a year-round, enrollment-only class; we meet each week during term times and have regular term breaks and a longer break in the summer.
Each student makes the personal commitment to attend weekly classes and meditation prayers (pujas), and to study a small section of the text before each class. Every 4-6 weeks, we have group discussion classes facilitated by students.
Weekly Sunday schedule:
12 - 2pm: Study Class
includes guided meditation, in-depth teaching, and discussion
2:30 - 3:30pm Group Meditation Prayers (Puja)
to empower our spiritual progress
Book
UNIVERSAL COMPASSION
Inspiring Solutions for Difficult Times
by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
We are studying the book Universal Compassion: Inspiring Solutions for Difficult Times, by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, in which we learn how to:
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enhance our understanding and personal experience of love, compassion, and wisdom.
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transform difficult situations into opportunities for authentic spiritual growth
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make our meditations powerful and effective
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train in the spiritual path practically in daily activities
Copies of the book are available in our bookstore or directly from Tharpa Publications.
Cost
The program fee of $80* per month includes:
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All weekly Foundation Program classes
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All drop-in General Program classes
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50% off half-day retreats and workshops
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All meditation prayers (pujas)
* Financial accommodations can be made for those in need. Please contact our Administrative Director for details: AD@meditateinchicago.org or 312-767-1898 (call/text)
How to Enroll
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Contact our Education Program Coordinator to arrange a free session at your convenience: EPC@meditateinchicago.org or 312-767-1898 (call/text)
The Origin of Foundation Program
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, founder of the New Kadampa Tradition, created this specially designed study and meditation program based upon traditional methods passed down in an unbroken lineage for generations since the time of Buddha Shakyamuni.
The Program includes the study and practice of six authoritative texts covering the entire scope of Buddha’s Mahayana teachings, which generally takes several years to complete.
Its modern format makes it possible for anyone to develop authentic spiritual experience while living a busy, modern life. It is very blessed and powerful, and easily leads to quick and authentic spiritual development.
The program comprises the following five subjects, based on Buddha’s Sutra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso:
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The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune
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Training the Mind, based on the commentaries Universal Compassion and The New Eight Steps to Happiness
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The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary The New Heart of Wisdom
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Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold
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Types of Mind, based on the commentary How to Understand the Mind