deepen your practice

Study

The study programmes give us the opportunity to deepen our understanding and experience of Buddhism through systematic study of qualified Buddhist texts. The programmes offer a modern way of studying and practicing Buddhist meditation where the emphasis is on how we reconcile our spiritual practice with our busy everyday life.

"By relying on the study programmes, we can gradually increase our wisdom until it has fully matured, like a full moon."

— Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Foundation Programme

The Foundation Programme (FP) is for those who wish to learn Buddhist meditation and practice in a structured way by studying specific books. Each session consists of chanted prayers, guided meditations, teaching and paired discussion. Learn to develop deep inner peace and true happiness by uniting Buddhist wisdom with your everyday life.

To join or find out more information please contact epc@compassioncentre.org.

Foundation Programme

The current text

This study class is based on the book “How to Understand the Mind” by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

This book offers us deep insight into our mind, and shows how an understanding of its nature and functions can be used practically in every day experience to improve our lives.

Part 1 is a practical guide to developing and maintaining a light, positive mind – showing how to recognize and abandon states of mind that harm us, and to replace them with peaceful and beneficial ones.

Part 2 describes different types of mind in detail, revealing the depth and profundity of the Buddhist understanding of the mind. It concludes with a detailed explanation of meditation, showing how by controlling and transforming our mind we can attain a lasting state of joy, independent of external conditions.

Problems arise only if we respond to difficult external situations with negative state of mind. Therefore, if we really want to be free from problems we must learn to control our mind by controlling our desire.

Teacher Training Programme

The Teacher Training Programme (TTP) is a great opportunity to deepen your study and practice of Kadampa Buddhism. In this study programme, we study twelve of Geshe Kelsang Gyaso’s sutra and tantra books. The programme also includes some meditation retreats that students are expected to attend. The TTP is a structured programme that offers dedicated practitioners the opportunity to make rapid progress on the spiritual path. The sessions consist of prayers, guided meditations, teaching and discussion.

To join or find out more information please contact epc@compassioncentre.org.

Teacher Training Programme

The current text

This study class is based on the book “The Bodhisattva Vow” by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

A Bodhisattva is a friend of the world who, motivated by compassion, seeks enlightenment to benefit all living beings. In this welcome guide to compassionate living, Geshe Kelsang explains in detail how to take and keep the Bodhisattva vows, how to purify negative minds, and how to practise the Bodhisattva’s actions of giving, moral discipline, patience, effort, concentration and wisdom. With this handbook as our companion, we can enter the Bodhisattva’s way of life and progress along the path to full enlightenment.

The Sanskrit term ‘Bodhisattva’ is the name given to anyone who, motivated by great compassion, has generated bodhichita, which is a spontaneous wish to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all living beings.

Questions?

Questions and answers

Can I join the programme at any time?

Those who want to go deeper in their study of Buddhist meditation usually start on our FP or TTP study programmes after gaining some experience through our general programme (weekly drop-in classes and weekend courses).

For FP or TTP pre-enrolment is required, but it is possible to hop on the programme at any time.

How much does it cost?

To participate in Foundation or Teacher Training Programme, students needs to have a Study Membership which costs 40 month. Read more about everything that is included in this membership.

Do I have to attend on site?

Those who live far away or for other valid reasons cannot participate in person can choose to participate via live stream.

How should I register?

You can either go to the study programme you are interested in and then click “Apply now” or contact us at: epc@compassioncentre.org. We are happy to answer questions and tell you more about the programme and how to sign up.

NB! The study programmes are more dynamic, interactive, and comprehensive than our other classes and require a deeper commitment.