three study programmes

All the classes and courses at Vajrapani Centre are included within three special study prorgrammes. Developed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche these three core study programmes are at the heart of modern Kadampa Buddhism and are taught at every Kadampa Centre.

General Programme Foundation Programme Teacher Training Programme

General Programme

The General Programme (GP) is taught at every centre for Modern Kadampa Buddhism and is an ideal starting point for those interested to find out more about the practical application of Buddhism and meditation to modern life.

It consists of a wide range of events from regular weekly classes and entry level courses to Tantric empowerments and meditation retreats.

All of the teachings are based on books by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.

All GP classes are open to everyone. Anyone, even non-Buddhists, can benefit from these classes, which include practical subjects such as how to use meditation to solve our anger problem and deal with difficulties in a more constructive way.

Buddhist Nun, Gen Kelsang Varahi, teaching about Buddhism and meditation to a group of people in front of a traditional buddhist shrine with statues and offerings

Foundation Programme

The purpose of the Foundation Programme (FP) is to provide a systematic presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism.

The program comprises the following five subjects, based on Buddha’s Sutra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche:

1. The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune

2. Training the Mind, based on the commentaries Universal Compassion and The New Eight Steps to Happiness

3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary The New Heart of Wisdom

4. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold

5. Types of Mind, based on the commentary How to Understand the Mind

Lorem ipsum dolor ist amte, consectetuer adipiscing eilt. Aenean commodo ligula egget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quak felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quid, sem.

A young woman with glasses reading a Buddhist text written by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, concentrating on what she is reading.

Teacher Training Programme

The purpose of the Teacher Training Program (TTP) is to provide an extensive presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism, and to train as qualified Teachers of Modern Buddhism.

The Teacher Training Programme comprises the following twelve subjects, based on Buddha’s Sutra and Tantra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso:

1. The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune

2. Training the Mind, based on the commentaries Universal Compassion and The New Eight Steps to Happiness

3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary The New Heart of Wisdom

4. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold

5. Types of Mind, based on the commentary How to Understand the Mind

6. Guide to the Middle Way, based on the commentary Ocean of Nectar

7. Vajrayana Mahamudra, based on the commentary Clear Light of Bliss

8. The Bodhisattva’s Moral Discipline, based on the commentary The Bodhisattva Vow

9. Offering to the Spiritual Guide, based on the commentaries Great Treasury of Merit and Mahamudra Tantra

10. Vajrayogini Tantra, based on the commentary The New Guide to Dakini Land

11. Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra, based on the commentary Tantric Grounds and Paths

12. The Practice of Heruka Body Mandala, based on the commentary Essence of Vajrayana

A man looking very thoughtful whilst listening to a Buddhist class

Only by creating peace within our own mind and helping others to do the same can we hope to achieve peace in this world.

- Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso