Foundation Program: In-Depth Study Program in Modern Buddhism

Program Information

Classes held:
Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

In-Depth Study Program
with Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Tashi

This is not a drop-in class. Enrollment is required. 

Cost: $65 per month
(Standard Membership required – includes these weekly study classes and access to all our drop-in meditation classes)

Location:
Kadampa Meditation Center Miami
316 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134

The Foundation Program (FP) is designed for anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding and experience of Kadampa Buddhism through a systematic study of essential Buddhist texts and their commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Anyone can join and experience the great benefits of being part of this regular study program. Through this we can improve our good heart, our wisdom, and our cherishing of others by going deeper into our study and meditation practice.

About the Program

Meaningful to Behold: Commentary to Shantideva’s Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life

The current book being studied is Meaningful to Behold by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

The way of life of a Bodhisattva was exquisitely explained in the beloved poem Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, by the 8th century Buddhist master Shantideva. With his commentary, Meaningful to Behold, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso fully reveals the great meaning and practical application of this wonderful poem in a way that is accessible and relevant to our modern times. This handbook is essential for those wishing to follow a way of life characterized by greater empathy and compassion for others.

What happens at each class?

Before each class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages long, and try to memorize the essential points. Each class begins with short prayers and a guided meditation. The teacher then reads the assigned section from the book while giving commentary to the text. The students then discuss the material in pairs. The teacher and students conclude by deciding what to meditate on in the next class and how to practice during the coming days before the next class.

What are the program commitments?

Students may enroll to study either a whole book or a part of a book. When students join the Foundation Program, they make the following commitments:

  1. To attend every class, unless there is a valid health, family or work-related reason for missing.
  2. To apply effort to memorize The Condensed Meaning of the Text for each part of the book studied.
  3. To take a written examination at the end of each part of the book studied.
  4. To attend at least one drop-in meditation class or prayer session at the Center each week in addition to these classes.

How to Enroll

Those who are interested in learning more about the program may join the first class on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. During this first session the teacher will provide an introduction and overview of the study program, and can answer any questions you may have about the program.

Please note that formal enrollment is required to participate in this program on an ongoing basis. New students may attend the first class as a trial before deciding whether to enroll. To ensure the success of the program, those who enroll in the program commit to attending every class to the best of their ability. 

The class meets once a week on Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 9:00pm with some breaks for holidays and special events. 

New students who wish to formally enroll can do so in person at the Center by completing an enrollment form.

Class Schedule

Meaningful to Behold (Part One)

Feb 12 – Introduction (p.1-10)

Chapter 1: The Benefits of Bodhichitta

Feb 19 – Preliminary explanation (p.11-20)
Feb 26 – The benefits of bodhichitta (p.20-30)
Mar 5 – Equanimity (p.30-35)
Mar 12 – Recognizing mother living beings (p. 35-40)
Mar 19 – Kindness, Love and Compassion (p.40-45)
Mar 26 – Bodhichitta (p.45-52)
Apr 2 – Praise (p.52-58)
Apr 9 – Group Discussion (p.1-58)

Chapter 2: Disclosure of Evil

Apr 16 – Offering (p.59-67)
Apr 23 – Offering (p.67-72)
Apr 30 – Prostration (p.72-76)
May 7 – Refuge (p.76-83)
May 14 – Confession (p.84-91)
May 21 – The power of regret (p.91-93)
May 28 – The power of regret, continued (p.93-98)

Jun 4 – Offering our Faith Day Retreat

Jun 11 – The powers of reliance and opponent force (p.98-105)
Jun 18 – The power of promise (p.106-109)
June 25 – Group Discussion (p.59-109)

July 2 to Aug 6 – Summer Break / NKT International Summer Festival (July 25 – Aug 9)

Chapter 3: Full Acceptance of Bodhichitta

Aug 13 – Rejoicing (p.111-119)
Aug 20– Requesting, Beseeching, Dedication (p.119-125)
Aug 27 – Training the mind in giving (p.126-133)
Sep 3 – Fully accepting bodhichitta (p.133-139)
Sep 10 – Benefiting Others (p.139-144)
Sep 17 – Group Discussion (p.111-144)

Chapter 4: Conscientiousness

Sep 24 – Meditating on conscientiousness (p.145-152)
Oct 1 – The faults of abandoning bodhichitta (p.152-156)

Oct 8 – No Class: International Fall Festival (IKRC Arizona)

Oct 15 – Conscientiousness in abandoning non-virtue (p.157-163)
Oct 22 – Conscientiousness in meditating on virtue (p.163-170)
Oct 29 – Conscientiousness in abandoning delusions (p.170-179)
Nov 5 – Conscientiousness in abandoning delusions (p.179-184)
Nov 12 – Group Discussion (p.145-184)
Nov 19 – Review & exam preparation study activity

Nov 26 – No Class (Thanksgiving holiday)

Dec 3 – Exam for Part One (Chapters 1 -4)
Dec 10 – Offering to the Spiritual Guide Prayers

Dec 17 – 31 – Winter Break

Part Two (Chapters 5-8) begins on January 7, 2026