Foundation Program

NEW FOUNDATION PROGRAM
AT VAJRA LIGHT

Buddhism teaches that to find lasting happiness and meaning in our lives we need to follow a spiritual path. To follow this path it is important to have a close connection with a qualified Teacher who can give us personal advice and encouragement, to listen to pure Dharma teachings and to be a part of a strong spiritual community. In this way we are able to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of Buddha’s teachings, maintain a daily meditation practice that is both focused and powerful, and make genuine spiritual progress.

A UNIQUE STUDY PROGRAM

The purpose of the Foundation Program is to provide a systematic presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism. Through regular teachings and meditation, systematic study, and group discussion, the Foundation Program offers the same training followed by spiritual practitioners in an unbroken lineage dating back to Buddha Shakayamuni. In this way we can gain authentic experience of the Dharma while still maintaining our contemporary lifestyle. By studying on this program we shall gain great confidence in meditation - from basic techniques for overcoming our everyday problems to practices leading to unsurpassed happiness and permanent inner peace. Warm friendships develop as students inspire each other, sharing insights and experiences of the spiritual path.

WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE?

The secret of the Foundation Program's success lies in the manageable commitment made by the student and in the clear structure of study. Students sign up to study a book or part of a book, agree to attend class regularly, learn the material, and take a test at the conclusion of the study. Class meets once a week for two and a half hours. If for a suitable reason a student is not able to attend the class in person, he or she agrees to catch up by listening to a podcast of the class. Generally, the students take turns setting up the shrine and setting up the meditation room on the day of their class. In this way they learn about the rituals associated with Buddhist practice.

THE BOOK

With this book, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso offers us step-by-step guidance on the meditation practices that will lead us to lasting inner peace and happiness.  With extraordinary clarity, he presents all Buddha's teachings in the order in which they are to be practiced, enriching his explanation with stories and illuminating analogies.

THE TEACHER

The Foundation Program is taught by Donna Campanelli on Thursday nights. Donna has trained on the Teacher Training Program of Kadampa Buddhism with Kadam Morten for many years. As a wife and mother of three teenagers, Donna delights in applying Dharma wisdom to her own challenges as a suburban mom. With humor and kindness, Donna shows her students how to transform day-to-day difficulties into a meaningful life.

HOW TO JOIN THE NEW FOUNDATION PROGRAM

Interested in deepening your understanding of the meaning of Buddha’s teaching, creating and maintaining a focused and powerful daily meditation practice and making genuine spiritual progress?  Please contact Marie Tremblay, Educational Program Coordinator at 914-708-7484 in order to register for the course.

Class will start on THURSDAY, April 1, and will be held in the library at St. Barts Church on Thursday evenings from 6:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

HOW TO JOIN

The cost to join FP is $48 a month. However, if you are an FP student , becoming a monthly Vajra Light member entitles you to attend all FP classes, all General Program classes, and any special events held at Vajra Light.  The monthly fee for this type of membership is $70.  As a member, you will also receive the member rates for cooperating local Dharma centers for their special events and workshops. 

 

Meditation Classes

• Sunday Meditation Classes
• What to Expect at a Class
• FAQs about Weekly Classes
• Foundation Program