Three Spiritual Programmes

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has designed three special spiritual programs for the systematic study and practice of Kadampa Buddhism that are especially suited to the modern world: the General Program (our drop-in classes), the Foundation Program, and the Teacher Training Program.

The Foundation Programme

The Foundation Program provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding and experience of Buddhism through a systematic study of six texts. It is designed for those people who wish to study Buddha's teachings in more depth than is available at General classes. It takes a more structured approach and classes consist of readings, teachings, discussions, chanted prayers and meditations. Each subject concludes with an examination.

We run four Foundation Programmes:

2008 Term dates

Monday 4 February – Sunday 6 April (inclusive)
Monday 21 April – Sunday 25 May (inclusive)
Monday 2 June – Thursday 24 July (inclusive)
Monday 8 September – Sunday 26 October (inclusive)
Monday 10 November – Sunday 14 December (inclusive)

Foundation (1) Kelmarsh

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings 7am to 9am
with Kadam Bridget Heyes.

Foundation (1) is currently studying Eight Steps to Happiness.This inspiring book reveals deeply transforming yet practical methods to enable a powerful opening of the heart, the source of all true happiness. Please call 01604 686778 for more details.

Foundation (2) Kelmarsh

Wednesdays and Thursdays 7pm to 9pm with Amanda Day.



Foundation (2) is currently studying Joyful Path of Good Fortune. This book offers us step-by-step guidance on the meditation practices that will lead us to lasting inner peace and happiness. With extraordinary clarity, it presents all Buddha’s teachings in the order in which they are to be practised. Please call 01604 686778 for more details

Foundation (3) Leicester

Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm - 9pm, with Adam Starr.
Friends Meeting House, Queens Road, Leicester.

Foundation (3) is currently studying Eight Steps to Happiness.This inspiring book reveals deeply transforming yet practical methods to enable a powerful opening of the heart, the source of all true happiness. Please call 01604 686778 for more details.

Foundation (4) Coventry

Mondays and Wednesdays 7.30pm to 9.30pm with Gill Hall.
Elmbank Training Centre, Mile Lane, Coventry.



Foundation (4) is currently studying Joyful Path of Good Fortune. This wonderful book is a complete guide to the essential teachings of Buddha. Please call 01604 686778 for more details. Visit our branch website at www.meditateincoventry.org.

To study on Foundation Programme (FP) you need to be able to commit yourself to attend all classes during term times for the duration of the book being studied.

The facility fee for FP is £35 per month (£420 per year) which entitles students to attend any class, course or retreat at Nagarjuna Centre and/or its branches free of charge (meals and overnight accommodation are not included). Please note, free courses at the Kelmarsh centre are not included in fees for students in FP classes other than Kelmarsh classes (i.e. Leicester & Coventry). There will be a fee for these courses at a discounted rate.

If you are interested in any of the Foundation Programmes please call Valentina Schweizer on 01604 686778 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Teacher Training Program

The Teacher Training Program is intended for people who wish to train as authentic Buddhist Teachers, and also for those who wish to gain a clear insight into Buddha's teachings and deep experience of their practice. All qualified Kadampa Buddhist teachers follow this in-depth program of study and practice.

The program involves the study of twelve texts, students are required to observe certain commitments with regard to behavior and way of life, and to complete a number of meditation retreats.

Monday & Tuesday(9.30am to 11.30am)
and Thursday (9am to 11am)
with Kadam Bridget Heyes. Teacher Training Programme are currently studying Great Treasury of Merit.

If you are interested please call Valentina Schweizer on 01604 686778 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it