Study Programs

Three Spiritual Programs

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has designed three special spiritual programmes 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 Program

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 Programs:

2009 Term Dates

Monday 9 February – Sunday 5 April (inclusive)
Monday 20 April – Thursday 21 May (inclusive)
Monday 1 June – Sunday 19 July (inclusive)
Monday 7 September – Sunday 25 October (inclusive)
Monday 9 November – Sunday 13 December (inclusive)

Foundation Program (1) Kelmarsh

Wednesdays and Thursdays 7pm to 9pm with Pet Finden



Foundation Program (1) 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 Program (2) Leicester - NEW BOOK

Sundays and Wednesdays 7pm - 9pm, with Adam Starr.



Foundation Program (3) will start the study of a new book "Universal Compassion" from Sunday 20th Sep 09. This book gives a practical and uplifting explanation of how we can transform our day-to-day lives, including even the most difficult situations, into opportunities for personal and spiritual development.

Foundation program (Leicester) will be held at our new meditation centre at St. Katherine's Buidling, 17 Guildhall lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ. For more detail on the new centre, Read more...

If you are interested in joining the Foundation Program at our new Leicester centre, 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

Enrloment and Fees

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 £40 per month 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 Programs 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.

Teacher Training Program (1) - Kelmarsh - NEW BOOK

Mon & Tue 9.30am to 11.30am and Thurs 9am to 11am
with Kadam Bridget Heyes.

Teacher Training Program (1) are currently studying Tantric Grounds & Paths. Open to all with a Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment.

Teacher Training Program (2) - Leicester - NEW BOOK

Tuesday & Thursday 7pm to 9pm with Kadam Bridget Heyes

Teacher Training Program (2) will be studying "Guide to Dakini Land". Open to all with a Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment.

The Teacher Training Program (Leicester) will be held at our new meditation centre at St. Katherine's Buidling, 17 Guildhall lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ. For more detail on the new centre, Read more...

If you are interested in joining either of the Teacher Training Programs 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