Foundation Program: Joyful Path of Good Fortune

“What we need is not displays of miracle powers but a clear example of how to enter an unmistaken spiritual path, how to practice that path comfortably and smoothly, and how to complete it successfully. This is the actual method for solving our daily problems.” - Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

The Foundation Program provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding and experience of Buddhism through systematic study. If you are thinking about joining, or are curious to see what these classes are like, please feel free to sit in on the first class and check it out. Each class will cover an assigned number of pages from the book, with an emphasis on practical application.

We all have the potential for self-transformation, and a limitless capacity for the growth of good qualities, but to fulfill this potential we need to know what to do along every stage of our spiritual journey.

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. A clear and comprehensive explanation of the entire path to enlightenment, this is a perfect guidebook to the Buddhist path.

Anyone may enroll in this program for the study of this book. Topics include the basic foundations of the Buddhist path, preparing for meditation, and how to meditate on the stages of the path to enlightenment (Lamrim). If you enroll, then you should have the intention to complete the part of the book for which you have joined. The first part of this book, Joyful Path of Good Fortune, will take about a year to complete.

To enroll in this program, either:

• Ask for an enrollment form in person at the center.
• Or contact us at: ad@meditationcharlotte.org

FP 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 book.
3. To take the exam at the end of each part of the book. This book is in four parts.
4. To attend at least one General Program class (Sunday morning, Wednesday night, or Friday morning) or puja (such as Heart Jewel) at the center each week.