Foundation Program: The New Eight Steps to Happiness

“Everyone, whether religious or non-religious, is looking for happiness all the time and wants to be free from problems and suffering permanently. We can fulfill these wishes through understanding and practicing the instructions given in this book.” - 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.  

A detailed and practical explanation of one of Buddhism's best-loved teachings, Eight Verses of Training the Mind, by the great Tibetan Bodhisattva, Langri Tangpa. Clear methods are simply presented for transforming all life's difficulties into valuable spiritual insights, for improving our relationships, and for bringing greater patience, empathy and compassion into our daily life. These methods have inspired generations of Buddhist practitioners for almost a thousand years, and brought lasting peace, inspiration and serenity to countless people.  

Now, with this book, Venerable Geshe Kelsang shares the immeasurably rich insight of this ancient wisdom to help us find greater happiness and meaning in our busy, modern lives. With this revised presentation, The New Eight Steps to Happiness, Venerable Geshe-la re-introduces us to the essential practices of Training the Mind. He not only challenges our entire understanding of the world, but also challenges us to transform ourself into the greatest being we can possibly become!  

Anyone may enroll in this program for the study of this book. Topics include reincarnation, karma, and meditation, as well as loving kindness, compassion and wisdom. If you enroll, then you should have the intention to complete the book for which you have joined. This book, The New Eight Steps to Happiness, 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 Root Text and condensed meaning of the book. 

3. To prepare for and take the exam at the end of each part of the book. This book is in two 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.