There are three reasons why we need to study and practise the teachings of Buddha: 1) to develop our wisdom, 2) to cultivate a good heart and 3) to maintain a peaceful state of mind.

Developing wisdom
If we do not strive to develop our wisdom we will always remain ignorant of ultimate truth – the true nature of reality. Although we wish for happiness, our ignorance leads us to engage in non-virtuous actions, which are the main cause of all our suffering.

Cultivating a good heart
If we do not cultivate a good heart, our selfish motivation destroys harmony and good relationships with others. We have no peace, and no chance to gain pure happiness. Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible.

Maintaining a peaceful state of mind
If we do not maintain a peaceful state of mind we are not happy even if we have ideal external conditions. On the other hand, when our mind is peaceful we are happy even if our external conditions are unpleasant.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche has designed these three special Study Programmes for the systematic study and practice of Modern Buddhism that are especially suited to the modern world: the General Programme, Foundation Programme, and Teacher Training Programme. See below for details.

The General Programme (GP) is taught at every centre for Modern Kadampa Buddhism and is an ideal starting point for those interested to find out about the practical application of Buddhism and meditation to modern life.

It consists of a wide range of topics and events from regular weekly classes and entry-level courses to Tantric empowerments and long retreats. All of the teachings are based on books by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. All GP classes are open to everyone. Anyone, including non-Buddhists, can benefit from these classes, which include practical subjects such as how to use meditation to solve our anger problem, which lies at the root of many family problems. This activity is completely peaceful and joyful and is very important as protection against future suffering.

We also have classes for families and children. Please check Meditation for Families and Kids Club for more information.

The Foundation Programme provides an opportunity for everyone to engage in systematic study and meditation on the essential subjects of Kadampa Buddhism based on six books by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. The emphasis in the classes, which consist of teachings, meditation, and discussion, is on gaining practical experience of Buddha’s teachings that you can apply to your daily life.
Studying in this way is a tried and tested method 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. If you have been coming to classes regularly and have been getting a lot out of your General Programme classes but feel you want to go deeper with your study and practice - the systematic study of these essential Kadampa texts on the Foundation Programmes may be a perfect next step for you.

Monday 7:00 - 9:00 pm
with Kelsang Pagma

On this programme you are welcome to attend up to three free 'taster' sessions.

Studying Joyful Path of Good Fortune with senior teacher, Kelsang Pagma.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A clear and comprehensive explanation of the entire path to enlightenment.

We all have the potential for self-transformation, and a limitless capacity for the growth of good qualities, but to fulfil this potential we need to know what to do along every stage of our spiritual journey. With this book, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche 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 practised, enriching his explanation with stories and illuminating analogies. This is a perfect guidebook to the Buddhist path.

ABOUT THE TEACHER

Kelsang Pagma, studies on the Teacher Training Programme at Tara IKRC and has been ordained as a Kadampa Buddhist nun for many years. She shares her wealth of meditative experience with joy and clarity, and explains how to apply Buddha’s teachings practically to daily life.

Sunday 3:00-5:00 pm
with Gen Kelsang Losel

A Wonderful Opportunity at Tara IKRC!

Sunday Foundation Study Programme with Gen Kelsang Losel will be starting a new book on November 16th: Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life: how to enjoy a life of meaning and altruism and its commentary Meaningful to Behold: Becoming a Friend of the World, by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Rinpoche.

Now is the time to really make progress on your spiritual path! This is a wonderful opportunity to ripen your potential and take the full meaning of your human life by awakening your Buddha nature - following the example of the great bodhisattva Shantideva - whose timeless instructions have led  countless people  to the supreme state of enlightenment.Through structured study, clear instructions from a qualified Teacher and the support of like-minded people the Foundation Programme offers perfect conditions for those wanting to take their spiritual practice to the next level.

You are welcome to attend up to three free 'taster' sessions.

Sunday 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Monday 7:00 - 8:30 am
Tuesday 7:00 - 8:30am
with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab

The Teacher Training Programme (TTP) was designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche to train qualified teachers of modern Kadampa Buddhism. It is taught by Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, our Resident Teacher at Tara IKRC.
The core of the programme is the study of fourteen books written by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
The purpose of the study component is to enable students to gain an understanding of the deep meanings of Buddha’s teachings and learn how to apply them to modern daily life. The purpose of the meditation component is to enable the students to gain practical experience of the meaning of the teachings. Qualified teachers need both.

In addition there is a Teaching Skills component in which two students offer short teachings followed by video-feedback and discussion on how to improve and deliver effective teachings.