Kadampa Buddhism in Brighton and the South

The Study Programmes

The three Programmes: General, Foundation and Teacher Training

Bodhisattva Centre offers three levels of programme for meditation and Buddhism: General Programme (GP) for weekly drop in meditation classes in Brighton and across the South East; Foundation Programme (FP) is offered at the Centre in Brighton and also as a correspondence course; and the Teacher Training Programme (TTP) is our most in-depth programme. Please scroll down for more information about thees programmes.

Weekly teaching schedule at Bodhisattva Centre:

Mondays 7.30-9.30pm, Joyful Path (FP)
Tuesdays 8-10am, Bodhisattva Vow (TTP)
Tuesdays 7.30-9pm, Meditation Basics course (GP)
Wednesdays 8-10am, Bodhisattva Vow (TTP)
Wednesdays 12.30-1pm, free guided meditation (GP)
Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm, Bodhisattva Vow (TTP)
Thursdays 8-10am, Bodhisattva Vow (TTP)
Thursdays 7.30-9pm, our main class with Gen Nyingpo (GP)
Fridays 11am-12pm, for parents with babies (GP)
Sunday 10am-12pm / 1-2.30pm, Eight Steps (FP)
Sunday 7.30-9.30pm, Joyful Path (FP)

General Programme

The General Programme (GP) is an ideal starting point for those interested to find out more about Buddhism and meditation. GP introduces basic Buddhist view, meditation and action, along with various other teachings and practices, all within the Kadampa Buddhist tradition, to help practitioners deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism. All the teachings are based on commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. The programme consists of drop-in classes, supplemented by day courses, weekend courses, and meditation retreats. All classes are open to everyone.

Regular classes are held at the Centre and at venues throughout the region (see Local Classes in the menu to the left). There is no need to book for drop-in classes, just pay on the door as you arrive.

Foundation Programme - take the next step!
Study at the Centre or at home on the correspondence course

What is the Foundation Programme? The Foundation Programme (FP) is a uniquely structured programme that enables us to gain a deeper understanding and experience of Buddhist teachings and to develop a regular meditation practice. It is ideal for those who have an introductory understanding of Buddhism and wish to learn more. You can study on this programme at the Centre or at home on the correspondence course.

Through regular teachings, meditation, systematic study and group discussion, FP offers deep support for your spiritual life. Its special quality is that we can gain authentic experience without abandoning our modern lifestyle. By studying on this program we will gain great confidence in meditation - from basic techniques for overcoming our everyday problems, to practices leading to unsurpassed happiness and permanent inner peace.

The fee for FP is £35 per month by standing order. Those on FP can also attend General Programme classes at the centre or our branches, weekend retreats, day courses and empowerments for no extra cost (just pay for food).

Bodhisattva Centre FP courses:

* Joyful Path of Good Fortune 7.30pm-9.30pm on Sundays and Mondays
For information about the text Joyful Path click here.
Please email if you are interested in joining FP.

* Eight Steps to Happiness 10am-12pm & 1-2.30pm on Sundays
For information about the text Eight Steps to Happiness click here.
Please email if you are interested in this programme.

To read a transcript of a talk given by Venerable Geshe Kelsang about the benefits of FP click here.

FP comprises the following five subjects, based on Buddha's Sutra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso:

For more information and to enrol on FP please contact the Education Programme Co-ordinator at the Centre on 01273 732917 or email epc@meditateinbrighton.com. Students enrol to study a book or section of a book (for a period of about 6 months).

Teacher Training Programme

The Teacher Training Programme (TTP) provides an extensive study of fourteen texts by Venerable Geshe-la, and includes nine weeks of meditation retreat each year, training students as qualified NKT Teachers.

The program comprises the following twelve subjects (the first five being the same as those covered in FP), based on Buddha’s Sutra and Tantra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso:

1. The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune
2. Training the Mind, based on the commentaries Universal Compassion and Eight Steps to Happiness
3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary Heart of Wisdom
4. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold
5. Types of Mind, based on the commentary Understanding the Mind
6. Guide to the Middle Way, based on the commentary Ocean of Nectar
7. Vajrayana Mahamudra, based on the commentary Clear Light of Bliss
8. The Bodhisattva’s Moral Discipline, based on the commentary The Bodhisattva Vow
9. Offering to the Spiritual Guide, based on the commentaries Great Treasury of Merit and Mahamudra Tantra
10. Vajrayogini Tantra, based on the commentary Guide to Dakini Land
11. Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra, based on the commentary Tantric Grounds and Paths
12. The Practice of Heruka Body Mandala, based on the commentary Essence of Vajrayana

The Teacher Training Program takes approximately twelve years to complete and requires an enrollment procedure.

Why we need to study

There are three reasons why we need to study and practise the teachings of Buddha:

* To develop our wisdom
* To cultivate a good heart
* To maintain a peaceful state of mind

If we do not strive to develop our wisdom, we shall 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. 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. If we do not maintain a peaceful state of mind we are not happy even if we have ideal conditions. On the other hand, when our mind is peaceful we are happy even if our external conditions are unpleasant. Therefore, the development of these qualities is of utmost importance for our daily happiness.