OUR STUDY PROGRAMS
Akshobya offers meditation classes, study programs and retreats suitable for all levels of interest and experience:
• General Program (GP)
• Foundation Program (FP)
•Teacher Training Program (TTP)
The General Program
The General Program is open to everyone, without special requirements or commitments. Most of the GP activities are drop-in and are don’t require any pre-registration. Weekly GP classes introduce methods for improving our lives through learning to meditate and increasing our wisdom and consideration for others. The modern Kadampa Buddhist presentation accords with everyone’s daily experience and our classes include such topics as:
• Reducing Stress and Anxiety
• Dealing with Difficult Circumstances
• Developing a Happy Outlook
• Learning to Love without Pain
• Improving our Mindfulness
• Letting go of Anger
• Loving Kindness
• Explanations of Karma, Rebirth, Liberation, Enlightenment and other aspects of Buddhist faith
Our teachers are all experienced practitioners who effectively share their study and experience with the sole intention of helping others improve their lives. They give their time and energy freely –no one is paid to teach.
The General Program is included at every Kadampa Buddhist Centre and is an ideal starting point for those interested to find out more about how meditation and modern Buddhism can improve their own life. Ongoing weekly classes, half day courses, day and weekend courses, retreats, Dharma for Kids, chanted prayer sessions and blessing Empowerment ceremonies are
GP activities that are open to everyone. Check our calendar for dates and times and browse our website to find something that interests you!
Foundation Program
A more in depth approach, the Foundation Program is an opportunity for those with some experience to deepen their study and experience of Kadam Dharma. The Foundation Program focuses on an in depth study of particular subjects:
• The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune
Training the Mind, based on the commentaries Universal Compassion and Eight Steps to Happiness
The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary Heart of Wisdom
Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold
Types of Mind, based on the commentary Understanding the Mind.
Those who join FP commit themselves complete the study of one of these books and to:
• Attend all FP classes and prepare for class by studying the text to be covered
• Put the teachings into practice by listening, concentrating and meditating on them
• Attend one puja (chanted prayer and meditation session) a week at the Centre
• Complete an exam at the end of the book study
• Support the Centre with some voluntary help, if possible
FP students pay monthly fee for a minimum of one year, or complete course of study, which entitles them to the privileges of a Centre Supporter.
For more information on the current Foundation Program class at Akshobya Centre click here.
For further information or to register please contact the centre.
Teacher Training Program
Those who wish to train to become a qualified teacher of the New Kadampa Tradition might consider the Teacher Training Program. This requires program requires an intention to complete many years of study of the same subjects as Foundation Program, plus additional study of Tantric teachings. Students who apply to join TTP must have received the Highest Yoga
Tantra empowerment and should request an interview with our Resident Teacher. Through committing themselves to an extensive program of study and practice, TTP students take their practice to a deeper level of realization. The subjects studied on TTP are:
The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune
Training the Mind, based on the commentaries Universal Compassion and Eight Steps to Happiness
The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary Heart of Wisdom
Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold
Types of Mind, based on the commentary Understanding the Mind
Guide to the Middle Way, based on the commentary Ocean of Nectar
Vajrayana Mahamudra, based on the commentary Clear Light of Bliss
The Bodhisattva’s Moral Discipline, based on the commentary The Bodhisattva Vow
Offering to the Spiritual Guide, based on the commentaries Great Treasury of Merit and Mahamudra Tantra
Vajrayogini Tantra, based on the commentary Guide to Dakini Land
Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra, based on the commentary Tantric Grounds and Paths
The Practice of Heruka Body Mandala, based on the commentary Essence of Vajrayana.
Please contact us for more information on the teacher Training Program.