programs
Three special spiritual programs
There are three reasons why we need to study and practice 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.
Special spiritual programs
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, or 'Geshe-la' as he is affectionately called by his students, has designed three special spiritual programs for the systematic study and practice of Kadampa Buddhism that are especially suited to the modern world: the General Program (GP), the Foundation Program (FP), and the Teacher Training Program (TTP).
The General Program provides a basic introduction to Buddhist view, meditation, and practice that is suitable for beginners. It also includes advanced teachings and practices from both Sutra and Tantra.
The Foundation Program provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding and experience of Buddhism through a systematic study of five texts:
- Joyful Path of Good Fortune - a commentary to Atisha's Lamrim instructions, the stages of the path to enlightenment.
- Universal Compassion - a commentary to Bodhisattva Chekhawa's Training the Mind in Seven Points.
- Heart of Wisdom - a commentary to the Heart Sutra.
- Meaningful to Behold - a commentary to Venerable Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life.
- Understanding the Mind - a detailed explanation of the mind based on the works of the Buddhist scholars Dharmakirti and Dignaga.
The benefits of studying and practicing these texts are as follows:
Joyful Path of Good Fortune - we gain the ability to put all Buddha's teachings of both Sutra and Tantra into practice. We can easily make progress on and complete the stages of the path to the supreme happiness of enlightenment. From a practical point of view, Lamrim is the main body of Buddha's teachings, and the other teachings are like its limbs.
Universal Compassion - we gain the ability to integrate Buddha's teachings into our daily lives and solve all our human problems.
Heart of Wisdom - we gain a realization of the ultimate nature of reality. By gaining this realization we can eliminate the ignorance of self-grasping, which is the root of all our suffering.
Meaningful to Behold - we transform our daily activities into the Bodhisattva's way of life, thereby making every moment of our human life meaningful.
Understanding the Mind - we understand the relationship between our mind and its external objects. If we understand that objects depend upon the subjective mind, we can change the way objects appear to us by changing our own mind. Gradually we shall gain the ability to control our mind and in this way solve all our problems.
The Teacher Training Program is designed for people who wish to train as authentic Dharma Teachers. In addition to completing the study of twelve texts of Sutra and Tantra, which include the five texts mentioned above, the student is required to observe certain commitments with regard to behavior and way of life, and to complete a number of meditation retreats.