Study Programs

An introduction to our three study programs

In the New Kadampa Tradition, we have three spiritual programs: General Program (GP), Foundation Program (FP) and Teacher Training Program (TTP). These programs, designed by Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for the systematic study and practice of modern Buddhism, are especially suited to today’s world.

All classes at KMC Colorado provide practical methods for improving our human nature and qualities through developing the capacity of our mind. The programs are open to everyone of all backgrounds and traditions.

"By participating in them we can improve our wisdom and Dharma experience and use Dharma to solve our daily problems. We can become our own protector by protecting ourselves from danger and suffering, and our own doctor by curing our mental pain with Dharma medicine. We shall be able to set a good example for others to follow and help others by giving teachings and advice. Eventually we will be able to give extensive teachings and benefit others in many ways by organizing special programs and so forth. In this way we will make both our own and others’ human lives extremely meaningful." ~ Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

These three study programs help us fulfill our highest potential

Buddha’s 84,000 teachings of Sutra and Tantra are precious wisdom insights that can open the door to a profoundly rich and meaningful life and lead us to lasting happiness. To extract their full meaning, we need to systematically familiarize our minds with these insights until we have penetrated so deeply into their meaning that they become our own.

The study programs at Kadampa Meditation Centers throughout the world are designed to enable us to do this.

The method for taking these teachings deep into our hearts is centered around three key activities: Listening, contemplating and meditating. Our study programs are structured to support the development of these three wisdoms.

As we train our minds, it is important to have a close connection with qualified teachers who can give us personal advice and encouragement, to listen to pure Dharma teachings, and to belong to a strong spiritual community. These enable us to maintain a daily meditation practice that is both focused and powerful, and to make real and lasting change.

"To increase our wisdom arisen from listening we need to listen to correct instructions from fully qualified Spiritual Guides, read authentic Dharma books and discuss what we have heard. Wisdom arisen from contemplation arises from reflecting again and again upon what we have heard and understood, and wisdom arisen from meditation arises from meditating on what we have heard and contemplated. We need to keep increasing these three wisdoms continuously until we attain enlightenment." ~ Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, Joyful Path of Good Fortune

The General Program

In-person only

All classes at KMC Colorado other than our Sunday evening Teacher Training Program and Thursday evening Foundation Program classes are General Program (GP) classes.

The General Program is open to everyone and encompasses not only drop-in classes, but also special courses, retreats, chanted meditations, outreach programs and Tantric empowerments and practices.

Weekly GP drop-in classes are are suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. They are designed to help people who are looking for stress relief and relaxation, as well as people who are interested in exploring the nature of the mind and pursuing the Buddhist path. Everyone is welcome regardless of background or belief and you do not need to be a Buddhist to attend.

Classes explore the basic themes of Buddhist teachings and meditations and explain how to use Buddha’s advice practically in our daily lives to solve our problems and find deeper peace. All General Program classes are based on commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.

A typical class consists of a guided meditation, a teaching based on the meditation topic, a “turn-and-talk” discussion and a final meditation. Although classes are offered as a series based on a specific topic, they can also be taken individually because each class is self-contained.

Classes last between one hour to 1.5 hours. Both chairs and meditation cushions are available at the center. No special clothing is needed; just dress comfortably. There is no physical exercise, yoga or stretching involved. No pre-registration is required.

Our drop-in GP classes are complemented by additional weekend courses, short guided meditations and in-depth retreats, perfect for those who are new or experienced.

Everyone is welcome!

Weekly General Program Classes

Meditation Classes with Kadam Lucy James

SUN MORNING

Lakewood, Colorado

Sundays | 10:30am-12:00pm

WED EVEning

Denver, Colorado

Wednesdays | 7:00-8:15pm

THUR EVENINg

Lakewood, Colorado

Thursdays | 6:30-8:30pm

monthy hyt class

Denver, Colorado

Monthly, Tuesdays | 7:00-8:30

Meditation Classes with Various KMC CO teachers

MOnday Evenings

Boulder, Colorado

Mondays | 7:15-8:30

WED evening

Evergreen, Colorado

Wednesdays | 7:00pm-8:15pm

THur Morning

Denver (Sunnyside neighborhood)

Thursdays | 7:30-8:00am

THUR EVENINGS

Denver (Cap Hill neighborhood)

Thursdays | 7pm-8:15pm

Sat morning

Golden, Colorado

Saturdays | 10:30-11:45am

sat afternoon

Denver (Lowry neighborhood)

Saturdays | 12:30-1:45pm

SUN Morning

Lakewood, Colorado

Sundays | 10:30am-12:00pm
in conjunction with Sunday morning adult class

Monday & saturday

Grand Junction, CO

Mondays | 5:30-6:00pm
Monthly on Saturdays

The Foundation Program

In-person & online***

If you would like to join in or need more info please email EPC@meditationincolorado.org.

Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30pm (during term times)

Book: The New Eight Steps to Happiness

Cost: $60, monthly (includes General Program classes)

If you have been coming to meditation classes for a while and want to take your practice to the next level, Foundation Program (FP) is for you. This systematic and comprehensive study of five essential subjects (6 books) is an ideal next step. In operation since 1982, FP has been successfully helping thousands of students worldwide.

Foundation Program (FP) is a tried and tested way to help people gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism; to develop a consistent, steady meditation practice; and to make genuine spiritual progress within the context of their modern life — all with the support of the program teacher, Kadam Lucy James and fellow practitioners.

Students enroll for one section of the book at a time, committing to regular attendance during term-times and to the study of the text. The two-hour class includes guided meditation, prayers, commentary to the text, and individual and group discussion. Class includes regular term breaks and a long break in the summer.

Recommended but not obligatory is attendance at a weekly puja (chanted prayers) and/or a GP class.

If you have questions or if you’d like to let us know you’re interested, please e-mail epc@meditationincolorado.org

*** to qualify for online classes you must meet certain criteria such as living too far away or disability. Everyone else is required to attend classes in-person

You can purchase The New Eight Steps to Happiness at KMC CO & from Tharpa.com

Teacher Training Program

In-person & online***

Sundays, 4:30pm – 8:30pm (during term times)
Cost: $85, monthly (includes General program classes)
Book to be studied: Meaningful to Behold

In September 2023, we are starting to study Meaningful to Behold ~ Becoming a Friend of the World.

The Bodhisattva’s path was exquisitely explained in one of the best loved and most important Mahayana Buddhist texts, Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, by the 8th century Indian master Shantideva.

Meaningful to Behold is a highly acclaimed commentary to this poem. It reveals with poetic beauty and deep spiritual insight how to enter, make progress on, and complete the Buddhist path to enlightenment. With this commentary, the full effectiveness and profundity of this wonderful poem are revealed in full and made applicable for our time.

The author, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, says:

Nowadays, with the world in turmoil, there is a particular need for Westerners to cultivate bodhichitta. If we are to make it through these perilous times, true Bodhisattvas must appear in the West as well as in the East.

Meaningful to Behold is taken from the earliest teachings given by Venerable Geshe-la when he first arrived in the West in 1977. We will also be dipping into the poem itself, Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life. Both books are directly relevant to the modern reader.

Both books are available in the KMC CO bookstore.

*** to qualify for online classes you must meet certain criteria such as living too far away or disability. Everyone else is required to attend classes in-person

TTP Schedule

There are two sessions per week, both on Sunday, and students are expected to try to attend both. If you have to miss a week, you can do a catch-up class at home within two weeks, filling in a study summary. Each class includes preparatory practices, guided meditations, teachings, commentary, and discussion.

4.30-6.30 | Session 1
6.30-7.10 | Dinner break
7.10-8.30 | Session 2

TTP students are also encouraged to come to a weekly puja at the center and to attend as much of the four TTP preliminary retreats as they can that are held throughout the year.

Study Programs

An introduction to our three study programs