Foundation Programme

Foundation Programme

Foundation Programme (FP) provides an opportunity 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 is on gaining practical experience of Buddha’s teachings that you can apply to your daily life.

The Benefits of the Programme

Deepen your personal insights into Buddha’s teachings

Give structure to your meditation practice & study of Buddhism

Learn from Kadam Mike’s practical and extensive experience

Enjoy the help and support of like-minded spiritual friends

Cultivate a state of mind that is calm, clear and positive all the time

Develop and realise the limitless potential of your mind

About the Study Book

Universal Compassion provides practical instructions showing how to transform even the most difficult daily life experiences into opportunities for spiritual growth through developing and enhancing minds of universal love and compassion. The heart of Buddha’s teachings is unconditional love and compassion. In this inspiring explanation of the popular Buddhist poem Training the Mind in Seven Points, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche reveals powerful and far-reaching methods for us to develop these altruistic states. Ancient meditative techniques that have been tried and tested for centuries are brought alive and made relevant to our everyday experiences.

Transforming daily problems
Also included is a practical explanation of how we can transform our day-to-day problems – even the most demanding and difficult conditions – into opportunities for personal and spiritual development. By pointing the way to an unchanging freedom and happiness, this immensely readable book challenges us to grow, and will have a remarkable impact on our life.

Classes roughly follow the academic calendar. There’s an introduction, 17 guided meditation classes, 3 discussion classes lead by the students and a short exam at the end of the course. Copies of this book  can be purchased from the Centre’s bookshop or ordered online from www.tharpa.com/uk

What People Say about FP

I joined FP class to deepen my understanding of dharma. I had done FP many years ago and felt a strong wish to study again. FP focuses me, it makes me contemplate dharma in my daily life and it helps me deal with daily problems in a more helpful way. I have become less judgemental and more compassionate towards others. It has also encouraged me to do a daily practice again.
Cathy
FP Student
While the books we’ve studied are very clear, I’ve benefitted from the additional explanation that the teacher provides. Just as important is the opportunity to investigate in pairs and as a group the pages that we’ve studied, as well as the sessions that are devoted entirely to revision and discussion. Learning from and being challenged by the views of other students has been really helpful for my own understanding. And it’s been a great way to make friends who have this shared interest in Buddha’s teachings.
Bill
FP Student
I wanted to deepen my knowledge and understanding of Buddha’s teachings, FP was the way to do this. I really enjoy the teaching and in particular the opportunity to join in the discussion which is an integral part of FP. As I deepen my knowledge, my meditation is more focused and I use daily interaction with others to apply Buddha’s wisdom.
Chris
FP Student

Programme Teacher

Kadam Mike Garside is the Resident Teacher at Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist Centre in Llandudno. Kadam Mike has decades of experience within the New Kadampa Tradition and is well respected for his calm warm manner and clear explanations of Buddha’s teachings making them accessible to everyone. He has taught in meditation centres in both UK and Spain, including being Resident Teacher at KMC Wales in Swansea. He has engaged in long retreat with Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and has contributed to the editing of many of Geshe-la’s books.

Further Information

Sept – Dec 2025

Classes run weekly with term breaks as below:

2025

Sep 11, 18 & 25
Oct 02, 16, 23 & 30
Nov 06, 13, 20 & 27
Dec 04 & 11

2026

The first class in 2026 is scheduled for Thursday 15th January, please check nearer the time with the centre to confirm 2026 study dates.
 
  • To attend every class for the book/section
  • To prepare for each class by studying the appropriate section and memorising the essential points beforehand
  • To memorise the condensed meaning and/or root text for the book/section
  • To sit an examination at the end of the course

Students can join Foundation Programme for one book, or section of a book, at a time. You can request to enrol by emailing fp@meditatenorthwales.com or having a chat with one of the managers. To be accepted you must first sign up as a Full Centre Card member to pay the fees for FP – details above.

For all new students, once you have signed up as a full Centre Card member,  you can study the first 4 classes as a trail. Any time during these four weeks you can then enrol for the study of the remainder of the section of the book.

There is an example enrolment form below in the section FP Documents.

Below you’ll find three FP documents you may find helpful:

Benefits of studying Kadampa Buddhism
FP Overview – The books Studied
FP Enrolment form

Once you have opened a PDF there are tools at the bottom to download the document to your device.

Further information & enrolment

If you are interested or would like further information please email us at fp@meditatenorthwales.com for more details.

When

Thursdays 7.00 – 9.00 pm

Where

Kalpabhadra Centre, Llandudno
Click for Google Maps

Teacher

Kadam Mike Garside

Level

Suitable for everyone.

Price

£30 per month payable by direct debit or standing order and includes access to all other weekly classes, courses and retreats. You can set up a regular payment through our Centre Card membership page here.