Study Programs

Our Study Programs

At the very heart of modern Kadampa Buddhism are the three core study programs developed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche:

  • General Program
  • Foundation Program
  • Teacher Training Program

General Program

For beginners and experienced practitioners. Attend on a schedule that suits you.

General Program (GP) classes present Buddhist teachings in a format that is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced practitioners. The format allows students to attend on a schedule that suits them.

Through these classes everyone can learn how to apply Buddhist teachings to everyday life, using them to solve problems, and find peace and happiness. Along with introductory topics, GP classes also include advanced teachings and practices from both Sutra and Tantra, for practitioners of all levels of experience.

The General Program includes a weekly recurring schedule of drop-in classes, supplemented by occasional special events (workshops and retreats). All are open to everyone, and everyone is welcome.

Foundation program

Deepen your understanding and experience of Buddhism.

The Foundation Program (FP) is for anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding and experience of Buddhism. The program offers systematic study, discussion, and meditation practice based on six Kadampa Buddhist texts written by the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.

Pre-registration and regular attendance are required. For more information please contact our Educational Program Coordinator at [email protected]

Teacher training program

Train as an authentic Kadampa Buddhist Dharma teacher or engage with Buddha’s teachings in the deepest possible manner.

The Teacher Training Program (TTP) is a step beyond the Foundation Program. It is designed for people who wish to train as authentic Dharma Teachers or simply engage with Buddha’s teachings in the deepest possible manner. In addition to completing the study of fourteen texts of Sutra and Tantra, the student is required to observe certain commitments with regard to behavior and way of life, and to complete a number of meditation retreats. Through a deep and continuing commitment to the program of study, meditation, discussion, and retreat, you can gain deep experience of Buddha’s teachings, establish a strong meditation practice, and become a qualified Kadampa Buddhist teacher.

Pre-registration and regular attendance are required. For more information please contact our Educational Program Coordinator at [email protected]

Checkout what's Coming Up

March 2024

Portland | Prayers for World Peace

PRAYERS FOR WORLD PEACE By learning to cherish others we can experience greater peace of mind and help to establish world peace. Through contemplating these prayers compiled by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche from traditional sources, we learn to cherish others. If everyone sincerely prays to be able to cherish others then gradually, through the […]
Mon Mar 18
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219
Wishfulfilling Jewel

Portland | Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog Offering

Please join us for prayers and requests to the wisdom Buddha Je Tsongkhapa combined with offerings to the protector Buddha Dorje Shugden. If you would like to add someone to our prayer list for someone experiencing illness or who recently died, please contact us.
Tue Mar 19
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219
Bird flying from cage

Eugene | Lasting Happiness From Within

Lasting Happiness From Within There is no class March 5th. In this class we will explore how to develop lasting happiness from within. Everyone wants to be happy and free from problems and suffering all the time.  It seems, no matter how much we try, we are unable to accomplish this. Why is that?  It […]
Tue Mar 19
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Eugene | Mahonia Building
120 Shelton McMurphey Blvd., Suite 230
Beaverton_Talk-20240302

Beaverton | Change Your Mind, Change Your World

There’s so much “out there” to worry about all the time. Relationships. Career. Misfortune. Current events. No matter how cleverly or cautiously we try to avoid problems, we still encounter them. We may think There’s nothing I can do. We feel uncertain, overwhelmed, distraught, anxious. Buddha teaches that it’s our customary ways of thinking that […]
Tue Mar 19
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sage Center - Beaverton
10700 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Building 3, Suite 555, Beaverton OR, 97005
taking_and_giving

Portland | The Magical Practice of Taking and Giving

The Magical Practice of Taking and Giving Wednesday Night Meditation Series The practice of taking and giving is one of the most powerful methods for opening our hearts. This ancient practice brings mental peace and happiness, and is especially helpful in situations where we may otherwise feel powerless to directly help our loved ones. Taking and giving is also a well known healing meditation practice. Everybody […]
Wed Mar 20
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219

Portland | Foundation Program (Thursdays)

Thursday Foundation Program with Susan de la Vergne Book: Meaningful to Behold Thursdays | 9:30am-11:30am If you are interested in this class, please email [email protected] to learn how to become a Foundation Program member. Meaningful to Behold by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Many people have the compassionate wish to benefit others, but few understand how to […]
Thu Mar 21
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219
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Inclement Weather

OUR PUBLIC TALK IS RESCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY JAN 21ST @ 10:30AM​

Due to the snow storm, all of our classes & events will be cancelled.

Please email [email protected] with any questions.