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

May 2025
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 May 20
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219
like a diamond

Beaverton | Like a Diamond

Like a Diamond If you cut a diamond into small pieces, each piece is valuable. Buddha’s teachings are like that. Practicing all of them together, the whole diamond, is great but can seem like a lot. Practicing just some of the teachings, smaller pieces of the gem, is also very worthwhile! In this course, we’ll […]
Tue May 20
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Park Plaza West - Building 3
10700 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Building 3, Suite 555, Beaverton OR, 97005
letting go

Portland | Letting go of Unhelpful Tendencies

Letting Go of Unhelpful Tendencies Do you find yourself thinking, saying or doing things you wish you didn’t? Do your bad habits make you unhappy, unhealthy, destroy your sense of self-worth or your relationships? You’re not alone. Most of us have some habits we’d like to break, but sometimes we just don’t know how or where to start. Although bad habits may have created well-worn […]
Wed May 21
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 May 22
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219
Spring Festival 2025

International Spring Festival 2025

Solving our Daily Problems with Loving Kindness Buddha Maitreya is the manifestation of all the Buddhas’ realisation of loving kindness. This festival is a unique opportunity to concentrate on understanding and practising the precious instructions given by Venerable Geshe-la on how to develop the three types of love. We will also learn how we ourselves […]
Fri May 23
All Day
England | Manjushri
Ulverston, England
letting go

Salem | Letting Go of the Inner Critic

Letting Go of the Inner Critic: How to Cultivate Positive Narratives We all have an inner critic that undermines ourself and others. However, this critic has no power once it’s been correctly identified and re-focused using simple, yet effective meditation techniques. During this series we will explore recognizing our inner critic without identifying as the […]
Fri May 23
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Woodland Chapel
582 High Street SE, Salem OR 97301
No event found!
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SE Portland Branch

@ Yoga Refuge

June 2025
July 2025
No event found!
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June 2025
July 2025
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Beaverton Branch

@ Sage Center for Wholeness and Health
Room 555

May 2025
like a diamond

Beaverton | Like a DiamondAll Levels

Like a Diamond If you cut a diamond into small pieces, each piece is valuable. Buddha’s teachings are like that. Practicing all of them together, the whole diamond, is great but can seem like a lot. Practicing just some of the teachings, smaller pieces of the gem, is also very worthwhile! In this course, we’ll […]
Tue May 20
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Park Plaza West - Building 3
10700 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Building 3, Suite 555, Beaverton OR, 97005
like a diamond

Beaverton | Like a DiamondAll Levels

Like a Diamond If you cut a diamond into small pieces, each piece is valuable. Buddha’s teachings are like that. Practicing all of them together, the whole diamond, is great but can seem like a lot. Practicing just some of the teachings, smaller pieces of the gem, is also very worthwhile! In this course, we’ll […]
Tue May 27
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Park Plaza West - Building 3
10700 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Building 3, Suite 555, Beaverton OR, 97005
No event found!
May 2025
No event found!
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.