Study Programs
GENERAL PROGRAM
The General Program of meditation and teachings on Buddhist View is tailored for anyone interested in finding out about the Buddhist way of meditating and thinking about life’s opportunities and challenges, and finding happiness in daily life. These self-contained classes give a basic introduction to Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and meditation. At present, classes are held at our Healdsburg venue on Wednesday evenings from 7 - 8:15 pm.
General Program classes are on a drop-in basis. You do not need to sign up for either the classes or the series. The cost is $10 per class.
FOUNDATION PROGRAM
The Foundation Program of meditation and teaching provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding and experience of Buddha’s teachings. It consists of the systematic study of six essential subjects of Mahayana Buddhism based on commentaries by our Spiritual Director and Founder, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Classes are held on Monday evenings from 7-9 pm.
The text being studied is Joyful Path of Good Fortune.
TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM
The Teacher Training Program (TTP) provides a more extensive presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism, and to train as qualified New Kadampa Tradition Teachers. The program comprises twelve subjects, based on Buddha's Sutra and Tantra teachings, and the corresponding commentaries by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Participants in TTP are also expected to observe certain commitments with regards to their behavior and way of life, and to complete a number of meditation retreats.
Currently, Compassion Center does not offer any TTP classes, but we hope to include these classes in the future. Students who wish to enter the Teacher Training Program should first spend some time participating in the Foundation Program.