study program
the foundation program
taught by resident teacher mick marcon
We all have the potential for self-transformation, and a limitless capacity for the growth of good qualities, but to fulfil this potential we need to know what to do along every stage of our spiritual journey. In Joyful Path of Good Fortune, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso offers us step-by-step guidance on the meditation practices that will lead us to lasting inner peace and happiness. With extraordinary clarity, he presents all Buddha’s teachings in the order in which they are to be practised, enriching his explanation with stories and illuminating analogies. Following these practical instructions, we will come to experience for ourselves the joy that arises from making progress on a clear and structured path that leads to full enlightenment. This is a perfect guidebook to the Buddhist path.
Join the Foundation Program as Mick gives commentary to this most extraordinary book, providing an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding and practice of all the stages of the path to enlightenment.
"Our present understanding and experience of Dharma is quite superficial. There is a big gap between our mind and Dharma in our daily lives. Our approach remains passive, like someone watching television, and our mind remains as uncontrolled as before. Why is this? It is because we are not studying systematically, according to a specially designed program. If we just pick at Dharma randomly we shall never gain deep and stable experience. For this reason the spiritual programs offered in New Kadampa Tradition Centres are very important". Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
the foundation program
When joining the Foundation Program you undertake to come to all classes in the term unless there is a good reason not to attend. There are plenty of term breaks so there is time for holidays and other activities.You enrol for one section of Joyful Path of Good Fortune at a time and are asked to study and memorise the essential points of that book and to take an exam at the end. Studying in this way gives our lives a meaningful structure and helps us to gain fuller experience of the teachings.
the classes: sundays 5.30pm - 9.15pm
There are two classes on Sunday evenings with a break in between. Each class consisits of prayers, a guided meditation, teaching and disscussion. Class fees are $70 per month, which entitles you to attend all of the meditation classes and courses held in Newcastle and Port Macquarie. You are welcome to try the program free of charge for a week before enrolling. For further information or to enrol please contact the Centre on (02) 40234562.or email info@meditateinnewcastle.org
