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

September 2026
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 Sep 01
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219
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 Sep 01
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sage Center - Beaverton
10700 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Building 3, Suite 555, Beaverton OR, 97005

SE Portland | Change Your Mind, Change Your Life

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life There’s so much 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 […]
Tue Sep 01
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Yoga Refuge
7831 SE Stark St Portland, OR 97215

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 Sep 03
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219
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Join Us For a Free Class

Beaverton Branch

@ Sage Center for Wholeness and Health
Room 555

September 2026
Beaverton_Talk-20240302

Beaverton | Change Your Mind, Change Your WorldRepeating EventBeginner

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 Sep 01
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sage Center - Beaverton
10700 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Building 3, Suite 555, Beaverton OR, 97005
No event found!
September 2026
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.