Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, founder of the New Kadampa Tradition, has designed 3 unique Study Programs:

General Program (GP: drop-in classes)
Foundation Program (FP)
Teacher Training Program (TTP)

These in-depth study programs consist of the systematic study and practise of new Kadampa Buddhism and are especially suited to people of this modern world.

CLICK BUTTON BELOW to read a transcript of a talk given by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche on the benefits of the Foundation Program & Teacher Training Program.

Venerable Geshe-la’s Talk

Foundation Program

FOUNDATION PROGRAM

FOUNDATION PROGRAM (FP)

DAY: Ongoing Sundays (Last Class 6/14/2026, classes will then resume in September)
TIME: 6:30 - 8:30pm
TEACHER: Resident Teacher, Donna Cordeiro
BOOK STUDIED:
How to Understand the Mind

(to purchase book, click HERE)

Foundation Program, Ongoing Sundays, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Foundation Program is a structured study program for those who wish to go deeper with the understanding and practice of Kadampa Buddhism. If you’ve been attending our weekly meditation classes and are looking to enrich your spiritual journey, Foundation Program may be your next step.

In this weekly study program, Resident Teacher, Donna Cordeiro, will be teaching from the text, How To Understand The Mind, written by meditation master and the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.

How To Understand The Mind offers us deep insight into our mind, and shows how an understanding of its nature and functions can be used practically in every day experience to improve our lives. Read more about the benefits of this book HERE.

If you would like to learn more about this special opportunity to join in on studying this invaluable text, please email Resident Teacher, Donna Cordeiro, at rt@meditationinnewbedford.org.

Dive deeper into the study, practice and implementation of Buddhist philosophy into your life through studying How To Understand The Mind. We are now offering open enrollment in our in-depth study class, the Foundation Program. We invite you to try two classes at no cost and no commitment to see if you’re interested in joining the program.

The Foundation Program (FP) is designed for those who wish to deepen their understanding and experience of Kadampa Buddhism through a systematic study of six texts by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.

When you join you will experience the great benefits of being part of this systematic study program. Through this you can improve your good heart, your wisdom, and your cherishing of others by going deeper into your study and meditation practice. Read more about the texts studied and benefits HERE.

*This is not a drop-in program and enrollment is required. Students make a commitment to attend each class when they enroll. A correspondence program is available for those who are unable to attend at the actual class time.

The Program Structure

The secret of the Foundation Program’s success lies in the manageable commitment made by the student and in the clear structure of study. Students agree to attend every class, learn the material, and to take a test at the conclusion of each book.

The Class Structure

Prior to class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages, and memorize the essential points. The class begins with chanted prayers and guided meditation. The teacher then reads the assigned selection from the book while giving commentary to the text. The students then divide into pairs to discuss the material. The teacher and students conclude by deciding what to meditate on in the next class and how to practice during the coming week, followed by dedication prayers.

The Main Benefits

“By increasing our wisdom and Dharma experience we will gradually solve all our problems and eventually we will achieve the ultimate happiness of full enlightenment, the bliss of Buddhahood. This is how the Foundation Program can fulfill our own wishes.”

– Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Details

Sundays | 6:30 – 8:30p

Cost | $80 membership per month (this monthly fee includes unlimited weekly drop-in classes as well)

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact the teacher at – rt@meditationinnewbedford.org.

Learn More About Membership

Teacher

Donna Cordeiro

SMC Resident Teacher

Donna Cordeiro is the Resident teacher of Serlingpa Meditation Center and has been studying and practicing Kadampa Buddhism since 2000 under the guidance and direction of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. Donna offers timeless Buddhist teachings with clear, practical examples and a sense of humor and lightness, creating connections with students of all levels and capacities.

“The resident Teachers of our Dharma centers are always with you; they care for you and try to guide you to a meaningful life.”

~ Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

Location

Serlingpa Meditation Center

514 Pleasant Street

New Bedford, MA 02740

401-264-0725

admin@meditationinnewbedford.org

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DAY: Sundays
TIME: 5:30 - 9:00pm
TEACHER: Resident Teacher, Gerry Donovan
BOOK STUDIED:
Great Treasury of Merit

The purpose of the Teacher Training Program is to provide an 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. In addition to completing the study of fourteen texts of Sutra and Tantra, including the six texts studied on the Foundation Program, students are required to observe certain commitments with regard to behaviour and way of life, and to complete a number of meditation retreats each year. Read more about the texts studied and benefits HERE.

*Teacher Training Program is not a walk-in program and enrollment is required. All TTP students sign up just once and commit to complete the study of all 12 subjects without stopping. Students must have received Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments within the New Kadampa Tradition in order to study many of the books.

Details

Sundays | 5:30-9pm

Cost | $70 membership per month (this monthly fee includes unlimited weekly drop-in classes and regular Saturday workshops / retreats)

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact the Education Program Coordinator – rt@meditationinmass.org.

Learn More

Teacher

American Buddhist nun Kelsang Kalden

SMC Resident Teacher

Kelsang Kalden is the Resident teacher of Serlingpa Meditation Center and a senior ordained Kadampa teacher of Modern Buddhism. She has been studying and practicing Kadampa Buddhism since 1997 under the guidance and direction of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. Kelsang Kalden offers timeless Buddhist teachings with clear, practical examples and a sense of humor and lightness, creating connections with students of all levels and capacities.

“The resident Teachers of our Dharma centers are always with you; they care for you and try to guide you to a meaningful life.”

~ Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche