Foundation Programme
Foundation Programme
City Meditation Space (Kensington)
27 Earls Court Road, London W8 6ED, W8 6ED
Step-by-step study and practice of the essential teachings and meditations of the Buddhist path, with a qualified teacher and the same group each week.
Your teacher
Kadam Lucy JamesResident teacher
Kadam Lucy James is the Resident Teacher of KMC London. She is a senior teacher of Kadampa Buddhism, has taught extensively in the UK and USA, and helped set up many thriving meditation centres since 1981. She is a leading expert in meditation and is regularly invited to teach courses around Europe and the United States. For many years, one of her main jobs was to help with the editing and production of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's books, and she has engaged in extensive meditation retreat. Kadam Lucy is appreciated for her deep wisdom, vast knowledge, lucid mind, and inspiring yet practical presentation of Buddha's teachings and meditations. She is very skilled at explaining how to make these teachings immediately effective in our busy modern lives to help both ourselves and everyone around us.
See full bio
What this class is studying
The New Eight Steps to Happiness
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso · The Buddhist Way of Loving Kindness · From 14 September
A commentary on the much-loved Buddhist poem Eight Verses of Training the Mind. It sets out step-by-step methods for developing universal love, compassion and wisdom, leading to real happiness for ourself and others, and shows how to transform life’s difficulties into valuable spiritual insight.
Where to buy itWhat is the Foundation Programme?
The Foundation Programme is a global study programme offered in hundreds of Buddhist centres around the world. It gives you the chance to study and practise the essential teachings of the Buddhist path here at KMC London, with a highly qualified teacher.
To make consistent progress it helps enormously to have a close connection with a teacher who can give personal advice and encouragement, to hear qualified teachings, and to be part of a strong spiritual community. Through regular teachings and meditation, in-depth study, contemplative prayers and group discussion, FP follows the same training used by practitioners in an unbroken lineage dating back to Buddha Shakyamuni.
Class dates
- Monday, 9 November 20267–9pm
- Monday, 16 November 20267–9pm
- Monday, 23 November 20267–9pm
- Monday, 30 November 20267–9pm
- Monday, 7 December 20267–9pm
- Monday, 14 December 20267–9pm
- Monday, 21 December 20267–9pm
- Monday, 28 December 20267–9pm
- Monday, 4 January 20277–9pm
- Monday, 11 January 20277–9pm
- Monday, 18 January 20277–9pm
- Monday, 25 January 20277–9pm
What a class is like
Before class, students read a portion of the text — usually a few pages — and take the essential points to heart.
Most classes are contemplative prayers, guided meditation, and a reading and explanation of the text. Students then divide into pairs to discuss it. Once the teacher has answered any questions, the class closes by deciding how to carry the week’s insight into daily life. Some classes are group discussions instead, which are enjoyable and just as useful.
The books this programme works through
In order. The class is on The New Eight Steps to Happiness at the moment.
Joyful Path of Good Fortune
The Path to the Supreme Happiness of Enlightenment
Universal Compassion
Inspiring Solutions for Difficult Times
The New Eight Steps to Happiness
The Buddhist Way of Loving Kindness
Studying now
The New Heart of Wisdom
Profound Teachings from Buddha’s Heart
Meaningful to Behold
Becoming a Friend of the World
How to Understand the Mind
The Nature and Power of the Mind
Why people do it
The Foundation Programme is based on study programmes that have run in Buddhist monasteries and centres since the time of Buddha. It has been tried and tested for decades, and has enabled people all over the world to gain real experience of Buddha’s teachings while keeping a modern life.
Because the programme is by enrolment, students come to know each other well — warm friendships, shared insight, and people who notice when you are not there.
How to join
Email the Education Programme Coordinator at epc@meditation.london to enrol, or to ask for a trial class if you would like to sit in before you commit.
- Silver membership (£45.00 a month) for as long as you are studying — what it includes.
- A copy of the text. The centre shop keeps them.
- A commitment to the whole book. FP is not a drop-in class. You enrol for one book, or part of a longer book, at a time — roughly four to eight months. You agree to attend every class or catch up, study the material, discuss it with a rotating partner, and take a self-assessment at the end of each module.
Location
27 Earls Court Road, London W8 6ED, W8 6ED
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What people say
Quick facts for newcomers…
What is Meditation?
- Cultivate positive states of mind for peace and well-being.
- Happiness lies in the mind, not external conditions.
- Reduces stress, anxiety, promotes physical and mental well-being.
Accessible class format
- Non-sectarian, non-judgmental, and universal.
- Simple methods to tackle stress and anxiety in modern daily life.
Flexible sitting arrangements
- Option to sit on a chair or bring a cushion for the floor.
No religious affiliation necessary
- Not required; accessible to everyone.
Open to all experience levels
- Beginners welcome; teachings designed to be simple yet profound.
Interaction during classes optional
- No requirement to speak in front of a group.
- Questions are welcome.
No physical exercise necessary
- Focus is on meditation – no yoga or physical exercises.
What to Bring
- No specific requirements; some find it useful to bring a notepad and pen.
Simple dress code
- No special requirements; comfortable clothing suggested.
Join a class anytime
- Classes are self-contained; drop in whenever you can, no need to wait for the next course.
No advanced booking necessary
Everyone is welcome!