Seeker's Path
Foundations of Buddhist Practice
An Introductory Course in Training the Mind & Heart
About the course
Learn Meditation, Cultivate Mindfulness and Experience Connection
This facilitator-led, live course invites you to connect more deeply with yourself and others as you experience the benefits of a consistent meditation practice grounded in foundational Buddhist teachings.
Through guided practice, reflection, and discussion, you will learn accessible, time-tested Buddhist practices and teachings that support your awakening to deeper peace, happiness, and compassion.
In practicing Calm Abiding, Loving Kindness, and Tonglen (Compassion), you will learn to quiet the mind, experience greater stability, and cultivate a more profound sense of connection with yourself and others.
Upcoming Courses
Morning Course with Emily Ballentine
- Meets on Thursdays, from 9:00 am - 10:30 am MT
- January 21 - March 4, 2027
- Online via Zoom
Evening Course with Rachel Ashley
- January 19 - February 23, 2027
- Meets on Tuesdays, from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm MT
- Online via Zoom
Facilitators
Emily Ballentine
Rachel Ashley
WHEN
Morning Course: January 21 - March 4, 2027
Evening Course: January 19 - February 23, 2027
WHERE
Online
Explore Our Tuition Options
What You’ll Gain
Foundational Meditation Practices, Real-Life Applications, and Connection with Other Meditators
Connect with the Teachings
Tuition
TIERED PRICING SYSTEM
We offer a tiered pricing system for course registration. Please choose the option that works best for you.
Supported: The community will supplement this reduced fee for those with limited financial resources who will benefit from participating in the Foundations of Buddhist Practice course.
Suggested: For those with sufficient financial resources who can pay fair value for the experience.
Sponsored: For those with the financial resources and the desire to support access for others interested in the Foundations of Buddhist Practice course.
Online
- Supported $60
- Suggested $75
- Sponsored $100
OUR PROMISE
No one will be turned away due to a lack of funds. If you would like to apply for a grant to attend this course, please contact kmorris@namchak.org.
Training for the Mind & Heart
See WhatOthersare Saying
I thought the curriculum and content were wonderful. It felt like a great starting point and did a really good job of helping to apply the practices to everyday life in a meaningful way. Everything felt thoughtful, approachable, and easy to connect with.
Although I have meditated for many years, this group gave me a chance to experience the Sangha in a new way. It enabled me to be closer to and more trusting of others who are in the same boat as I am. We are separated by distance, but the internet and this class brought us together.
I’ve been studying various forms of meditation and breathwork without the scaffolding of the deeper cultural and religious practices of Buddhism. This course enriched my understanding of myself and deepened my sense of purpose. Thank you so much for the love, facilitation, and thoughtful teaching.
This course was exactly what I wanted - an introduction to meditation and to Buddhism. I have taken other in-person and online classes, but they fell far short of meeting my needs. This course provided the context and explanations I was looking for, including the very basics, such as who the Buddha was. It also brought clarity to meditation, outlining different types of meditation practices, and how they fit into Buddhism.
Foundations of Buddhist Practice is a great opportunity to connect with wonderful people and cultivate a consistent meditation practice. I looked forward to every session and was pleasantly surprised with how much more I got out of the course than I expected.
This is a “you can’t go wrong” course. Compassion rules. The honesty of the human condition shared by other participants made it real and welcoming. There were no judgements. Only a space holding place of support and true humanity. I felt welcome, secure and accepted.
Simple, easy, warm, welcoming to all. In just 7 weeks, I experienced small, yet profound changes & moments of calm, acceptance & compassion in my days.
Who is this course for?
Foundations of Buddhist Practice is for anyone seeking spiritual development and connection with fellow students. This course offers guidance and support for individuals seeking to establish a consistent meditation practice alongside others on a similar path. While participants will experience the everyday benefits of Buddhist practices, there is no requirement to be Buddhist.
Experienced practitioners who want to deepen their practice through shared meditation and contemplation of the Buddhist teachings are also welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I have to miss a class?
The sessions are recorded, minus personal check-ins. So, you can catch up on any missed course content.
Do I need to be an experienced meditator to take this course?
No, this course is designed to introduce students to foundational meditation practices.
Will we be meditating in the sessions?
Yes. At each session, we will practice together for 5-15 minutes and reflect on our practice through journaling and group discussions.
What are the benefits of meditating with others?
Practicing with others allows us to cultivate a sense of accountability, connection, and shared intentions that can strengthen our practice.
What is the difference between Foundations of Buddhist Practice and Introduction to Calm Abiding Meditation?
Introduction to Calm Abiding Meditation is a four-week program that focuses on the practice of Calm Abiding. Each course session is led by Justin Kirkwood and will offer a blend of teaching instruction and ample time for meditation practice.
Foundations of Buddhist Practice is a six-week program that introduces various practices, including Calm Abiding, Tonglen or Compassion meditation, and Loving Kindness practice. Both courses introduce foundational dharma teachings, ample time for meditation practice, and opportunities for connection through breakout rooms and sharing.
Do I need to be Buddhist to join this course?
No, you do not need to be Buddhist to join this course. Throughout the six weeks, you learn about the Three Jewels, the Four Noble Truths, and teachings on Bodhicitta. You will also learn about the Namchak lineage. You'll learn how these teachings can help you to live with greater ease, presence, and joy.
I signed up for the course, but didn’t receive a confirmation email. What went wrong?
If you are unsubscribed from Namchak Community emails, you will be unable to receive important emails regarding this course. If you wish to personalize your Namchak Community email preferences, locate a previous Namchak Community email and click the 'Manage Preferences' hyperlink at the bottom.
How do I access the course?
Upon registration, a Zoom link will be provided, and a reminder email with the login information will be sent out each week. If you do not see the confirmation email with the Zoom information, please check your spam/promotions folder.
meet your Facilitator
Emily Ballentine
In slowing down, we remember who we are.”
meet your Facilitator
Rachel Ashley
Each breath is a new beginning.”
Take A step