Although we all wish for happiness, our ignorance of the true nature of things leads us to engage in non-virtuous actions, which are the main cause of all our suffering. Through studying on the Foundation or Teacher Training Programs we learn how to eliminate our negative states of mind and how to cultivate positive states of mind.

Geshe Kelsang says: "Our present understanding and experience of Dharma is quite superficial. We are like someone who has entered a huge food store and seen many things but sampled only a few. We may have received many different teachings from many different Teachers, but we have taken in very little, just a few morsels. There is a big gap between our mind and Dharma and we cannot apply 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 Centers are very important."