Gompa

Meditation is basic to Buddhist spiritual practice. One's suffering and one's happiness is dependent upon one's mind. To ensure for ourselves the happiness that we so ardently desire, it is essential that we begin each day with a peaceful and calm mind. The silent meditation includes 20 minutes of sitting meditation followed by 10 minutes of walking meditation (optional) and another 20 minutes of sitting meditation. Participants should arrive no later than 7:30am. Each and every one is invited to come. You will find it to be a wonderful and relaxing way, not only to begin your day, but also your week. All are welcome regardless of one's level of practice.

Buddhism is a psychology of the mind, providing us methods to understand our emotions and how to change our bad habits and thoughts to be happy. The Sunday teachings about how to practice Dharma in daily life, led by our resident teacher, Geshe Gelek Chodha, are appropriate for visitors and students of all levels of study and interest in Buddhism. The session typically includes a brief meditation, prayers, and the rare opportunity to learn from a highly trained Tibetan Buddhist monk. When Geshe-la is away, several senior students typically lead these sessions. The teachings and prayers are offered in English.

In five short classes, we introduce you to the major terms and concepts of Buddhism - a fast tour of the basics to enable you to take the next steps if you want more. Topics covered include the Four Noble Truths, different kinds of Buddhism (Theravada, Mahayana, etc.),  Buddha's teachings in a gradual form for the practice of one individual, and a brief introduction to meditation. We'll let you know of additional reading you can do if you're interested, but there are no specific requirements. The course is based on the teachings found in Buddhism in a Nutshell by Ven. Amy Miller, an excellent supplement to the classes.

In his directorial debut, Buddhist lama Neten Chokling vividly presents the captivating story of Milarepa, the man who would become Tibet s greatest yogi and saint. In the dramatic setting of 11th century Tibet- a time of roaming sorcerers and yogis, according to Buddhist legend- a young Milarepa falls into a world of betrayal and hardships. The greed of others upturns his privileged life, dropping him into a void of despair, humiliation, pain and anger. He sets out to learn black magic- and exact revenge on his enemies- encountering magicians, demons, an enigmatic teacher and unexpected mystical power along the way. But it is in confronting the consequence of his quest for vengeance that he learns the most. Filmed on the breathtaking scenic Indo-Tibetan border, with Tibetan monks serving as most of the cast and crew, Milarepa glows with a unique visual and spiritual charge.

There will be a special Medicine Buddha puja at the Kadampa Center sponsored for the passing of John Elliot's brother, Gary Elliot. Please  join us to support John through this difficult time and to help create the cause for Gary's peaceful and quick journey through the bardo and for his happy rebirth.

In response to requests from students who want to take refuge and lay vows, Geshe Gelek will give this special teaching about what it means to take refuge in the three jewels and how to practice the five lifetime lay vows (in brief: avoiding killing, lying, stealing, intoxicants, and sexual misconduct). Everyone is welcome to attend, but it's strongly recommended for anyone interested in taking any of these commitments in preparation for when the ceremony is actually offered.

We will be setting up extensive offerings for Sunday's long life puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche. With Geshe Sangpo's help, we'll be lining the altar with water bowls, food offerings, incense, etc. No experience is necessary - this is a great opportunity to learn more about making offerings.

Our Spiritual Director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, encourages students to take the Eight Mahayana Precepts on holy days. They must be taken for the first time with a qualified teacher, and then can be practiced on any day. Those who have taken precepts previously from a teacher can take them as a group at the Center, or at home, at “first light” (6:00 am). Geshe-la will not be available this Sunday, so the ceremony will be for those who have taken precepts before with a qualified teacher.

Students who have not previously taken precepts and wish to request taking them with Geshe Gelek, please contact program@kadampa-center.org for more information.

For more information about the Eight Mahayana Precepts practice, please read Lama Zopa Rinpoche's commentary The Direct and Unmistaken Method.

On this holy day honoring the Buddha's first teaching, Wheel Turning Day, it's particularly powerful to do practice. The center will be open all day for individuals who would like to come and do individual practice in the gompa. Group practices in the morning will be precepts (more information is below) at 5:00am followed by a light breakfast. After breakfast, probably around 7:00am, students are encouraged to stay and recite the Golden Light Sutra to benefit Lama Zopa Rinpoche's health and long life. If you can't come to the center, please read the Golden Light Sutra and dedicate it to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, then report your recitation(s) to program@kadampa-center.org so we can pass that along to FPMT International, where all the practices done by centers around the world are being collected and offered to Rinpoche.

Precepts

Our Spiritual Director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, encourages students to take the Eight Mahayana Precepts on holy days. They must be taken for the first time with a qualified teacher, and then can be practiced on any day. Those who have taken precepts previously from a teacher can take them as a group at the Center, or at home, at “first light” (5:00 am). 

Students who have not previously taken precepts and wish to request taking them with Geshe Gelek, please contact program@kadampa-center.org for more information. 

For more information about the Eight Mahayana Precepts practice, please read Lama Zopa Rinpoche's commentary The Direct and Unmistaken Method.

Meditation has many benefits - one of which is helping us to be mindful of our thoughts, speech, and actions throughout the day. Start your morning right with an hour of meditation. The session begins with a brief guided meditation with the rest of the time in silence for individual practice. Everyone is welcome, and no prior experience is necessary. Find the calm space in your mind to face the day with a positive and happy attitude!