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 9:00. 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.

Course Leader: Barb Baranski

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. There is no required reading, no homework and no quizzing! 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. In keeping with our tradition, these classes are offered on a donation basis. No pre-registration is needed.

Guru Puja is a practice consisting of making offerings to and requesting inspiration from the Spiritual Master. Spiritual vows and commitments which might have degenerated are also restored through the practice of tsog offering (feast offering). In this practice, we unite our minds with the holy mind of the Spiritual Master, who is considered the root and life-force of the spiritual path in order to receive blessings and generate realizations on the path to enlightenment.

We need merit, or positive energy, for our enlightened potential to grow and become perfect and one of the best ways to do that is to make beautiful offering and prayers to the Three Jewels and to our Spiritual Teachers. This is what happens in the Guru Puja. A special type of offering called tsog is made. Here we offer platefuls of fruits and biscuits, which are distributed afterwards to the participants. The tsog can be eaten by oneself or shared with friends who have faith in the Three Jewels, but should not be given to animals or thrown in a dirty place.

Written by Ven. Sangye Khadro