*NEW*: Worlds in Harmony

H.H. the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He is regarded as the world's foremost Buddhist leader and the manifestation of Chenrezig, the Boddhisattva of compassion. A scholar and a man of peace, His Holiness travels around the world to raise awareness of the suffering of the Tibetan people and to talk about Buddhism and the power of compassion. Everywhere, his message is the same - the importance of Love, Compassion and Forgiveness. He repeats to all who will listen:

"Every single being, even those who are hostile to us, is just as afraid of suffering as we are, and seeks happiness in the same way we do. Every person has the same right as we do to be happy and not to suffer. So, let's care for others wholeheartedly, both our friends and our enemies. This is the basis for true compassion."

H.H. the Dalai Lama exhorts us to develop the potential of kindness and love that he believes we all possess. By appealing to our everyday experience, he shows us how to become "good human beings" and make the most of our lives. He emphasizes "universal responsibility," the awareness that each one of us, as a member of the human family, can become a builder of peace and a protector of beings.

During the month of November our resident teacher, Geshe Konchog Kyab, will be giving teachings based on H.H. the Dalai Lama's Book Worlds in Harmony: Dialogues on Compassionate Action.

This is a great opportunity to hear extensive commentaries by Geshe-la on how, through a compassionate attitude, we can achieve harmony at home, at work and in the entire world.

This ongoing class is open to all levels!

Schedule: Sundays at 11:00am
Instructor: Geshe Konchog Kyab
Suggested Donation: $10 (free for members)

Sutric Grounds and Paths

The fourth noble truth is to cultivate the path. But what is the path? How do I know whether I'm on it or not? Where does it go next?

This class introduces you to the paths that Hearers, Solitary Realizers and Bodhisattvas follow. It also describes the realizations, or grounds, that they experience along the way.

With this knowledge, you have a roadmap of the entire path to enlightenment and a context for understanding teachings that refer to it.

This ongoing class is suggested for intermediate-level students, but all eager students are welcome!

Schedule: Mondays at 7:00pm
Instructor: Geshe Konchog Kyab
Suggested Donation: $10 (free for members)

Buddhism For Beginners

Are you curious about what Buddhism is all about, or have you decided to begin a practice, but you don’t know where to start?

This class offers:

  • Basic Buddhist philosophy
  • Instructions for beginning and developing a Buddhist practice
  • The meaning of rituals
  • The meaning of mantras and vows
  • Meditation instruction and practice
  • An opportunity to ask questions

This class is open to all levels!

Schedule: Thursdays at 7:00pm
Instructor: Geshe Konchog Kyab
Suggested Donation: $10 (free for members)

Introduction to Meditation

The path to happiness, compassion, and enlightenment begins with proper meditation practice. Meditation will have a profound impact on your mental, emotional, and physical health. Learn authentic meditation techniques from a fully qualified Lama, and then practice together in an enjoyable group setting. All levels, backgrounds, and faiths are welcome! This is one of our most popular classes, especially for new students.

This ongoing class is open to all levels!

Schedule: One Saturday each month, 11:00am (see calendar) (see calendar)
Instructor: Geshe Konchog Kyab
Suggested Donation: FREE (donations appreciated!)

Tara Puja

Tara is a female Action Buddha and the Mother of Wisdom and Long Life. She is invoked to remove the obstacles in times of personal difficulties, family and business problems, and when there is need for quick wisdom action, realizations and success for projects. This beautiful Puja ceremony is lead by Geshe la, and involves mantra and prayer recitation. Students may bring an offering of flowers, food, or donation for the teacher.

This ceremony is open to everyone!

Schedule: Check calendar for details!
Instructor: Geshe Konchog Kyab
Suggested Donation: $10 (free for members)

Medicine Buddha Puja

The Healing Buddha has promised to help all those who are sick and dying, or experience obstacles in their virtuous activities. He is depicted holding a bowl containing the five kinds of medicines. The Puja helps to clear and avert obstacles due to sickness and disease, and to bring success in all activities, dharma and worldly. At the time of death the blessings from Medicine Buddha prevent one from falling into the lower states of rebirth. Those already in a lower state of rebirth will be quickly liberated and will take rebirth in a precious human body. Students may bring an offering of flowers, food, or donation for the teacher.

This ceremony is open to everyone!

Schedule: Check calendar for details!
Instructor: Geshe Konchog Kyab
Suggested Donation: $10 (free for members)

Lama Choepa Tsog

"Tsog" Offering or "Guru Puja" is a ceremony that involves making offerings of food and drinks to the Buddhas in conjunction with prayers. It is an excellent method for accumulating merit, purifying negativity and receiving blessings. Students may bring offerings of your favorite chocolates, cookies, fruit, etc. These can be brought to the center just before the Tsog begins and placed on the altar. During the Puja, the food is blessed, and afterwards guests are invited to eat and take a portion home to share with friends and family.

This ceremony is open to everyone!

Schedule: Check calendar for details!
Instructor: Geshe Konchog Kyab
Suggested Donation: $10 (free for members)

Purification Practice

In the bustle of ordinary life, we sometimes do or say things we regret. We may have yelled at someone dear to us, gotten angry with a stranger, or killed a household pest. In the course of our lives, we may have even done things far worse. We must purify these negative deeds in order to move forward with a clean slate, and a clear conscience. In the future, we must commit to a more virtuous path of action. The purification practice called "Prostration to the 35 Buddhas" is extremely effective at purifying past negative actions and accumulating virtuous merit. The practice begins with a motivation and visualization and precedes through the recitation of the 35 Buddhas’ names in English, confession prayers, and dedication.

This ceremony is open to everyone!

Schedule: Check calendar for details!
Instructor: Geshe Konchog Kyab
Suggested Donation: $10 (free for members)