Gompa

Discovering Buddhism, Module 11: Transforming Problems

Consider well the disadvantages of self-cherishing, or a selfish attitude, and the advantages of cherishing others more than yourself. Get inspired to practice caring more and more for others. Learn how to employ the special techniques of mind training, or lojong, as a means to transform problems into happiness and learn how to like problems and use them in the path to enlightenment. DB Module 11: Transforming Problems 7:00 - 8:30 pm Monday evenings August 12 - September 16, 2024 (no class Labor Day, Sept 2)

STEPS TO PARTICIPATE in DISCOVERING BUDDHISM

1.  Click HERE to enroll in Kadampa Center's 2023-2024 Discovering Buddhism course. (enrollment is closed)

2.  Join class in person at Kadampa Center or online via Zoom or YouTube live stream.

3.  Upon enrolling, you will automatically receive a confirmation email.  Please read through the confirmation email in its entirity as it contains important information about the course and how to attend.

HOW TO SUPPORT DISCOVERING BUDDHISM

Attending online or in person??  Please consider making a donation to Kadampa Center to enable us to keep Dharma classes like Discovering Buddhism possible.  Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated ~ thank you!

DONATE HERE

Transforming Problems is part of a two-year series of classes called Discovering Buddhism (DB).  In this course, we explore 13 essential topics in Buddhism, from Meditation to Karma to Death and Rebirth, with much, much more!  This is an excellent course of study for those who have the very basics and wish to start going a little deeper into Buddhist philosophy.

DB was developed by our affiliate organization, the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT.org), and is taught at Kadampa Center by senior lay students with many years of study and practice. Students who take the course together tend to develop great friendships with their Dharma buddies!

The instructor for DB Module 09 is Robbie Watkins.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Discovering Buddhism, Module 10, ends on Monday July 8th

Discovering Buddhism, Module 10: How to Develop Bodhichitta Discover the clear meditation instructions available in Tibetan Buddhism that enable you to develop your innate qualities of loving kindness and compassion. Become skilled in applying these techniques to generate bodhichitta, the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of others, which is the very heart of Buddha's teachings. 7:00 - 8:30 pm on Monday evenings, June 3 - July 8, 2024 Enroll in the course HERE (enrollment is closed) NOTE: Don Brown, the instructor for this module, would like students to read Bodhichitta: Practice for a Meaningful Life, by Lama Zopa Rinpoche prior to class, if possible.

STEPS TO PARTICIPATE in DISCOVERING BUDDHISM

1.  Click HERE to enroll in Kadampa Center's 2023-2024 Discovering Buddhism course. (enrollment is closed)

2.  Join class in person at Kadampa Center or online via Zoom or YouTube live stream.

3.  Upon enrolling, you will automatically receive a confirmation email.  Please read through the confirmation email in its entirity as it contains important information about the course and how to attend.

HOW TO SUPPORT DISCOVERING BUDDHISM

Attending online or in person??  Please consider making a donation to Kadampa Center to enable us to keep Dharma classes like Discovering Buddhism possible.  Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated ~ thank you!

DONATE HERE

How to Develop Bodhichitta is part of a two-year series of classes called Discovering Buddhism (DB).  In this course, we explore 13 essential topics in Buddhism, from Meditation to Karma to Death and Rebirth, with much, much more!  This is an excellent course of study for those who have the very basics and wish to start going a little deeper into Buddhist philosophy.

DB was developed by our affiliate organization, the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT.org), and is taught at Kadampa Center by senior lay students with many years of study and practice. Students who take the course together tend to develop great friendships with their Dharma buddies!

The instructor for DB Module 10 is Don Brown.

Discovering Buddhism, Module 09: Samsara & Nirvana

Investigate what samsara is and how we are stuck in it. Find out what nirvana is and how to achieve it.  Learn how to be free from suffering and empower yourself with practical tools to deal with and eliminate disturbing emotions forever. DB Module 09: Samsara and Nirvana Monday evenings in person and online April 22 - May 20, 2024, from 7 - 8:30 pm

STEPS TO PARTICIPATE in DISCOVERING BUDDHISM

1.  Click HERE to enroll in Kadampa Center's 2023-2024 Discovering Buddhism course. (enrollment is closed)

2.  Join class in person at Kadampa Center or online via Zoom or YouTube live stream.

3.  Upon enrolling, you will automatically receive a confirmation email.  Please read through the confirmation email in its entirity as it contains important information about the course and how to attend.

HOW TO SUPPORT DISCOVERING BUDDHISM

Attending online or in person??  Please consider making a donation to Kadampa Center to enable us to keep Dharma classes like Discovering Buddhism possible.  Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated ~ thank you!

DONATE HERE

Samsara and Nirvana is part of a two-year series of classes called Discovering Buddhism (DB).  In this course, we explore 13 essential topics in Buddhism, from Meditation to Karma to Death and Rebirth, with much, much more!  This is an excellent course of study for those who have the very basics and wish to start going a little deeper into Buddhist philosophy.

DB was developed by our affiliate organization, the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT.org), and is taught at Kadampa Center by senior lay students with many years of study and practice. Students who take the course together tend to develop great friendships with their Dharma buddies!

The instructor for DB Module 09 is Robbie Watkins.

Join author Stephanie Clare Smith - our own Steep - for a reading, signing and discussion of her recently published memoir, a beautifully written, hopeful account of one traumatic summer in her youth, and how it echoed down through her life.  Sunday, March 17, 12:30 pm (after the teachings) In Person Only. All are welcome!

From Kirkus Reviews: This stunningly lyrical memoir is a profoundly insightful glimpse into the complex and frightening consequences of parental neglect. As Smith’s voice naturally evolves from alienated to intensely present, the impressively concise narrative alternates between ethereal observations about everything from space to spiders and gut punches of pain, shame, revelation, and redemption.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase directly from the author at the event. The book cannot be purchased through Kadampa Center.

Registration to purchase the book is closed. Please attend the discussion, where there will be a few extra copies available. 

The price is $20, payable in cash only. Sorry, we cannot make change. Book purchases are directly from the author; they cannot be purchased through Kadampa Center.

Thank you!

H. E. Ling Rinpoche confers Medicine Buddha Empowerment Wednesday May 8, 2024 2:30 - 4:00 pm (may run later) offered in person only

ABOUT THE EMPOWERMENT

His Eminence advises that to attend the Medicine Buddha empowerment, students need to be Buddhists (eg: they should have faith in the Three Jewels) and have faith in the teachings and the deity (Medicine Buddha).  This means that there is no requirement to have previously taken Refuge.  It's more a matter of whether there is faith in the Three Jewels in one's heart.  Therefore no formal Refuge or Bodhisattva vows are required prior to attending the empowerment. H.E. Ling Rinpoche will bestow the Bodhisattva vows in advance of the empowerment. The Medicine Buddha empowerment cannot be attended as a "blessing", and there will be no practice commitments.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ:  No registration, ticket, or entry fee required - everyone is welcome!  However, please see His Eminence's guidelines about taking the empowerment in the paragraph above.  Also note that the empowerment may run later than the 4pm posted end time, therefore, please plan accordingly and allow for some flexibility.

VOLUNTEER! OFFER YOUR SERVICE TO THIS AMAZING TEACHER

Service to the teacher creates great merit and forges a karmic bond between you and the teacher. There are many opportuniites at every level of experience. 

Sign up to volunteer for H.E. Ling Rinpoche's visit here. 

HOW TO SUPPORT THE EMPOWERMENT

Sponsoring empowerments and teachings is a practice of the highest form of generosity -- giving the Dharma, the means to enlightenment.  Kadampa Center has for many years operated within the ideal of offering teachings without charging a fee, so that money is never an obstacle for anyone to hear precious Dharma teachings and participate in Dharma practices.  Kadampa Center relies on the generous hearts of those who are moved to support the spiritual offerings and keep them open to everyone regardless of ability to pay.  Supporting the teachings benefits not just the Center and those who attend, but also greatly benefits the donor, because it creates the causes to meet the teachings again in future lives, and deepens the connection with the teacher.  Please dedicate your sponsorship HERE!

If you are unable to sponsor, and would still like to support the teaching and empowerment being offered by His Eminence, we happily welcome all heartfet donations in any amount ~ thank you for giving!

Click on a link below to select a SPONSORSHIP LEVEL or to make a DONATION ~ thank you!

$500 - Enlightened Activity Sponsorship Level

$400 - Sponsor the Medicine Buddha Empowerment 

$300 - Sponsor the Teaching on The Foundation of All Good Qualities

$200 - Sponsor the Travel, Care and Support of His Eminence and Attendants

$151 - Sponsor the Altar, Flowers, and Spiritual Materials

$$ your choice - Donation of any heartfelt amount

> > >  Don't forget to submit your DEDICATION HERE!  < < <

DISCOVER MORE HERE

• About HE Ling Rinpoche

• Details of his USA tour

• HE Ling Rinpoche's Official Website

• Facebook page

• Instagram

• YouTube

	Kadampa Center's resident teacher, Geshe Sangpo, met with His Eminence in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India in December 2023, to request him to teach at Kadampa Center.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche teaches on The Foundation of All Good Qualities Wednesday May 8, 2024 10:00 am - 12:00 pm offered in person and on Zoom The Foundation of All Good Qualities is a concise, quintessential prayer by Lama Tsongkhapa that teaches the entire graduated path to enlightenment.  During his one-day visit to Kadampa Center, His Eminence Ling Rinpoche will offer a teaching on this beautiful lamrim prayer.  Join us for this incredible opportunity!

HOW TO ATTEND THE TEACHING

• Join us in person at Kadampa Center. There is no registration, no required ticket, no entry fee - everyone is welcome! 

• Join via Zoom ~ please REGISTER HERE for Zoom. (YouTube live stream will NOT be available for this teaching)

Please note: H.E. Ling Rinpoche requests those attending his teachings on Zooom establish a proper motivation and participate in the teachings as if in person, without engaging in other activities during the sessions.

VOLUNTEER! OFFER YOUR SERVICE TO THIS AMAZING TEACHER!

Service to the teacher creates great merit and forges a karmic bond between you and the teacher. There are many opportunities for every level of experience. 

Sign up to volunteer for H.E. Ling Rinpoche's visit here.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE TEACHING

Sponsoring empowerments and teachings is a practice of the highest form of generosity -- giving the Dharma, the means to enlightenment.  Kadampa Center has for many years operated within the ideal of offering teachings without charging a fee, so that money is never an obstacle for anyone to hear precious Dharma teachings and participate in Dharma practices.  Kadampa Center relies on the generous hearts of those who are moved to support the spiritual offerings and keep them open to everyone regardless of ability to pay.  Supporting the teachings benefits not just the Center and those who attend, but also greatly benefits the donor, because it creates the causes to meet the teachings again in future lives, and deepens the connection with the teacher.  Please dedicate your sponsorship HERE!

If you are unable to sponsor, and would still like to support the teaching and empowerment being offered by His Eminence, we happily welcome all heartfet donations in any amount ~ thank you for giving!

Click on a link below to select a SPONSORSHIP LEVEL or to make a DONATION ~ thank you!

$500 - Enlightened Activity Sponsorship Level

$400 - Sponsor the Medicine Buddha Empowerment 

$300 - Sponsor the Teaching on The Foundation of All Good Qualities

$200 - Sponsor the Travel, Care and Support of His Eminence and Attendants

$151 - Sponsor the Altar, Flowers, and Spiritual Materials

$$ your choice - Donation of any heartfelt amount

> > >  Don't forget to submit your DEDICATION HERE!  < < <

DISCOVER MORE HERE

• About HE Ling Rinpoche

• Details of his USA tour

• HE Ling Rinpoche's Official Website

• Facebook page

• Instagram

• YouTube

	Kadampa Center's resident teacher, Geshe Sangpo, met with His Eminence in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India in December 2023, to request him to teach at Kadampa Center.

2024 Dharma Movie Series: As part of our Spiritual Program, Elise Strevel, Outreach Coordinator and Buddhism in a Nutshell instructor,
is hosting dharma-related movies introducing Buddhist teachers and their work to our Kadampa community of students. She will be
providing a brief intro to each showing and lead an educational discussion afterward.

Kadampa Center welcomes back Venerable Amy Miller for a weekend of teachings! Friday, Saturday, and Sunday April 5, 6, and 7, 2024 See below for Venerable Amy's teaching schedule and how to get involved! Learn more about Venerable Amy Miller HERE. *** offered in person and online *** CLICK HERE for resources from Venerable Amy

Kadampa Center is happy to welcome Venerable Amy back to Raleigh for a wonderful weekend of teachings ~ join us!

• A weekend workshop titled "Preparing for Death with Confidence & Compassion" ~ click HERE for details and how to participate.

While we generally think of death as an anxiety-producing experience of loss, it can also be a time of great opportunity if we have trained our minds. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has commented that it is possible to die with joy, without fear, and without regret. In this series, Venerable Amy will help us prepare for this important time of transition and teach us how we can train our minds for a more peaceful and happy death. She will also help us understand what happens at the time of death, how we can utilize thought transformation (lojong) and other techniques, how mantras and prayers can be helpful, and how to help others who are passing away.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Saturday, April 13th, 9:30am - 12:30 pm and don't miss our special session Creating a Dharma Will with Venerable Khando, offered as a complement to Venerable's weeekend workshop.

• Sunday Morning Dharma with Venerable Amy, " Another World is Possible" ~ click HERE for details and how to participate.

As we emerge from the global COVID experience, the path may seem littered with confusion, violence, and alienation. Rather than grow dismayed by external experiences that show cruelty and heartlessness, how can we use our vulnerability to effectively channel this energy into more supportive practice?

FULL TEACHING SCHEDULE 

• Friday April 5, Weekend workshop session 1, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

• Saturday April 6, Weekend workshop session 2, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

• Saturday April 6, LUNCH BREAK, 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Students are encouraged to bring a bag lunch and discuss the morning's teachings together

• Saturday April 6, Weekend workshop session 3, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

• Sunday April 7, Sunday Morning Dharma with Venerable Amy, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

• Sunday April 7, LUNCH BREAK, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Students are encouraged to bring a bag lunch and discuss the morning's teachings together

• Sunday April 7, Weekend workshop final session 4, from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm

ACTS OF SERVICE ~ volunteer!

Please help create a beautiful and welcoming space in which to receive Venerable Amy and her teachings!  Sign up HERE ~ your help is greatly needed! 

SPONSOR VENERABLE AMY'S TEACHINGS AND VISIT

Supporting the teachings is an incredibly powerful and important act -- it is a practice of the highest form of generosity – giving the means to enlightenment. Kadampa Center has for many years operated within the ideal of offering teachings without charging a fee, so that money is not an obstacle for anyone to hear the precious teachings and participate in the practices. We rely on the generous hearts of those who are moved to support the spiritual offerings and keep them open to everyone regardless of ability to pay. Supporting the teachings benefits not just the Center and those who attend, but also greatly benefits the donor, because it creates the causes to meet the teachings again in future lives, and deepens the connection with the teacher.

Sponsors will receive an invitation to attend a private event with Venerable Amy Miller during her visit and are also invited to dedicate the merit of their generosity.  Dedications will be posted on the gompa door so that all may share and rejoice in your intentions.  Please make your sponsorship and dedication no later than Saturday April 6th to give us time to post your dedication and send the invitation to the private event (Note: there may be more than one sponsor for any event).    SUBMIT YOUR DEDICATION HERE!

If you are unable to sponsor, and would still like to support the teachings with Venerable Amy Miller, we happily welcome all heartfelt donations in any amount!

Click on a link below to select a SPONSORSHIP LEVEL or to make a DONATION ~ Thank you!

Enlightened Activity ~ sponsor the entire weekend workshop -- $350

Insight Activity ~ sponsor Venerable Amy's care and travel -- $250

Compassionate Activity ~ sponsor the altar, flowers & spiritual materials -- $150

Donation in any heartfelt amount -- $ your choice

>>> Don't forget to SUBMIT YOUR DEDICATION HERE!

Sand Mandala of Peace & Prosperity (Green Tara) at Kadampa Center
	Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, March 7 - 9 and Sunday March 10 10 am - noon at Kadampa Center All are invited to attend!

Join us for this incredibly precious and rare opportunity to experience the creation and blessings of a peace & prosperity mandala through this beautiful practice.

Creation of the sand mandala takes place over the course of three days, as the monks painstakingly sprinkle sand to create the intricate patterns of the mandala.  The Sand Mandala of Peace and Prosperity is a representation of the pure land of Green Tara Buddha.  We begin with an Opening Ceremony on the first morning of the mandala event (Thurs 10am), followed by three full days (Thurs, Fri, Sat) in which the monks will complete the creation of the mandala.  On Sunday morning, all are invited to join us in the gompa, or online, at 10am for an opportunity to view the completed Sand Mandala of Peace & Prosperity up close, and then participate in a Green Tara Puja (prayer service) led by Geshe Sangpo.  The puja will be followed by a Closing Ceremony where, in recognition of the impermance of all phenomena, the mandala will be deconstructed and the sacred sand will be taken to a body of water to be dispersed to benefit other living beings. Some of the blessed sand will be available for attendees to take home, including instructions on how to use it.

Bring friends and family of all ages ~ everyone is welcome!  There will be hands-on mandala activity tables for both adults and children.

SCHEDULE ~ All are welcome!

• Thursday March 7, beginning at 10 am -- join us in the gompa for the Opening Ceremony (offered in person only)

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 7, 8, 9, from 10 am - 4 pm (offered in person only)

  • Drop by Kadampa Center anytime between 10am and 4pm to witness the creation of the Mandala of Peace & Prosperity and to receive the blessings of this holy spiritual object.

  • Browse the Dharma shop and purchase merchandise (religious and non-religious) brought from India and Nepal by the monks; purchases will help off-set the costs of their visit.

  • Check out the mandala activity tables.

• Sunday March 10, from 10am - 12pm -- join us for a Green Tara Puja and Closing Ceremony (offered in person and online via Zoom or YouTube)

GET INVOLVED ~ Volunteer!

There will be many opportunities to volunteer, from set-up to take-down and everything in between! 

Learn more and SIGN UP HERE to get involved during the Sand Mandala of Peace & Prosperity event. 

SPONSOR ~ The Sand Mandala of Peace & Prosperity (Green Tara)

Sponsoring any Dharma activity is one of the highest forms of generosity, because you are giving the Dharma and making it possible for many to experience the benefits of these extraordinary sand mandalas.  Your financial support also helps cover the costs of travel and care of the monks during their visit.

Sponsors will be offered reserved seating and a special acknowledgement at the closing ceremony, and are also invited to dedicate the merit of their generosity.  Dedications will be posted on the gompa door so that all may share and rejoice in your intentions.  Please make your sponsorship at least two days before the closing ceremony event to give us time to post your dedication and reserve your seat.  SUBMIT YOUR DEDICATION HERE!

If you are unable to sponsor, and would still like to support the sand mandala, we happily welcome all heartfelt donations in any amount!

Click on a link below to select a SPONSORSHIP LEVEL or to make a DONATION ~ Thank you!

Sponsor all four days of a mandala -- $450

Sponsor the Green Tara puja -- $250

Sponsor any single day of a mandala -- $200

Sponsor opening or closing ceremony -- $150

Donation in any heartfelt amount -- $ your choice

Don't forget to SUBMIT YOUR DEDICATION HERE!

Sand Mandala of Healing (Medicine Buddha) at Kadampa Center
	Thursday, Friday, Saturday February 1 - 3, 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday February 4 10:00 am - noon at Kadampa Center All are invited to attend!

Join us for this incredibly precious and rare opportunity to experience the creation and blessings of a healing mandala through this beautiful practice.

Creation of the sand mandala takes place over the course of three days, as the monks painstakingly sprinkle sand to create the intricate patterns of the mandala. The Sand Mandala of Healing is a representation of the pure land of Medicine Buddha.  We begin with an Opening Ceremony on the first morning of the mandala event (Thurs 10am), followed by three full days (Thurs, Fri, Sat) in which the monks will complete the creation of the mandala.  On Sunday morning, all are invited to join us in the gompa, or online, at 10am for an opportunity to view the completed Sand Mandala of Healing up close, and then participate in a Medicine Buddha Puja (prayer service) led by Geshe Sangpo.  The puja will be followed by a Closing Ceremony where, in recognition of the impermance of all phenomena, the mandala will be deconstructed and the sacred sand will be taken to a body of water to be dispersed to benefit other living beings. Some of the blessed sand will be available for attendees to take home, including instructions on how to use it.

Bring friends and family of all ages ~ everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend!  There will be hands-on mandala activity tables for both adults and children.

SCHEDULE ~ All are welcome!

• Thursday February 1, beginning at 10 am -- join us in the gompa for the Opening Ceremony (offered in person only)

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, February 1, 2, 3, from 10 am - 4 pm (in person only)

  • Drop by Kadampa Center anytime between 10am and 4pm to witness the creation of the Mandala of Healing and to receive the blessings of this holy spiritual object.

  • Browse the Dharma shop and purchase merchandise (religious and non-religious) brought from India and Nepal by the monks; purchases will help off-set the costs of their visit.

  • Check out the mandala activity tables.

• Sunday February 4, from 10 am - 12 pm  -- join us for a Medicine Buddha Puja (healing ritual) and Closing Ceremony (offered in person and online via Zoom or YouTube)

GET INVOLVED ~ Volunteer!

There will be many opportunities to volunteer, from set-up to take-down and everything in between! 

Learn more and SIGN UP HERE to get involved during the Sand Mandala of Healing event!

SPONSOR ~ The Sand Mandala of Healing (Medicine Buddha)

Sponsoring any Dharma activity is one of the highest forms of generosity, because you are giving the Dharma and making it possible for many to experience the benefits of these extraordinary sand mandalas.  Your financial support also helps cover the costs of travel and care of the monks during their visit.

Sponsors will be offered reserved seating and a special acknowledgement at the closing ceremony, and are also invited to dedicate the merit of their generosity.  Dedications will be posted on the gompa door so that all may share and rejoice in your intentions.  Please make your sponsorship at least two days before the closing ceremony event to give us time to post your dedication and reserve your seat.  SUBMIT YOUR DEDICATION HERE!

If you are unable to sponsor, and would still like to support the sand mandala, we happily welcome all heartfelt donations in any amount!

Click on a link below to select a SPONSORSHIP LEVEL or to make a DONATION ~ Thank you!

Sponsor all four days of a mandala -- $450

Sponsor the Medicine Buddha puja -- $250

Sponsor any single day of a mandala -- $200

Sponsor opening or closing ceremony -- $150

Donation in any heartfelt amount -- $ your choice

Don't forget to SUBMIT YOUR DEDICATION HERE!