Gompa

In five 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 organized in a graduated path to enlightenment, 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 the book Buddhism in a Nutshell by Ven. Amy Miller, an excellent supplement to the classes (and available in Kadampa Center's bookstore). This course will be led by Sandy Carlson.

In keeping with our tradition, these classes are offered on a donation basis. No pre-registration is needed. We do encourage you to attend all five classes to get the most benefit from the course, and offer a certificate of completion if you attend all five evenings.

Geshe Gelek reserved the space for a private blessing ceremony.

The center will be closed tonight due to winter weather.

Due to winter weather, the movie event had to be rescheduled for Monday, March 2nd. All advance purchase tickets will be valid for the new date.

Our Spiritual Director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, recommends the recitation of The Sanghata Sutra on the Days of Miracles. Join together with other students for a group recitation of the sutra at 7:00am. According to Geshe Gelek, the benefits of doing practice with as a group are more powerful, with many minds thinking the same positive thoughts at the same time - it's so rare! In a group, the sutra can also be divided up amongst the students, and a complete recitation takes much less time than when done alone. How long the recitation will take depends on how many people attend - we estimate an hour at most.

Students are also encouraged to read the sutra at home with a special dedication by Lama Zopa Rinpoche found at http://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/advice/fifteen-days-of-miracles/.

Join us for the power of group practice to take the Eight Mahayana Precepts, followed by a light breakfast, on the final holy day of the 15 Days of Miracles. Please plan to arrive at 5:45am so the practice can start right at 6:00am.

Following breakfast, at around 7:00am, students are invited to stay and recite The Sanghata Sutra as a group. Lama Zopa Rinpoche recommends reciting this particular stura during the Days of Miracles.

The Day of Miracles are holy days when karmic results are multiplied one hundred million times, as cited by our Spitiual Director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, in the Vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic. Rinpoche, encourages students to take the Eight Mahayana Precepts on holy days. This is a set of vows that are taken for 24 hours, from just before dawn to sunrise of the following day.  Those who have taken precepts previously from a qualified teacher can take them at the center, or at home, at “first light”.

If there are Kadampa Center students who haven’t taken the vows before and wish to do so, we can invite one of our resident Geshes to offer the vows, but as is traditional only if requested by the students. Please contact our holy day coordinator, Patrick McGinity, if you haven’t previously taken precepts and want to make this request, or have questions about the practice.

For more information about the Eight Mahayana Precepts you can also go to http://www.lamayeshe.com/index.php?sect=article&id=503&chid=973

The center will be closed due to snow and ice.

The tour brings two new Dalai Lama Films across the US and Canada after a successful 36-city tour of UK-Ireland and sold out screenings in 2014!

Los Angeles Film Director Khashyar Darvich's two newest films featuring the Dalai Lama, Dalai Lama Awakening (narrated by Harrison Ford) and Compassion in Action, come to Raleigh for one night only,March 2nd at 6:30pm. Come to Kadampa Center for screenings of both films.

View the trailers for each film:

• Dalai Lama Awakening
• Compassion in Action

Tickets are $10 per person. Cash and major credit card at the door; to avoid the lines, advance online sales at dalai-lama-double-feature.eventbrite.com

SPECIAL UPDATE:

Unfortunately, the director/producer Khashyar Darvich will be unable to attend for live Q&A as he so dearly wished to. His mother is gravely ill, and he had to return to Washington DC to be with her. Because of this, the ticket price is now a suggested donation of $10. Previously purchased tickets will be honored, and refunds to reflect the adjustment will be given on request. 

We hope to see you there!!

Many of us have come across the book Brave Parenting: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide to Raising Emotionally Resilient Children by Krissy Pozatek. The Wisdom Publications website includes copy from the Introduction to the book on their website. We'll use this as a basis of our discussion. To prepare for the discussion, some things to consider: What is something you did not understand? What struck a cord or gave you an "ah ha" moment? What do you already apply in your own life? In what way? What do you want to know more about?

Also, please consider if you'd like to purchase this book and use it as a basis for future discussions and if there is another book you'd like to use or if you have other suggestions for guiding or discussion. What you can expect:

An icebreaker or a little time to get to know other parents
Discussion based on a specific article or topic
Requests for special speakers as we develop specific questions
A group that provides friendships, support, encouragement, ideas, etc.
Connections between parenting goals and Buddhist teachings
Opportunity for everyone to participate

Currently, we do not have childcare available. Babes in arms welcome.