Gompa

One of the key points of Buddhism is emptiness - things do not exist the way we think they do. Developing a realization of this cuts the root of ignorance, and just thinking about it shakes the foundation of our samsaric existence. In the Mahayana tradition, one of the most well-known sutras on emptiness is the Vajra (or Diamond) Cutter Sutra. Lama Zopa Rinpoche taught on an important verse from this sutra at this year's Light of the Path Retreat, and Geshe Gelek has been reviewing it as well:

“As a star, a visual aberration, a lamp,

an illusion, dew, a bubble,

a dream, lightning, and a cloud –

view all the compounded like that.”

During this day-long teaching, visiting teacher Ven. George Churinoff will provide the larger context for this verse by explaining the meaning of The Vajra Cutter Sutra and the fundamental logic behind emptiness. You can download a free copy of this sutra from FPMT at http://fpmt.org/education/teachings/sutras/vajra-cutter-sutra/. 

We'll take a break mid-day for a vegetarian potluck lunch. Please bring a dish or drinks to share - we don't have facilities in the kitchen to heat food, so hot dishes should be brought in crock pots. Gluten free and vegan dishes are especially appreciated - please label your ingredients to help those with special dietary needs.

Basic Program

Kadampa Center is now offering FPMT's Basic Program, taught primarily by our resident teacher, Geshe Gelek, and facilitated by Shankha Mitra. This five-year program was designed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche for students who have completed basic levels of study and have a regular Buddhist practice to gain a profound knowledge of the key aspects of the entire Buddhist path.

Pre-requisites and Pre-registration

Information about the pre-requisites and the form to register are available on the Basic Program page. Students who are starting the course with this module need to register by Sunday, Sept. 14th. The class will be recorded but not streamed since students need to attend in person to fully participate.

Mind and Cognition: part 1, Mind and Mental Factors

An introduction to Buddhist psychology, Mind and Mental Factors describes the various positive and negative emotions, as well as the cognitive states relevant to practice of a liberative path are identified and defined. Understanding the 51 mental factors gives us insight how to develop our positive qualities and apply atidotes to the negative ones.

Geshe Gelek said strongly that a basis of lam-rim is usually taught first and is an important part of our practice, so this class should not take the place of or distract from Wednesday night's lam-rim course.

Guest FPMT Registered teacher, Venerable George Churinoff, will be teaching this module in Geshe-la's absence. A physics graduate from MIT, Venerable George earned a Masters degree in Buddhist studies from Delhi University, India. He took ordination in 1975 and studied the Geshe Studies Program at Manjushri Institute, England, where he also served as Spiritual Program Coordinator. Venerable George was instrumental in founding the Masters Program at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Italy, where he also served as Program Coordinator. After studying and teaching there for eight years he spent several years at Tushita Centre in Delhil, followed by three years as Lama Osel Rinpoche's English curriculum tutor at Sera Je Monastery in South India. Venerable George has done many retreats in the sutra and tantra traditions and taught extensively in FPMT centers all over the world. He taught the Basic Program as resident teacher at Dorje Chang Institute, New Zealand, and at Land of Medicine Buddha, USA. Venerable George now resides near Asheville, NC.

Materials

The text for this class, Kachen Yeshe Gyaltsen's Clear Exposition of the Modes of Minds and Mental Factors: a Necklace for those of Clear Mind, homework assignments, a service sign-up sheet, supplemental materials, and recordings are available for download on a private webpage for registered students in the Members section of the website. If you are not a member yet, please contact membership@kadampa-center.org. The link will be sent to students when registration closes. There is also an email list for discussion and announcements.

The lamrim is the step-by-step guide that, if we practice it, is the path to enlightenment. It's the basis for all our programs, including Discovering Buddhism, Lamrim Chenmo class, and the Basic Program. Our Spiritual Director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, has recently emphasized how important it is students begin to practice seriously to gain realizations, and Geshe Gelek has many times quoted the teachings that intellectual study isn't enough - we must practice within meditation. This evening hour of lamrim meditation is for anyone who has had previous teachings on the lamrim and learned basic meditation, and would like the support of guided meditation and practice as a group, however no registration is required. The Wednesday evening guided lamrim meditation will continue through mid-December (until Lamrim Chenmo class with Geshe Gelek begins again).

Preliminary setup for Tara practice

Preliminary setup for Tara practice

Prelminary setup for Tara practice

In this lively two-hour chat and slideshow, Venerable Jampa Ludrup presents the captivating world of Feng Shui -- the art of creating harmony in your surroundings. You will learn some of the ideas behind Feng Shui, and the many ways in which it can benefit you and your loved ones. He may also show a 30 minute segment of his television series, Wind and Water.

The Discovering Buddhism (DB) two-year course emphasizes an authentic yet culturally relevant presentation of the Buddha's teachings. Taught by FPMT registered teachers and facilitators, the classes lay a strong foundation of the entire Tibetan Buddhist path including how to integrate study and practice. This is an excellent “next step” for students who have taken the Buddhism in a Nutshell class and want to learn more. There are no pre-requisites or fees, although donations are appreciated. We ask that new students starting the course, if entering after the course begins, start at the first week of any module, which typically begin the first Monday of a given month.

This module, Mind and Its Potential, is the first module of the course, and examines the mind and how it creates happiness and suffering. Learn the Buddhist definition of mind, and how to transform destructive thoughts and attitudes to create a positive and joyous mind! Taught by Robbie Watkins.