The First Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa (1110-1193), was one of the greatest students of Gampopa (1079-1153), a legendary master of mahamudra meditation. Mahamudra is considered the peerless method for attaining enlightenment. Passing on the mahamudra lineage became a centerpiece of the Karmapas’ activity. An unbroken succession of teachers have held the title, or name, Karmapa after Dusum Khyenpa.
In the new year it is common to make aspirations and resolutions. Start the Year of the Wood Snake with a commitment to deepen your understanding of mind, interconnectedness, and meditation! Immediately following Losar (Tibetan New Year), Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen will guide us in dealing with our minds through meditation and contemplation. Sundays, March 2–April 13, 2025, 10a-12noon PT.
The Mahayana teachings introduce us to the possibility of transforming even the most negative emotions into positive states of mind. By working with emotions and exploring the illusory nature of all phenomena, we can develop a heart of genuine compassion. Mahayana also introduces the idea of buddha nature — the understanding that our hearts and minds are, from the beginning, the same as the Buddha’s.
How does one become a Buddhist What does it mean to “take refuge” in the Three Jewels: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha? What are we taking refuge from? Are we ready to choose to be a refugee? To discuss these questions, Acharya Tashi will lead a series of classes leading up to a Refuge Vow ceremony held during the last class.
In this eight week series of teachings, Acharya Tashi Wangchuck will finish teaching The King of Aspiration Prayers. The prayer itself is rich in imagery and symbolism that, once explained, can deepen our appreciation and understanding of the verses.
Sundays, January 5–February 23, 2025
10:00a–12:00p
Also known as the “foundational vehicle,” Hinayana is the first vehicle of the three-yana system of study – Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. It is the basis for entering the path as taught in Vajrayana traditions. Hinayana 202 (October 29–December 10), describes the Hinayana path and its results.
