While Buddhism first appeared in India over 2500 years ago, its relevance is timeless and universal since it seeks to transform the mind from negative to positive states of being. Therefore, by integrating Buddhist methods and its profound wisdom tradition into one’s everyday life, a person lives life more harmoniously.

It is important to understand that there are many great Gurus and Teachers in Tibetan Buddhism. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, while well-known in the West, is only one of these realized teachers. Americans should also understand that His Holiness The Dalai Lama is not the head of the Gelugpa sect. The head of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism is the Gaden Tripa, the title given to the spiritual leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition, we must also rejoice in one of the benefits of our American heritage, that we live in country where our constitution ensures freedom of religion and expression. Consequently, the Monastery will not and does not engage in or support any actions or activities that would discriminate against any individual. We must be above any hint of politics, and we should not mix our spiritual practices and beliefs with politics. Consequently, it is important to respect every prayer and practice that has been handed down by past spiritual Masters, and Buddhist practitioners must have the freedom to practice whatever they believe to be of benefit for themselves and for other sentient beings. Therefore, we believe that everyone who visits the Monastery has the right to practice and engage in whatever religious practices they choose as instructed by their guru. Guru Devotion is a vital part of religious practice; therefore, one should follow the advice of one’s teacher.

Moreover, it is a common (i.e., normal) practice in the Gelug tradition to refrain from discussing/ revealing one’s spiritual practices. This is particularly true when it comes to Vajrayana practices (i.e., tantric instructions and practices which are to be held with vows of secrecy), and in keeping with that tradition, our focus is directed at assisting sentient beings in the realizations of renunciation, loving-kindness, compassion, and the wisdom realizing wisdom. Again, the manner of practice and the types of practice that individuals embrace are between the disciple and their Guru.

In that regard, we strive to practice the Dharma purely, and the Monastery adheres to the teachings and the traditions of Lama Je Tsongkhapa. Our intention is to benefit all sentient beings regardless of their race, class, gender, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs and practices; therefore, discrimination, in any of its forms, will not be tolerated at the Monastery. We welcome spiritual practitioners from any tradition, and that certainly includes Buddhists regardless of the spiritual practices they embrace.

There are certain practices and etiquette that you should be aware of, and in that regard please refer to our page concerning Dharma Etiquette. But generally,

• Please practice compassion by not using personal care or laundry products with fragrances when attending classes or other events at the Monastery.

• Remove hats and shoes before entering the meditation room.

• Turn off cell phones, pagers, and other noise-making devices.

• Avoid placing Dharma books or prayer guides (sadhanas) on the floor.

• Please do not sit with the soles of your feet facing the teacher and the altar.

• Please stand when the Teacher enters and leaves the room.

Absolutely not! Our activities are free and open to curious people of all backgrounds. Buddhism does not set itself apart from other religions, nor attach importance to “converting.” It is practice-oriented not ideological. Some people who follow the teachings of Buddha choose to identify themselves as Buddhists. Others who identify with other religious traditions find that the Buddhist emphasis on contemplative practice is a powerful supplement to their faith tradition. What may look like worship in Buddhism is actually a dramatic show of gratitude and respect for those who preceded us and for that which is most wholesome in ourselves. If you would like to get more involved, there are lots of opportunities.

No, please feel free to attend any class. While attending an entire series of classes is highly beneficial, as each class builds on the next, classes are taught in such a way that if you only attend one class you will derive benefit from it.

Many Dharma Centers charge to attend classes or require a monthly membership fee. However, our guiding teacher insisted that teachings be offered free of charge. Offerings to support the monastery are greatly appreciated, however.

Teachings are conducted in English; however, most of our prayers are in Tibetan, which has been transcribed for English speakers, but many have not been transcribed or translated into English. Please see the information given under “Visit Us” and “What to Expect.”

No. All you need is the wish to improve yourself and the quality of your life.

No. There is no physical activity or movement involved in any of our classes.

Buddhists make three prostrations when entering the prayer space and before a teacher begins formal teachings or initiations. In doing so, the visitor demonstrates their respect for the teacher and teachings. Doing prostrations are also an antidote to reduce our deluded pride. As practitioners, we begin to realize that our liberation and enlightenment are internal realizations and the Buddhist path becomes the means to develop attainments and realizations. It is with these understandings and realizations that we prostrate to overcome hatred, desire, and ignorance (the three root delusions).

It’s appropriate to address them as Venerable if you can’t pronounce their Tibetan name. When addressing a monastic, it’s customary to use the honorific, “la.” Therefore, the polite form would be Lobzang-la, Geshe-la, or Venerable-la.

We remove our shoes before entering the prayer space. You may bring slippers or shoes used exclusively as indoor shoes if you need foot support.

Dharma books, printed Dharma materials, and pictures of deities, teachers, or Buddhist symbols, should be handled carefully as a way of showing respect. Therefore, we keep them clean and handle them respectfully since they impart and represent the Holy Dharma. In that regard, please avoid placing them on the floor, under your chair, stepping over them, placing them on a bed, placing other non-Dharma materials on top of them, or taking them into the bathroom.

One should sit respectfully and attentively. Please silence your phone and don’t use it or be distracted by it if you have it nearby. You may sit either on a cushion or in a chair, but we ask that you do not lean against the walls in the prayer space. If you need to stretch your legs, you may do so or you may stand, if necessary, but please do so quietly and mindfully. Also, please do not point your feet toward the altar or teacher or lay on the floor in the presence of the teacher. This is considered disrespectful in some Asian cultures.

In the monastery, one should dress modestly. This means not wearing shorts, short skirts, tank tops, or items with low-cut necklines. We also discourage tight-fitting clothing, such as yoga wear.

No. While we sit on meditation cushions, you can sit on a chair or a bench if you prefer.

Standing with our hands pressed together at the heart and slightly bowing when greeting the teacher before receiving a teaching or initiation is polite and customary.

Yes. However, it is important for a parent to consider whether their child can handle being in the monastery setting since the environment requires being attentive and quiet for at least an hour. This is an assessment that only a parent can make.

We aim to build an inclusive environment, and the monastery is very interested in creating programs for children. Therefore, if there are parents who would like to discuss creating programs designed for children, please contact Ven. Lobzang Dorje. He would be delighted to talk with you.