PROGRAMS

We know visiting a meditation center or monastery for the first time can be a little intimidating. However, we do everything possible to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Everyone is welcome regardless of their beliefs; therefore, you don’t need to be a Buddhist to attend. The classes and instructions are suitable and beneficial regardless of experience level. Over the years, people from all walks of life have attended classes at the monastery. For some people, attending classes means learning to meditate, but for others, it means learning more about Buddhist methods and philosophy as these relate to mind training and achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.

During teaching and meditation sessions, we sit on cushions, but if this is uncomfortable, you may sit on one of the benches in the rear. Generally, all classes follow a rather simple process:

  • Opening prayers

  • Dharma teaching/mediation

  • Q & A

  • Closing prayers and dedication

No physical exercise, yoga, or stretching is involved in our classes. Participants are welcome to stay and socialize after classes.

Regularly Scheduled Program

Saturday, 10:30 AM: Introduction to Buddhism

This weekly class introduces students to the fundamentals of Buddhism using various texts. The class explores Lam Rim, the stages of the path to enlightenment. Topics include determining the rudiments of the Buddhist view, understanding one’s dharma practice in terms of one’s everyday experiences, understanding the nature of suffering, reflecting on the importance of a spiritual guide, and understanding topics such as refuge, karma and rebirth, loving-kindness, compassion and Bodhichitta, meditation, and the wisdom realizing emptiness. The “lecture” follows a typical teaching format—a style familiar to anyone who has attended high school or college. Since the goal is to help participants integrate the Dharma into their daily lives, this is achieved by providing everyday examples and allowing time at the end of the sessions for folks to ask questions.

Wednesday, 7:00 PM: Discussion/Meditation Sessions

Typically, Dharma practitioners who attend the monastery determine the focus of these weekly Wednesday meetings. Sometimes, the purpose is to explore the teachings offered during our Saturday meetings, explore issues that have arisen during the week given their lived experiences, or clarify questions that have come up because of their studies. On some occasions, the sessions are used to learn how to perform various Buddhist rituals or how to read and recite prayers written in the Tibetan script.

Sometimes, these sessions are opportunities to practice meditation, understanding that developing concentration and insight assist in attaining the ultimate goal, enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Our intention is to help participants integrate the Dharma into their daily lives by providing the opportunity to explore the intersection of the Dharma and the lived experience. Everyone is welcome; however, we ask that you contact the monastery to sign up, indicating your wish to attend a Wednesday night session.