 |
 |
 |
|
Newcomer’s
Guide |
Regular
Activities | The
Foundation Series |
Special
Programs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Over
the years we have developed a program for the comprehensive study
and practice of Tibetan Buddhism.
If
you will be coming for the first time, please see our Newcomer’s
Guide, which contains information on proper etiquette.
Please note that due to specially scheduled events, regular events
may be cancelled from time to time. Please check the calendar periodically
to make sure the event you are planning to attend is taking place
as usual. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basics
of Meditation
First Sunday of each month, 11:00am-Noon
Offered
on the first Sunday of each month, from 11:00am – Noon,
our Basics of Meditation sessions introduce newcomers to the practice
of meditation. Each session begins with a talk by Geshe Lobsang
Tenzin, Spiritual Director of Drepung Loseling, followed by a guided
meditation session. This is a good way to learn about Drepung Loseling
and what we have to offer. Dress in comfortable clothing; cushions and chairs
are provided. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday
Morning Shamatha Meditation
11:00am – Noon, weekly
Shamatha
is a simple yet effective meditation method for bringing increased
clarity, stability and focus to the mind. The word “shamatha”
is Sanskrit for “calm abiding” and refers to the mind’s
ability to remain in a peaceful and focused state of awareness on
any given object once trained to do so. In these sessions, we learn
how to train our mind to calmly abide on whatever object we choose,
beginning with the simple incoming and outgoing of our own breath.
Shamatha
is not a specifically “Buddhist” meditation, and one
does not need to be a Buddhist to practice it. Studies have shown
it can help to alleviate stress and promote health and well-being.
It is also considered a fundamental practice for those interested
in the spiritual path.
Newcomers
are always welcome. Instruction is provided in each session, followed
by a half-hour meditation. There
is no need to bring anything, although it is good if you wear comfortable
clothing. Chairs are available for those not comfortable sitting
on the floor.
If
you enjoy the meditation and wish to learn more, consider attending
the Foundation Series (the second retreat is on Shamatha meditation)
or one of our other courses on meditation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tuesday
Evening Public Talks
7:30pm-9:00pm, weekly
This
regular public talk every Tuesday evening is our longest-standing
program, dating back to Drepung Loseling Monastery, Inc.’s
inception in 1991. It is still one of the best ways to get and stay
involved in our activities while learning more about Buddhism.
Each
session begins with a greeting and announcements of upcoming events,
followed by 5-10 minutes of chanting. The words for the chants are
printed on a hand-out for everyone. The chants are done in English,
Tibetan and Sanskrit, but the foreign-language chants are printed
phonetically so that you can pronounce the words without too much
difficulty. The melodies are simple and easy to follow, and you
should quickly get the hang of them. The chanting is for the purpose
of relaxing mind and body after the work day, and setting a proper
motivation to listen to the teaching so that it can be most beneficial
for ourselves and others.
The
actual teaching follows. Each week covers a different topic of Buddhist
thought and practice, and is a self-contained teaching intended
to be informative and helpful for both newcomers and experienced
students.
Following
the teaching is a question and answer period, during which anyone
can raise questions.
The
teaching is concluded by a few more minutes of chanting and a dedication
of the merit for the happiness and welfare of all beings.
You
can also browse the Loseling Shop, which contains books, ritual
items, CDs and other objects, and the library, which contains books
that members can borrow.
See
the calendar for the specific topics for each Tuesday evening public
talk. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Medicine Buddha Healing Practice
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:15pm
Led by Loseling resident teacher Geshe Ngawang Phende, this practice, associated with the Healing Buddha, helps promote individual, social, environmental and global healing. Please join this communal meditation to enhance healing and well-being for yourself, your friends and family members.
FREE and open to the general public. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
following intermediate and advanced level practices are limited
to those who have received the appropriate instructions, transmission
or empowerment.
Sunday
Morning Vajrasattva
10:00am – 11:00am (restricted)
The meditation on Vajrasattva and recitation of the 100-syllable
mantra is a powerful means for purification and the transformation
of negative emotions and mental states into positive ones.
This
intermediate-level practice is open to those who have received the
appropriate empowerment into Vajrasattva.
Sunday
Afternoon Vajrayogini / Chakrasamvara Practice
12:30pm-2:00pm, weekly (restricted)
Vajrayogini
and Chakrasamvara are Highest Yoga Tantra practices, and considered
advanced-level practices at Drepung Loseling. They are restricted
to those who have received the Vajrayogini and Chakrasamvara empowerments
(only the Chakrasamvara empowerment is required to attend the last
Sunday of the month, when the Chakrasamvara sadhana is practiced).. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|