Dear Dharma Friends,
Lama Kalsang’s travel plans have been extended and he will be in Nepal until mid June. Until then we are on a modified practice schedule. This week our Wednesday evening yidam practice is on pause.
Thursday is Evening Tea Break at 7pm, Saturday morning is Vajrasattva practice at 9am, and this Sunday at 10am our practice will be Om Ah Hum and 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva.
Looking forward to June, we will be bringing back our Introduction to Practice class on the first Tuesday of each month. The first class will be held on Tuesday, June 4. This class will be online only. Stay tuned for the Zoom link!
This is the month of Saga Dawa – when we celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death (parinirvana) of the Buddha Shakyamuni. During Saga Dawa the practice of virtue, meditation, and generosity holds great importance in our Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Observing practices during this sacred month multiplies our merit thousands-fold. It’s an opportunity to cultivate our compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness, which leads to personal spiritual growth and benefiting all sentient beings.
The most holy day is Saka Dawa Duchen, which is the date most commonly associated with Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana. It falls on May 23 this year. Engaging in acts of kindness and self-reflection during Saga Dawa creates ripple effects of positivity and fosters a deeper connection to oneself and the world.
Please be advised: the CDC is currently listing our community hospital admission level of COVID as low. This is based on data for the week ending May 11, 2024. Masks remain optional for our in person practices at the center but we encourage you to please act with caution. We do ask that only fully vaccinated people come in to the center. We will be running the air purifier in the common area. If you are not feeling well or have had a recent exposure to COVID, please ensure that you are negative with a home test before coming in or to please join us online.
May the illumination of wisdom teachings shine through all obscurations of our mind, and may our practices be beneficial to all beings!
Thursday, May 23, 7pm, Evening Tea Break. Online only. A time just to talk about dharma with dharma friends. Beginners are very welcome. Join us on Zoom.
Saturday, May 25, 9am. Vajrasattva Practice. Online and in person. This is a foundational and ongoing training to purify our negative actions, mental disturbances, harmful tendencies and mistaken views by invoking the yidam Vajrasattva in a meditative visualization practice. Join us on Zoom.
Sunday, May 26, 10 am. Online and in person. Practice will include recitation of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva and Om Ah Hung practice and meditation. Join us on Zoom.