His
Holiness the Dalai Lama with Our
Founder A
Scholar of the |
We are Honored to Host The Venerable
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Khenmo visits us each winter, bringing her scholarly teachings and warm compassionate support to our practices. Approaching Buddhism Buddhism is a religion for the curious, for those not satisfied by pat answers to lifes questions.
For more than 25 centuries, Buddhists have enjoyed a spirit of free inquiry and debate, encouraged by the Buddha himself. One time, he was approached by a group of people, called the Kalamas, who were tired of the steady stream of itinerant preachers who preached contradictory ideas. They were confused and didn't know which one to listen to. As recorded in the Kalama Sutra they complained to the Buddha, "There are some . . . [who] expound and explain only their own doctrines, they despise, revile, and pull to pieces the doctrines of others. Others come here and also expound and explain their own doctrines. The doctrines of others they despise, revile, and pull to pieces. When we listen to them, Sir, we have doubt and wavering as to which of these worthy ones speak truth and which speak falsehood." The Buddhas reply to them has colored the Buddhist approach to doctrine ever since. He said, "It is proper for you, Kalamas, to doubt, to be uncertain; uncertainty has arisen in matters that are doubtful. . . . Do not go by revelation; do not go by tradition; do not go by hearsay; do not go on the authority of sacred texts; do not go on the grounds of pure logic; do not go by a view that seems to be rational; do not go by reflecting on mere appearances; do not go along with a considered view because you already agree with it; do not go along on the grounds that the person is competent; do not go along [thinking] this recluse is our teacher. Kalamas, when you yourselves know that these things are unwholesome, these things are blameworthy; these things are censured by the wise; and when undertaken and observed, these things lead to harm and ill, only then should you abandon them." I often say that there is no sign at any Buddhist temple that says "Check your brains at the door." Buddhism is not about accepting dogma on blind faith. Such faith is regarded as superficial and a fault to be overcome in short, as spiritual laziness. Of course, faith may be necessary in the beginning, but over time it is gradually replaced by unshakable confidence based in personal experience. How does this come about? There is a three-part process of listening, contemplating, and meditating. When we first listen to or read teachings, we just take in the raw information, and try to understand what the teacher or author saying. Then we contemplate what has been learned, mull it over, and test it. We ask: Does it make sense? Will I be happier if I adopt this point of view? We try it out and see for ourselves what works and what doesn't. Finally, we meditate on what we have adopted in order to integrate the new ideas into our mind. The founder of the Drigung Kagyu, Jigten Sumgön, described meditation as 'habituation.' So, we use meditation to bring our daily conduct more closely into line with our ideals. We systematically cultivate compassion, wisdom, or loving-kindness, for example, so that we can face adversity more positively. Khenmo
Trinlay Texts used in practice can be obtained directly from Vajra Publication http://www.vajrapub.org, The Tibetan Meditation Center (TMC) of Gainesville, Florida was formed by the Venerable Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche in 1999 along with other centers throughout the U.S. The Tibetan Meditation Center is a center belonging to the Drikung Kagyu lineage. (more info here)
Meditation and practice at the The Tibetan Meditation Center -Gainesville are informal and comfortable. Everyone is welcome to practice and benefit from the treasury of the lineage teachers. See the EVENTS page for both regular practice schedules and upcoming events. Dedication : "By both the innate root of virtue and the roots of virtue accumulated in the three times by myself and all sentient beings, may I and all sentient beings quickly attain the precious, unsurpassable, authentic, perfected wisdom." His Eminence Garchen Triptrul Rinpoche " For The Benefit of All Beings "
For the past 3 years Garchen Rinpoche’s extraordinary life and teachings have been documented on film in 14 countries: U.S.A., Canada, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, India, Chile, Germany, Sweden, Israel, Hong Kong, Tibet and China. Included is an unprecedented interview, with Garchen Rinpoche speaking candidly about his life. Also captured is a rare interview with Venerable Drubwang Rinpoche, a great yogi who passed away in December 2007. Khenchen Gyaltshen Rinpoches visit 2012
click on EVENTS above to
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Click Here to Register and for full teaching Schedule Teaching:
CONTACT
INFORMATION: Or email tibetanmeditationcenterg @ gmail.com with your name and contact information Please register so we can get a count of how many people will be attending. But, have no obstacle to attending... It is our Center's policy to be open to everyone regardless of an ability to pay . Please give support by being as generous as you are able. All funds go to support the teacher and bringing him to our area. There is no donation too small. Generosity creates merit in your life. 'A Complete Guide to the Buddist Path' Commentary on the 'Jewel Treasury of Advise' 'One Hundred Teachings From the Heart'
by Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche, Edited by Khenmo Trinlay Chödron "Buddhist teachings provide numerous methods for bringing greater meaning and happiness into our lives and into our relationships with others. In 'A Complete Guide to the Buddhist Path' Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche reveals these methods in direct, vibrant, and down-to-earth language. At the core of this work lies The Jewel Treasury of Advice, a text composed by Drikung Bhande Dharmaradza (1704-1754), the reincarnation of Drikung Dharmakirti. Khenchen Rinpoche interprets these ancient teachings with compassion, humor, and a keen awareness for their relevance in contemporary Western life. Those who sincerely want to study and practice the Buddha's teachings will find this an indispensable guide." Some general remarks on the Dharma by Khenchen
Additional Information on Drikung activities elsewhere: Read
about Khenchen's last teaching
The Sun, the Moon, and the Hung Syllable Translated by Khenpo Konchok Tamphel Conference
of spiritual leaders in Dharamsala
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