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Our
Sunday meetings are our way of giving new-comers an easy peek at
the vast landscape of Tibetan Buddhism.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Sunday
meetings usually draw people from all walks of life.
Generally there are a few newcomers each time.
To
those of you who have never heard Tibetan or been part of a meditation
group, the experience can feel a little like a trip to another planet!
Don't worry-- it was that way for most of us, even those who were
immediately attracted to the path.
No one is keeping score; we're just happy
you came. Just observe and listen until you get the hang of things.
Some people jump right in, while others wait. It may take a few
meetings to feel like you have a handle on things.
Modeled
on the format our lamas use when teaching us themselves, each meeting
consists of preliminaries, a teaching, a meditation, and closing
prayers.
1. PRELIMINARIES (10 minutes)
This section helps us to calm our minds and establish a connection
with the Buddha and our teachers. It can be a challenging part of the
morning for newcomers, but it only lasts about 5 minutes. This is
all outlined in our practice book, the equivalent of a prayer
book used in church.
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2. TAPED TEACHING (25 minutes)
Recordings of accomplished masters, often part of a series, provide deep insight into the basic concepts of the mind and the Buddhist art of living.
3. MEDITATION (20 minutes)
Buddhism gives us many tools to train and empower the mind. They take two forms-- focus and analysis. Focus involves concentration on a single object or idea while blocking out all other considerations. Analysis involves exploration of and reflection on a subject on a personal and universal level. In either case deep realizations are possible.
During "sits" we explore different techniques so that each person can find the best fit for his or her self-exploration. Many techniques eventually result in enlightenment, and all quickly become beneficial if the intent, discipline, and dedication are there.
4. CLOSING PRAYERS (5 minutes)
Each spoken Tibetan word has an energetic aspect that resonates within the speaker as well as the spoken-to. For centuries Tibetans have used prayer recitation as an extremely powerful and liberating way of connecting with our inherent Buddha nature. During our closing minute prayer recitation we chant specific practices from sacred Tibetan texts to dedicate the merits of our meeting and pray for the long lives of the Dalai Lama and our two lamas.
Always delivered in the spirit of love and compassion for others, these prayers create great benefits for both speaker and recipient.
WHAT TO BRING
The only thing you may want to bring is a meditation cushion, although several are provided. Chairs are also available for those who wish to sit.
PROTOCOL
In keeping with the concept of relaxation as a Buddhist end and means, we encourage you to mix and mingle-- or not- as you see fit. In the meditation room, however, we ask that you not converse before the meeting.
Also, we ask that those sitting on cushions do not point their feet towards the altar, and to keep somethjing between practice books and the floor, such as one of the mats we provide.
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