Weekly Schedule of Group Practices
SATURDAY MORNINGS
10:00-11:00 — Ngöndro Practice
The foundational practices of Ngondro embody all the teachings of the Buddha. They are a perfect and complete framework for cultivating a balanced, effective, and rewarding spiritual practice.
Chanting the entire Ngondro sadhana is the focus during the first hour, then individuals are encouraged to stay, but not required, to do accumulations for the second hour.
SUNDAY MORNINGS
9:30-10:30 a.m. — Calm Abiding/Mindfulness Meditation
This is a practice in calming the mind through shamatha meditation, or “peaceful abiding.” Venerable Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche says, “It is the most important thing we can do. Through peaceful abiding, we learn to rest fearlessly in our natural state.” These instructions guide us in the ancient technique to reveal the true nature of mind, wherein lies peace and happiness.
11:00 a.m. - Noon — Sunday Buddha Practice
Please bring a copy of the Buddha Sadhana if you have it. Complimentary copies will be available.
A facilitator will lead a formal practice.
Foundations of Tibetan Buddhism: Dharma Talks First and Third Sundays of each month.
TUESDAY EVENINGS
7:00-8:00 — Heart Sutra Practice
“The extent of joy in your heart and the joy you bring to others will always be dependent upon the extent to which your mind is motivated by loving-kindness and compassion. This is the point of view shared by all human beings, not just dharma practitioners. It is the most important standard by which we all judge one another. It is the essential practice of dharma as taught by the Buddhas. Compassion and loving-kindness, based upon emptiness, that is the condensed heart practice of the Prajnaparamita.”
~ Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche
Full-Moon Prayer Bowl Practice
7:00-8:00 Full-Moon days on lunar calendar.
Padma Gochen Ling Temple in Monterey, Tennessee
SUNDAYS at NOON
12.00-1:00 Medicine Buddha Practice
Some newcomers may find a brief orientation helpful. If you’d like one, or just want to ask a few questions, please arrive 5-10 minutes early, and someone will be there to help you.
Shrine Room Protocol
Traditionally, there are a few points of protocol when attending a practice.
Please try to enter the shrine room quietly and keep talking to a bare minimum.
Once you have your seat, you may get settled and meditate until the session begins.
If we are going to be chanting special texts, you can pick them up by the entry-way and have yours ready to go. Also avoid letting any text, Dharma book, or object touch the ground, using one of the provided mats. Also, we ask that those sitting on cushions do not point their feet towards the shrine.
What to Expect
The Padmasambhava Buddhist Center was established in 1988 by Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche, with centers in locations throughout the world, including Tibet, India, Russia, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Highly regarded for many years as leading scholars and Sunday is our main public meeting with a focus on introductory Dharma concepts and readings.
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No knowledge or prior experience with Buddhism is necessary for Sundays. Newcomers are welcome to participate at whatever level you feel comfortable with.
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Our sessions are casual and relaxed — come dressed comfortably for floor sitting.
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Chairs and meditation cushions are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own cushion or pillow if you prefer. You may also bring a shawl to wear on your shoulders or lap.
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We generally burn incense, but if you have allergies or other breathing challenges, please let the person leading the practice know.
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If you have any questions before you attend, please email info@pbc-tn.org
