Weekly Meetings
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What to Expect

Sunday is our main public meeting with a focus on introductory Dharma concepts and readings. We begin our sessions with a brief chanting practice and some meditation, followed by the readings and some discussion for that day. We typically close with a little meditation and closing prayers, praying for our teacher’s long life and dedicating the positive merit of our time together.

You may notice some people bowing or prostrating to the shrine three times at the beginning of the session. This is a traditional way of showing respect, yet there is no expectation for anyone to do this.
In our tradition there is a great emphasis on lineage, so we also chant some opening prayers in Tibetan and English to honor and request the support of those who have come before us. This is also entirely optional. Participate at what ever level feels comfortable to you. Casual, comfortable dress is fine.

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.

Weekly Meetings

Yeshe Tsogyal Temple
419 E Iris Drive; Nashville, Tennessee  37204

Please see our Contact Page for directions and map.

Sundays 9:30-10:30 am

Calm Abiding Meditation

Calm Abiding Meditation is a foundational practice found in all schools of Buddhism. By focusing on the natural breath with single pointed concentration, we learn to calm the mind and eventually break the habitual patterns of following our thoughts in every direction. Becoming familiar with this type of mental stability is the basis of all other types of meditation, so it is considered very important.

These meetings are open to beginning meditators, as well as more experienced students wishing to further refine their practice. Introductory instructions on how to meditate will be provided for those arriving 15-20 minutes before the starting time.

Sundays 11:00 am-12 noon

Discovering Tibetan Buddhism

Join us Sunday mornings for Dharma videos, readings, and discussion. This class is especially for beginners and those looking for some exposure to Buddhism, but it’s also for experienced students. The session includes some chanting and meditation, with a focus on a Dharma teaching video of our teacher, Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Rinpoche, followed by a brief discussion that generally lasts about an hour.

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.

Tuesdays 7:00-8:00 pm

Calm Abiding Meditation / Heart Sutra Practice

Calm Abiding Meditation is a foundational practice found in all schools of Buddhism. By focusing on the natural breath with single pointed concentration, we learn to calm the mind and eventually break the habitual patterns of following our thoughts in every direction. Becoming familiar with this type of mental stability is the basis of all other types of meditation, so it is considered very important.

These meetings are open to beginning meditators, as well as more experienced students wishing to further refine their practice. Introductory instruction to meditation will be provided for those arriving 15-20 minutes before the starting time.

Tuesdays 8:00-8:30 pm

Heart Sutra Practice (following meditation)

One of the few Tibetan prayers spoken mostly in English, the Heart Sutra contains the essence of all Buddhist study and practice — at once simple and very profound. Beginners are warmly welcome.

Saturdays 10:00 – 11:00 am

Ngondro Practice

Recitation and meditation on the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro. The Ngondro practices are foundational to a personal practice of Tibetan Buddhism. This dense sadhana practice includes all of the heart teachings of Buddhism. The second hour will be dedicated to accumulating mantras, prostrations, and/or mandala offerings, according to the needs of each practitioner.

Saturdays 11:00 am – 12:00 noon

Ngondro Accumulations Practice

For those accumulating Ngondro practices. 

Other Information

  • No knowledge or prior experience with Buddhism is necessary for Sundays. Newcomers are welcome to participate at whatever level you feel comfortable with.
  • Our sessions are casual and relaxed — come dressed comfortably for floor sitting.
  • 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.
  • We generally burn incense, but if you have allergies or other breathing challenges, please let the person leading the practice know.
  • If you have any questions before you attend, please email info@pbc-tn.org
  • Directions to the Center

Weekly Practices at Padma Gochen Ling
Our PBC Retreat Center outside of Monterey, Tennessee

Wednesday
10:00-11:00am
Medicine Buddha Practice

Sunday
10:00-11:00am
Ngondro Practice

 

More information and map to Padma Gochen Ling

If you have questions, please call Padma Gochen Ling at (931) 445-3909 or use our Contact Page Form