Ongoing Event | Every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.
Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism
Our next session is confirmed for Tuesday, May 30 and weekly thereafter.
On March 21st, 2023 we began a short Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism program that we will continue to offer via Zoom each Tuesday evening.
The format for these evenings will typically include a period of meditation as well as a talk or a reading which we can contemplate and discuss. As always, questions and comments will be welcome.
A brief description of the first 4 weeks appears below and will give the interested participant a sense of the program content. Over time additonal topics and aspects of Tibetan Buddhism will be included.
Week One
In this session, we present an overview of Tibetan Buddhist doctrine called the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma, by Sarah Harding. It is followed by a commentary that explains aspects of the practices that support and reveal this spiritual path.
Week Two
In this session, we present guided meditations of Concentration (Samatha) and Insight (Vipassana). The commentary explains the context and interrelationship of these two practices.
Week Three
In this session, we present a commentary and guided meditation of vizualization, which is another method of concentration often used in both sutra and tantra traditions of practice. We experience the power of visualization by engaging in a tantric practice called Medicine Buddha.
(Some folks may recall this particular version of Medicine Buddha from past practices held at Body Mind Centre. It is designed for people who have no previous experience in tantric meditation practice. If there is interest we may schedule a regular Medicine Buddha practice such as the fourth Tuesday of each month)
Week Four
In this session, we contemplate the underlying assumptions of Tibetan Buddhist doctrine. We explore the basis of our faith from the standpoint of twenty-first century science.
All sessions are open to everyone and do not require any previous practice experience.
If you are interested in joining us, please send an email to Potala Zoom and we will add your name to the Zoom invitation. You will then receive a Zoom invitation on Tuesday evenings at 6 pm ET. We will visit for 15 minutes to allow everyone to join the session and begin promptly at 6:15 pm.
The sessions will vary in duration but we expect to conclude between 7:00 pm and 7:15 pm. Feel free to join in at any time during the session as Zoom is designed to allow a “silent” entry.
There is no cost to attend these sessions although donations are always welcome and gratefully accepted. For details on making a donation please click on Membership/Donate
*************************************************************************************************************************
Past Event | December 17 - 18, 2022
Teachings by the Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche
We are very pleased to announce that our teacher, Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, will be visiting in December to teach and lead us in meditation.
This weekend of teaching and practice will take place at North McIntyre Recreation Centre, 2051 Government Road, Second Floor. The weekend is in-person, open to all and without prerequisite.
Rinpoche will teach Mahamudra on Saturday December 17th from 10am to 5pm. Registration begins at 9:30.
Mahamudra is the ultimate meditation on the nature of our mind.
"... Mahamudra is at the very heart of Buddhist teachings. Mahamudra practice slows us down so we can see things as they are. Mahamudra reveals the ultimate nature of the mind. Intrinsically pure and empty of inherent nature: pure awareness, luminous and spacious -- clarity and cognizance."
Excerpt from Gelug Mahamudra by H.E. Zasep Rinpoche
Rinpoche will teach Lojong on Sunday December 18th from 10am - 5 pm. Registration begins at 9:30.
Lojong or 'mind training’ is a contemplative practice which uses aphorisms or pithy observations which contain general truths. Through contemplating these truths, we can purify our motivations and attitudes and thereby cultivate wisdom and compassion.
Retreat fees are $25 per day (members) and $35 per day (non-members). However, no one will be turned away because of their financial situation. Please just ask for a reduced rate upon registration.
Payment options are cash, cheque or e-transfer.
Please bring your own meditation cushion. Chairs will also be provided.
To protect all participants, masking will be required. Please practise physical distancing.
Due to concerns about the potential for transmission of air-borne diseases such as COVID-19, influenza and RSV, we will not be serving a potluck lunch. There will be a 90 minute lunch break; you will have time to eat at home or go to a restaurant. Alternatively, you may choose to eat in your vehicle. If you will be dropped off, please ask about special arrangements for lunch. To stay hydrated, please bring beverages and remove your mask briefly to take a sip.
As well we will have copies of Rinpoche's autobiography on hand for purchase:
A Tulku’s Journey from Tibet to Canada - Autobiography of Zasep Tulku Rinpoche $60