When attending a class, event, or puja (chanted prayers) at Vajradhara Center it is
a good idea to arrive at least 5 minutes before the start of the teaching, and
spend the time calming your mind and developing a good motivation to listen
to the teaching or engage in the puja. Students often arrive earlier for class
to help prepare the Meditation Room, so feel free to do the same. Before entering
the Center, please remove shoes & leave them on the rack outside.
The Meditation Room at Vajradhara Center is set up with space for cushions in
front for those who prefer to sit on the floor, (if you wish you can bring your
own cushion), and chairs arranged in a typical lecture style. There is a Buddhist
shrine in the front of the room with representations of Buddha's Body, Speech,
& Mind, and offerings to the Buddhas and holy beings are set out on the
shrine.
Whilst in the Meditation Room it is customary to try to maintain
a peaceful mind, and remember others are trying to do the same. So talking should
be kept to a minimum, and in a quiet voice. Attendees should dress mindfully
of others and of the presence of holy beings.
It is traditional to cherish Dharma books and prayer books by handling them
with care and never placing them in or on a place where they may become dirtied,
e.g. on the floor, or disrespected, e.g. by being sat on.
It is also respectful
to avoid pointing your feet at the teacher or any statue or painting of a Buddha
or holy being. So if you become uncomfortable whilst sitting on a cushion, it
is better to sit on a chair or alter your position, but never to stretch out
your legs so that your feet point towards the teacher or the shrine.
Evening classes begin promptly at 7:00pm and last until approximately 8:30 pm. Try to arrive a few minutes early to allow your mind to become calm and peaceful.
It is customary to stand when the Teacher enters and leaves the Meditation Room. Out of respect for the Dharma, the Teacher traditionally sits on a raised seat or throne. You may see others prostrating (bowing) to the Teacher with hands together at the heart when (s)he enters. This is to develop and show a mind of respect for the Dharma that is to be taught and the Teacher. Please feel free to do the same or simply stand.
All classes begin with a guided relaxation meditation, and some include brief chanted prayers (beginner classes generally do not include chanting). This is followed by the featured Dharma talk for the evening. The class finishes with a second meditation on an aspect of the talk. Questions are welcome and warmly encouraged. If you have time, please stay for conversation after the class.
Attending a Puja (Chanted Prayers)
At Vajradhara Center there are chanted meditations on most days. The person presiding over the puja, usually, but not always the Teacher, will sit at the front, facing the shrine and will arrive and be seated immediately before the Puja begins. Pujas are chanted in English, and prayer books (Sadhanas) are available for you to follow. You may chant along if you like, but also feel free simply to be there and enjoy. You will get most out of the session if you try to focus on the meaning of the words.
For offering pujas such as Offering to the Spiritual Guide and Wish Fulfilling Jewel it is customary for each person to make your own offering to the Buddhas and holy beings. This is usually healthy vegetarian food or non-alcoholic drink, fruit, flowers, incense, as elaborate or simple as you desire. These offerings are placed on a table in front of the shrine, distributed during the puja, and consumed afterwards. Visit www.meditationcharlotte.org for details and times of the pujas.
Other Events
Vajradhara Center has several Day Workshops, Empowerments
and Meditation Retreats in Charlotte throughout the year. Please visit www.meditationcharlotte.org
for details and booking.