General

The teachings and Buddhist practices at Vajradhara Buddhist Center follow those of Je Tsongkhapa, the great Scholar saint in the 14th century who provided extensive written commentaries on all of Buddha’s 84,000 teachings of Sutra and Tantra. Je Tsongkhapa showed how to combine the practices of Sutra and Tantra into an especially powerful and quick path to the attainment of permanent Inner Peace.

These teachings have been made available in the West by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who since 1977 has given teachings and written 20 texts, all of which show how to practice Buddha’s teachings, in a modern setting. Since 1991 Geshe Kelsang has founded more than 1000 main centers and branches throughout the world, all following the same teachings and practices: an international family of Kadampa Centers. There are international family gatherings in the form of Kadampa Buddhist Festivals at various times and places throughout the year, and throughout the World. Anyone associated with a Kadampa center may attend.

Vajradhara Buddhist Center offers a series of Introductory classes in the theme "Meditation for a Peaceful Mind "

The introductory classes and guided meditations are an excellent introduction to the practical applications of Buddhist thought and practice. They offer very simple meditations that you can use to gain some peace and clarity, as well as a clear introduction to the Buddhist way of life. Introductory classes are designed to give a broad introduction to Buddhist meditation, ideas, and practice. The classes combine guided meditation with practical spiritual advice that you can immediately put into practice as a method for eliminating daily stress and other problems.

The classes are open to those who are able to attend only occasionally, as well as to those who want to follow a systematic series of classes.

Click here for details and dates of the "Peaceful Mind " series.

What to expect in a class

Introductory classes begin with a simple guided meditation exercise to reduce stress, tension, and distractions. This is followed by a short lecture on how to apply Buddhist principles into daily life. The class then breaks for informal group discussions, followed by a question and answer session. Finally, there is a guided meditation designed to help us gain deeper experience of the subject of the class.

You do not need any previous experience to attend these classes. Also, you do not need to pre-register. All you need to do is choose a class and show up!

Why not come along and see for yourself what meditation can do for you?

If you are interested in studying Buddha's teachings at a deeper level, please see the program of courses.

A Quote from Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Buddhist practice is very gentle, it does not require physical deprivation and hardship. Buddha shows a comfortable and happy path, which is mainly concerned with the internal task of controlling and transforming the mind. Through meditation we will experience a sense of inner peace and relaxation. Our mind will feel lucid and spacious and we will feel refreshed. If we practise patiently, gradually our distracting and negative thoughts will subside and we shall be able to to concentrate on the thoughts and states of mind that bring real happiness.

What is Meditation?

There are many different types of meditation available nowadays. In Buddhist meditation we begin with breathing meditation to calm our mind. Then we meditate on specific qualities, or attitudes, such as cherishing others, love, and compassion.

There are so many positive results that come from a regular meditation practice.

Meditation can make your mind calm and peaceful. When your mind is peaceful you are free from worries and mental discomfort, and you are able to experience true happiness. If you train your mind to become peaceful you shall be happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances. If your mind is not peaceful, even if you have the most pleasant external conditions you will find it difficult to be really happy.

Meditation is also a method for changing our state of mind from negative to positive - from anger to love and compassion; emotional turmoil to peace and contentment. If we wish to experience happiness, and we recognize that happiness is a state of mind, we can see that if it is necessary to change our mind. This is what meditation helps us to do.

The more familiar we are with positive, peaceful states of mind, the calmer we become. Eventually by training our mind to become peaceful, we will be happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances. The opposite is also true - if our mind is not peaceful, then even when we experience wonderful external conditions, we will not be happy.

• We find it easier to cope with the ups and downs of everyday life
• We experience less stress
• Our concentration improves
• Our relationships with others become more comfortable and fulfilling