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Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy and Meditation Group
Location(s)
Our next Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy and Meditation Group will meet on Tuesday, April 17th, from 7:30pm to 9:00pm at Sovereign House (1 block west of Bronte Road, off Lakeshore Road, at the lake). At that time we will have the privilege of hearing Sister Tinh Quang, a nun from the Vietnamese Zen Buddhist tradition, as our guest speaker; her topic will be Ego, Concepts & Reality. The Dharma Talk will be followed by a Mindfulness Meditation Practice. I have heard from others that this is a very powerful meditation and one people find very helpful in calming the mind. As always, newcomers are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are appreciated. We look forward to seeing you there.
Biography of Sister Tinh Quang
Thich nu Tinh Quang was born in the City of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 1947. She acquired a B.A. in Philosophy, a Diploma in Human Services, majoring in Addictions and Mental Health, and did post-graduate training at the Gestalt Institute of Toronto. She has lived in the U.K. and periodically spends time in Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam, with the nuns and children of Tinh That Buu Tich Monastery. "Sister" became interested in Zen Buddhism at the age of 6 years. Although experiencing the sacredness of everything as a child, it wasn't until her early 20's that she became serious about developing spiritually, beginning with the study of Advaita Vedanta. A deeper commitment to the buddha-dharma evolved along with her great psychological and spiritual transformation. Sister was ordained in Vietnam by the Most Venerable Thich Nhat Lien, in 2001.
Film Festival: Three Buddhst Films
Location(s)
Saturday April 28th, 2007
Presented by Blue Heron Zen Buddhist Centre & Lama Yeshe Ling Tibetan Buddhist Study Group
Be inspired•meet•share a meal
DAY PASS - THREE FILMS & DINNER $30.00
Tickets will be held at the door in your name.
To Register by Cheque
Please make cheques payable to: Lama Yeshe Ling
and mail to: Film Festival, 3333 New Street, unit 109, Burlington L7N 1N1
2:30 p.m. The sweeping Indian epic of the story of King Asoka`s life, from savage warrior to Buddhist messenger of peace. Told in Bollywood style this is a visually stunning retelling of the legend of Asoka, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor. It traces the legendary life of Asoka, who ascended the throne of Magadha in the 3rd century BC. To extend the borders of his empire, Asoka waged one of the bloodiest battles in history. Confronted by the carnage of his conquest, Asoka was overcome with remorse and renounced the path of war to dedicate his life to spreading the teachings of Buddhism across the world. In Hindi with English subtitles. |
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5:00 p.m. Bae Yong Kyun's Zen masterpiece. Acclaimed by critics and audiences as one of the most ravishing films ever made. In a remote mountain monastery, an old master, a young monk and an orphaned boy devote themselves to their teachings. Facing death, the master becomes desperate to lead his disciples away from the outer world and point them toward their quest for enlightenment. This magnificent film, astonishingly rich in beauty and affirmation of life, is not only a cinematic gem but also a transcendent evocation of the mystery and humanity of Zen Buddhism. Selected by three international film critics as "One of the Ten Best Films of All Time" in the 1993 Sight & Sound Critics Poll. |
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7:15 p.m. An engaging and insightful documentary on His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 12 Day visit to Toronto, for the 2004 Kalachakra Initiation, which is one of the most important teachings in Tibetan Buddhism. By Tashi Eugyal, Narrated by Dr. Thupten Jinpa.
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DAY PASS - THREE FILMS & DINNER $30.00
Tickets will be held at the door in your name.
To Register by Cheque
Please make cheques payable to: Lama Yeshe Ling
and mail to: Film Festival, 3333 New Street, unit 109, Burlington L7N 1N1
Yamantaka Practice Day
Location(s)
For those who took the Yamantaka Initiation with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, you are welcome to a practice day to deepen your understanding and daily practice of the Yamantaka short sadhana, and to ask any questions you may have about the Yamantaka practice. It is also a lot of fun, and very supportive to do Yamantaka practice together as a group.
At our last session on April 1, we learned how to do the inner offerings, mudras using the vajra and bell and the Yamantaka Dissolution visualization.
Gary Kreller is putting together the material on the description and meaning of the 34 hand implements so we will cover this, and Dave Gould will lead the dissolution practice during the sadhana practice so we may deepen our experience of this by listening and meditating - no need to open one eye to read what the next stage is. There will be lots of time for review, questions and exploring the details so please don't hesitate to join us even if you were unable to take part last time.
We know our mailing list is not complete so please check with anyone you think might have come for the Yamantaka initiation with Lama Zopa Rinpoche to see if they have heard of the event.
Please bring
1. offerings and a snack to share.
2. a vajra and bell and damaru (small drum) if you have one
3. your 'inner offerings" if you have them
4. your short sadhana of Yamantaka Solitary Hero that was given out at the initiation. Also your copy of Six Session Guru Yoga
5. cushion, etc. and blanket
6. Notebook and pen. Also coloured markers, pad, etc. can be very helpful.
Discovering Buddhism: How to Set Up a Daily Practice
Location(s)
Assemble the tools you need to develop a successful daily practice, using Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s A Daily Meditation Practice as a guide. Learn how to make meditation effective, to generate realizations in the mind. Learn how to make every action of the day meaningful.
White Tara Practice - Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy and Meditation Group
Hello to all of you,
This month Venerable Ngawang Chokley, whom some of you have met from two months ago at Sovereign House, will be leading the group in the practice of White Tara. White Tara was the jenang Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave at the end of his teachings here last August at Sheridan College to about 250 people. The Dalaia Lama gave the White Tara jenang at the end of Kalachakra in Toronto in 2004.
White Tara is a feminine aspect of the Buddha. Her special quality is to help practitioners to develop the wisdom of long life and goodness. Her gentle energy heals and helps us to overcome inner and outer obstacles. To Westerners her image may appear strange in that she has an eye in the middle of her forehead, an eye on the palm of each hand, and an eye in the sole of each foot. These symbolize compassionate wisdom and action, seeing the suffering of all sentient beings in every realm of existence and helping all to overcome suffering and gain wisdom.
We may wish to have long lives in order to have the opportunity to make our lives really meaningful. Many Tibetan Lamas rely on White Tara for long life - to make the most of this precious human opportunity to complete the spiritual path to Full Awakening and to have the capacity to benefit as many beings as possible.
The essence of this kind of meditation practice is to understand that White Tara is an external pointer to our own inner potential for purity and wholesome minds of compassion and wisdom. We may not know what our own potential feels like, so by relating to an enlightened being with prayer and mantra recitation, with a motivation to develop our own qualities of unconditional compassion and loving kindness and great wisdom, we stimulate our potential and it begins to blossom. We accelerate our inner transformation towards awakening by connecting with such an outer agency of love and understanding.
You do not have to be a Buddhist to attend this ceremony, you don't need to have attended an initiation, to participate and benefit. This is an opportunity to receive a Buddha blessing and to develop within yourself the qualities of compassion and healing and the ability to help yourself and others overcome obstacles in life.
As always, newcomers are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are appreciated. We look forward to seeing you there.
Location(s)
Eight Verses of Training the Heart and Mind
Location(s)
The eight verses will be combined with learning the mantra of compassion and a visualization to benefit all sentient beings. This is a text the Dalai Lama meditates on each day. "It could be said that The Eight Verses for Training the Mind contains within them the entire essence of the Buddha's teachings in a distinct form."--H.H. the Dalai Lama. Ngawang Chokley is a highly educated Tibetan monk from Kopan Monastery in Nepal, and Dr. Gareth Sparham, a monk and scholar for several decades at the Dialectics Institute in Dharmsala is now a professor a U. Michigan. Ngawang and Gareth will teach from this text and lead a discussion on how to bring a wise compassion into our daily activities.
Saka Dawa - Day of Buddha's Enlightenment - Guru Shakyamuni Buddha Puja
Location(s)
Saka Dawa commemorates Buddha Shakyamuni's birth, enlightenment and parinirvana. It is the second of the four major Buddhist holidays and falls on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month which is May 31 this year. This festival day is a special time for meditation practice - as cited by Lama Zopa Rinpoche in the Vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic, virtuous actions done on this day are multiplied one hundred million times.
Practices specifically recommended by Rinpoche for Saka Dawa include:
We will be doing the meditation on Guru Shakyamuni Buddha on Thursday evening May 31. The Hamilton Discovering Buddhism group will move to Thursday to join in.
Discovering Buddhism: Saka Dawa Practice
Location(s)
This weeks gathering has moved to Thursday to participate in the festival day of Saka Dawa, Buddha's birthday, day of awakening and parinirvana (enlightened death). We will be reciting the Shakyamuni Buddha Puja. Same time and place.
Discovering Buddhism: Green Tara Daily Practice
Location(s)
Sorry! Forgot to update the day...
During this course we have used Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s A Daily Meditation Practice as a guide, which focuses on Buddha Shakyamuni. For the next several weeks we will focus on practice of the stages of the path meditations in differing contexts. This week we will be doing our practice in relation to Green Tara, a feminine aspect of enlightened activity.
We will also review how to make meditation practice effective, to generate realizations in the mind. Learn how to make every action of the day meaningful.
Discovering Buddhism: Daily Practice of Lama Tsongkhapa
Location(s)
Assemble the tools you need to develop a successful daily practice, using Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s A Daily Meditation Practice as a guide. Learn how to make meditation effective, to generate realizations in the mind. Learn how to make every action of the day meaningful.
Discovering Buddhism: Daily Practice of Medicine Buddha
Location(s)
Assemble the tools you need to develop a successful daily practice, using Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s A Daily Meditation Practice as a guide. Learn how to make meditation effective, to generate realizations in the mind. Learn how to make every action of the day meaningful.
Discovering Buddhism: Daily Practice of Shakyamuni Buddha
Location(s)
Assemble the tools you need to develop a successful daily practice, using Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s A Daily Meditation Practice as a guide. Learn how to make meditation effective, to generate realizations in the mind. Learn how to make every action of the day meaningful.
Healing Power of the Mind Retreat
Location(s)
Join us from August 3 to 6 in Ancaster Ontario for an extraordinary experiential retreat based on Buddhist healing principles of compassion and wisdom, in a way that benefits anyone.
-- with Dekyi-Lee Oldershaw --
- Become even more open, clear, and focused
- Eliminate the underlying causes of problems at their root level.
- Strengthen your ability to access your own profound wisdom, transformation, and healing.
- Clarify your life direction. Anyone can benefit from this experiential retreat based on Buddhist principles of compassion and wisdom.
In a serene retreat setting, start your morning with the Five Tibetan Yogas, an ancient regenerative practice that can be adapted for people with any physical limitations. Take part in self-healing exercises that incorporate drawing and writing to transform physical problems and life challenges. Participate in chanting, walking meditations in nature, and opportunities for silent reflection. Enjoy the acceptance and support that comes from a deepened sense of community. Take home the tools to continue to help yourself and others, no matter what happens in your life. Dekyi-Lee facilitates such discoveries through a combination of inward reflection and safe, enriching interpersonal and group discussion.
Dekyi-Lee has twice offered this program as a New Year's Retreat at Shambala Retreat Centre, Findhorn Foundation in Northern Scotland, and has been requested to continue annually. Lama Yeshe Ling Buddhist Study Group and Lamp on the Path are pleased to have Dekyi-Lee now offer this experience in her native home of Ontario.
Tibetan Tea of Serenity
Location(s)
There will be chanting in the front garden, Tibetan music and dance and delicious tea-fare! The monks of Drepung Goman Monastery are currently on an Art Tour in Ontario. These Monks are talented artists and teachers. Have a mini portait done or browse the Tibetan Market for unique gift items.
When: Sunday August 12th
1pm to 5pm
- Come and Go Tea
- Tour of Gardens
- Door Prizes/Raffles
- Meet the monks
Where: Celtic Dream Garden
1315 Ridge Road
Stoney Creek, ON
Schedule: 1:00 to 1:30pm – Tibetan Music
1:30 to 2:00pm – Local Tibetan family of Singers (Main Stage)
2:00 to 2:30pm – Performance of Traditional Tibetan Dances by the 2007 Sacred Art Tour
group (Main Stage)
2:30 to 2:45pm – Multiphonic Chanting in front Garden
4:00 to 4:30pm – Performance of Traditional Tibetan Dances by the 2007 Sacred Art Tour
group (Main Stage)
4:30 to 5:00pm – Local Tibetan family of Singers (Main Stage)
1:00 to 5:00pm – Tibetan Artists available for sketching/portraits in the gardens (purchase
tickets for sketches at info. Table)
Tickets are available at the following locations:
Hamilton - Celtic Dream Garden
- Westdale Grocery and Convenience Store (875 Main Street West, Hamilton in plaza with
CHML 900AM)
- Unity on the Mountain (21 Rosedene Avenue, Hamilton – first street at the top of the mountain on Upper James)
Burlington - Canadian Friends of Drepung Gomang
Home Office – 2365 Cotswold Crescent, Burlington
St. Jacobs - 1375 King Street in the Church Theatre
On-line - www.gomangcanada.org
We still have tickets left for this event so anyone wishing to attend can still do so!
Kindest Regards,
Laurel
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Transforming Problems in our Lives
Location(s)
Geshe Lobsang Samdup of Drepung Gomang, who is the Lama traveling with the monks Drepung Gomang Monastery, will give a Dharma talk on how to use problems in our life for spiritual growth. The monks of Drepung Gomang Monastery will also be in attendance and will do some of thier unique chanting of Buddhist prayers.
Medicine Buddha Healing Meditation
Location(s)
Our topic for this month is How to Help People who are Sick – Medicine Buddha with Dekyi-Lee Oldershaw and Judy Horsley.Sometimes we feel frustrated or even impotent to help those who are sick. Join us for a special evening when we will discuss different methods and visualizations from Tibetan masters that empower us to be of real benefit to those who are ill. Included will be an introduction to the powerful "Medicine Buddha" visualization practice that has helped so many in the world. You can dedicate this practice to loved ones, to your own health and to those who suffer from illness in the world. This is also a very beneficial practice for those helping people who are dying. August 21st happens to be the 8th day of the lunar calendar - a day particularly suited to Medicine Buddha practice. Please bring an offering of a piece of fruit or flowers (in a vase).
As always, newcomers are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are appreciated.
Discovering Buddhism Hamilton - Chenrezig Practice
Location(s)
We had a discussion of some of the trickier aspects of trying to be a compassionate person and how to deal with the frustration of being unable to protect others from suffering.
The second half of the evening was dedicated to the practice of Chenrizig and meditating on the mantra of compassion ~ OM MANI PADME HUM ~.
Deepening Compassion With Those Who Are Sick Or Dying
Location(s)
Our topic this month is Deepening Compassion With Those Who Are Sick Or Dying. We are very pleased to have as our guest speaker Gen Ngawang, who has given us wonderful teachings in the past. This is a continuation of the theme we discussed in August, taking care of those who are sick or dying. How can we show more compassion for them? How do we help them to find more compassion for themselves and others, bringing their minds to a point of spaciousness, acceptance and peace? How do we develop more compassion for ourselves as caregivers or health professionals?
Ngawang teaches in the traditional way - that is to say, seated on the floor. If you would like to do the same, you might want to bring a cushion. Of course we will, as usual, provide lots of chairs! We look forward to seeing you.
As always, newcomers are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are appreciated.
Discovering Buddhism Hamilton - Samsara and Nirvana
Location(s)
Samsara - compulsive existence.
and
Nirvana - full awareness of totality in bliss and peace.
Why can we not say that we are truly deeply happy? How is it that no matter what we do or the degree of effort we apply we remain discontented? We are so accustomed to this way of being that it is the best we can hope for in psycho-therapy – to change misery to the goal known as "common unhappiness". Buddha saw this as a self generated prison, a perpetual cycle of confusion and pain - called samsara.
Isn’t it sad that we often don’t change until we have become so miserable that we are finally left with no other alternative than to change. This module, that focuses on suffering, is Buddha's attempt to help us change, without the need for us to first become desparately manifestly miserable. A fine understanding of the truth of our suffering impell us towards change before we get mired in the thick of it.
Buddha's first teaching reminds us of our troubles, and describes the cause of our suffering, not to be negative or depressing, for despite our tacit belief of 'that's life - there is nothing we can do', suffering can be completely eliminated. Coming to understand that suffering is optional makes the knowledge of suffering compelling - like knowing you can cure yourself of illness by understanding the basis for the disease.
Buddha teaches methods that release us from our create deep and lasting inner freedom and fulfillment. Imagine having a quality of mind that is deeply satisfied, posessing an inner resourcefulness that frees you from any experience of pain, regardless of whatever circumstance life may present to you. Nirvana is a state of complete inner peace, boundless energy, and a perfect understanding and capacity to help others.
Discovering Buddhism Hamilton - Samsara and Nirvana
Location(s)
Samsara - compulsive existence.
and
Nirvana - full awareness of totality in bliss and peace.
Why can we not say that we are truly deeply happy? How is it that no matter what we do or the degree of effort we apply we remain discontented? We are so accustomed to this way of being that it is the best we can hope for in psycho-therapy – to change misery to the goal known as "common unhappiness". Buddha saw this as a self generated prison, a perpetual cycle of confusion and pain - called samsara.
Isn’t it sad that we often don’t change until we have become so miserable that we are finally left with no other alternative than to change. This module, that focuses on suffering, is Buddha's attempt to help us change, without the need for us to first become desparately manifestly miserable. A fine understanding of the truth of our suffering impell us towards change before we get mired in the thick of it.
Buddha's first teaching reminds us of our troubles, and describes the cause of our suffering, not to be negative or depressing, for despite our tacit belief of 'that's life - there is nothing we can do', suffering can be completely eliminated. Coming to understand that suffering is optional makes the knowledge of suffering compelling - like knowing you can cure yourself of illness by understanding the basis for the disease.
Buddha teaches methods that release us from our create deep and lasting inner freedom and fulfillment. Imagine having a quality of mind that is deeply satisfied, posessing an inner resourcefulness that frees you from any experience of pain, regardless of whatever circumstance life may present to you. Nirvana is a state of complete inner peace, boundless energy, and a perfect understanding and capacity to help others.
Discovering Buddhism Hamilton - Samsara and Nirvana
Location(s)
Samsara - compulsive existence.
and
Nirvana - full awareness of totality in bliss and peace.
Why can we not say that we are truly deeply happy? How is it that no matter what we do or the degree of effort we apply we remain discontented? We are so accustomed to this way of being that it is the best we can hope for in psycho-therapy – to change misery to the goal known as "common unhappiness". Buddha saw this as a self generated prison, a perpetual cycle of confusion and pain - called samsara.
Isn’t it sad that we often don’t change until we have become so miserable that we are finally left with no other alternative than to change. This module, that focuses on suffering, is Buddha's attempt to help us change, without the need for us to first become desparately manifestly miserable. A fine understanding of the truth of our suffering impell us towards change before we get mired in the thick of it.
Buddha's first teaching reminds us of our troubles, and describes the cause of our suffering, not to be negative or depressing, for despite our tacit belief of 'that's life - there is nothing we can do', suffering can be completely eliminated. Coming to understand that suffering is optional makes the knowledge of suffering compelling - like knowing you can cure yourself of illness by understanding the basis for the disease.
Buddha teaches methods that release us from our create deep and lasting inner freedom and fulfillment. Imagine having a quality of mind that is deeply satisfied, posessing an inner resourcefulness that frees you from any experience of pain, regardless of whatever circumstance life may present to you. Nirvana is a state of complete inner peace, boundless energy, and a perfect understanding and capacity to help others.
Discovering Buddhism Hamilton - Samsara and Nirvana
Location(s)
Samsara - compulsive existence.
and
Nirvana - full awareness of totality in bliss and peace.
Why can we not say that we are truly deeply happy? How is it that no matter what we do or the degree of effort we apply we remain discontented? We are so accustomed to this way of being that it is the best we can hope for in psycho-therapy – to change misery to the goal known as "common unhappiness". Buddha saw this as a self generated prison, a perpetual cycle of confusion and pain - called samsara.
Isn’t it sad that we often don’t change until we have become so miserable that we are finally left with no other alternative than to change. This module, that focuses on suffering, is Buddha's attempt to help us change, without the need for us to first become desparately manifestly miserable. A fine understanding of the truth of our suffering impell us towards change before we get mired in the thick of it.
Buddha's first teaching reminds us of our troubles, and describes the cause of our suffering, not to be negative or depressing, for despite our tacit belief of 'that's life - there is nothing we can do', suffering can be completely eliminated. Coming to understand that suffering is optional makes the knowledge of suffering compelling - like knowing you can cure yourself of illness by understanding the basis for the disease.
Buddha teaches methods that release us from our create deep and lasting inner freedom and fulfillment. Imagine having a quality of mind that is deeply satisfied, posessing an inner resourcefulness that frees you from any experience of pain, regardless of whatever circumstance life may present to you. Nirvana is a state of complete inner peace, boundless energy, and a perfect understanding and capacity to help others.
Tara – The Feminine Embodiment of Buddha Activity
Location(s)
In Tibetan Buddhism, Tara is one of the most popular divinities, popular in all Tibetan traditions, and relied upon for every purpose. Most Buddhist meditation focuses on inner transformation as this is the only lasting benefit from spiritual practice. However, when faced with fear in this life, Tara - the embodiment of all the Buddhas’ compassionate activity – may intervene. From the point of view of ordinary perception, Tara is a Buddhist divinity who responds to our prayers for spiritual assistance. From an inner perspective Tara represents our own potential and blossoming energy of wisdom and compassion.
Tara represents the Wind element – the energy of movement, therefore prayers to Tara often bring quick response. Tara has many aspects: the practice of reciting praises to the 21 Tara’s is practice performed daily in monasteries throughout Central Asia and India. Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche has recommend we pray with Tara for our efforts to bring a full time resident Lama, Geshe Soepa, Lama Yeshe Ling. This month the Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy Discussion group will look at the power of prayer and experience chanting the 21 Tara Practice.
As always, newcomers are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are appreciated.
Discovering Buddhism Hamilton - Samsara and Nirvana
Location(s)
Samsara - compulsive existence.
and
Nirvana - full awareness of totality in bliss and peace.
Why can we not say that we are truly deeply happy? How is it that no matter what we do or the degree of effort we apply we remain discontented? We are so accustomed to this way of being that it is the best we can hope for in psycho-therapy – to change misery to the goal known as "common unhappiness". Buddha saw this as a self generated prison, a perpetual cycle of confusion and pain - called samsara.
Isn’t it sad that we often don’t change until we have become so miserable that we are finally left with no other alternative than to change. This module, that focuses on suffering, is Buddha's attempt to help us change, without the need for us to first become desparately manifestly miserable. A fine understanding of the truth of our suffering impell us towards change before we get mired in the thick of it.
Buddha's first teaching reminds us of our troubles, and describes the cause of our suffering, not to be negative or depressing, for despite our tacit belief of 'that's life - there is nothing we can do', suffering can be completely eliminated. Coming to understand that suffering is optional makes the knowledge of suffering compelling - like knowing you can cure yourself of illness by understanding the basis for the disease.
Buddha teaches methods that release us from our create deep and lasting inner freedom and fulfillment. Imagine having a quality of mind that is deeply satisfied, posessing an inner resourcefulness that frees you from any experience of pain, regardless of whatever circumstance life may present to you. Nirvana is a state of complete inner peace, boundless energy, and a perfect understanding and capacity to help others.
Discovering Buddhism Hamilton - Samsara and Nirvana
Location(s)
Samsara - compulsive existence.
and
Nirvana - full awareness of totality in bliss and peace.
Why can we not say that we are truly deeply happy? How is it that no matter what we do or the degree of effort we apply we remain discontented? We are so accustomed to this way of being that it is the best we can hope for in psycho-therapy – to change misery to the goal known as "common unhappiness". Buddha saw this as a self generated prison, a perpetual cycle of confusion and pain - called samsara.
Isn’t it sad that we often don’t change until we have become so miserable that we are finally left with no other alternative than to change. This module, that focuses on suffering, is Buddha's attempt to help us change, without the need for us to first become desparately manifestly miserable. A fine understanding of the truth of our suffering impell us towards change before we get mired in the thick of it.
Buddha's first teaching reminds us of our troubles, and describes the cause of our suffering, not to be negative or depressing, for despite our tacit belief of 'that's life - there is nothing we can do', suffering can be completely eliminated. Coming to understand that suffering is optional makes the knowledge of suffering compelling - like knowing you can cure yourself of illness by understanding the basis for the disease.
Buddha teaches methods that release us from our create deep and lasting inner freedom and fulfillment. Imagine having a quality of mind that is deeply satisfied, posessing an inner resourcefulness that frees you from any experience of pain, regardless of whatever circumstance life may present to you. Nirvana is a state of complete inner peace, boundless energy, and a perfect understanding and capacity to help others.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Public Talk - The Art of Happiness
Location(s)
The Roger's Center (Sky Dome) this coming Hallow'een afternoon will be the venue for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to speak on "The Art of Happiness". His Holiness speaks at 16.30h, but doors open at 14.30h. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to go through the security check. Tickets for this and other events with His Holiness the Dalai Lama this October are available through Ticketmaster. Lama Yeshe Ling and Lamp on the Path are chartering a bus to make the trip in to Toronto - details here.
Awarded the third only honorary Canadian Citizenship in 2006, and among many other honors the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a strong advocate for non-violence, inter-religious understanding and universal responsibility. The Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario (CTAO) has invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama on October 31, 2007 to address the people of Toronto in a talk called The Art of Happiness President of CTAO, Mr. Norbu Tsering states, “We are thrilled to host this visit by our spiritual and temporal leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama; he is admired and respected worldwide as a man of peace and compassion but we are also very proud that he will be returning here as a Canadian Citizen.”
A book about the Dalai Lama's philosophy called The Art of Happiness - a Handbook for Living, was on The New York Times bestseller list for almost two years. From Amazon.com:
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with the Dalai Lama and really press him about life's persistent questions? Why are so many people unhappy? How can I abjure loneliness? How can we reduce conflict? Is romantic love true love? Why do we suffer? How should we deal with unfairness and anger? How do you handle the death of a loved one? These are the conundrums that psychiatrist Howard Cutler poses to the Dalai Lama during an extended period of interviews in The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living.
At first, the Dalai Lama's answers seem simplistic, like a surface reading of Robert Fulghum: Ask yourself if you really need something; our enemies can be our teachers; compassion brings peace of mind. Cutler pushes: But some people do seem happy with lots of possessions; but "suffering is life" is so pessimistic; but going to extremes provides the zest in life; but what if I don't believe in karma? As the Dalai Lama's responses become more involved, a coherent philosophy takes shape. Cutler then develops the Dalai Lama's answers in the context of scientific studies and cases from his own practice, substantiating and elaborating on what he finds to be a revolutionary psychology. Like any art, the art of happiness requires study and practice--and the talent for it, the Dalai Lama assures us, is in our nature. --Brian Bruya
Samsara and Nirvana - the Causes of the Inner Afflictions
Location(s)
What is it that causes happiness to cease, or brings on suffering? Having a detailed understanding of this permits us to see our way through to freedom, happiness and inner peace. This week we become familiar with the six causes of the self defeating minds that afflict from within.
1. Latent affliction - the afflictions are not necessarily always manifest within our mind.
2. The object of the affliction.
3. Mistaken conception as a cause for the generation of the affliction.
4. Having a very strong habit or familiarity with the affliction can be a cause.
5. Distractions, which refers to misleading friends.
6. Speech - listening to wrong teachings.
Samsara - compulsive existence.
and
Nirvana - full awareness of totality in bliss and peace.
Why can we not say that we are truly deeply happy? How is it that no matter what we do or the degree of effort we apply we remain discontented? We are so accustomed to this way of being that it is the best we can hope for in psycho-therapy – to change misery to the goal known as "common unhappiness". Buddha saw this as a self generated prison, a perpetual cycle of confusion and pain - called samsara.
Isn’t it sad that we often don’t change until we have become so miserable that we are finally left with no other alternative than to change. This module, that focuses on suffering, is Buddha's attempt to help us change, without the need for us to first become desparately manifestly miserable. A fine understanding of the truth of our suffering impell us towards change before we get mired in the thick of it.
Buddha's first teaching reminds us of our troubles, and describes the cause of our suffering, not to be negative or depressing, for despite our tacit belief of 'that's life - there is nothing we can do', suffering can be completely eliminated. Coming to understand that suffering is optional makes the knowledge of suffering compelling - like knowing you can cure yourself of illness by understanding the basis for the disease.
Buddha teaches methods that release us from our create deep and lasting inner freedom and fulfillment. Imagine having a quality of mind that is deeply satisfied, posessing an inner resourcefulness that frees you from any experience of pain, regardless of whatever circumstance life may present to you. Nirvana is a state of complete inner peace, boundless energy, and a perfect understanding and capacity to help others.
Maitreya Project Heart Shrine Relics in Hamilton - Special Event
This is a very special last minute announcement that the Maitreya Project Heart Shrine Relics are Hamilton. Also known as the “Buddha Relics” this will be the only stop in southern Ontario and it will be held at Unity Church. Attached is all the info, please help us spread the word as quickly as possible and I hope you can make it. This is a very powerful experience and David Hickey will be doing a short concert of crystal bowl music as well.
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Developing Compassion for Oneself - Recognizing the Inner Afflictions
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Delusions, mental distortions, that-which-afflicts-from-within, or self defeating emotions, (known as the klesas in Sanskrit), are the inner causes for happiness to cease, and suffering to start. Having a detailed understanding of these permits us to see or way through to freedom, happiness and inner peace.
This week we look at the disadvantages of having a mind controlled by afflictive thoughts and self defeating emotions. We also look at the six causes of the self defeating minds that afflict from within, how we can remove these causes.
Familiarity with this our situation is the basis for developing compassion for oneself. Having compassion for ourselves gives us courage and energy to change, and is the starting point for developing compassion for all beings.
Samsara - compulsive existence, pervaded by disatisfaction and pain.
and
Nirvana - full awareness of totality in bliss and peace.
Why can we not say that we are truly deeply happy? How is it that no matter what we do or the degree of effort we apply we remain discontented? We are so accustomed to this way of being that it is the best we can hope for in psycho-therapy – to change misery to the goal known as "common unhappiness". Buddha saw this as a self generated prison, a perpetual cycle of confusion and pain - called samsara.
Isn’t it sad that we often don’t change until we have become so miserable that we are finally left with no other alternative than to change. This module, that focuses on suffering, is Buddha's attempt to help us change, without the need for us to first become desparately manifestly miserable. A fine understanding of the truth of our suffering impell us towards change before we get mired in the thick of it.
Buddha's first teaching reminds us of our troubles, and describes the cause of our suffering, not to be negative or depressing, for despite our tacit belief of 'that's life - there is nothing we can do', suffering can be completely eliminated. Coming to understand that suffering is optional makes the knowledge of suffering compelling - like knowing you can cure yourself of illness by understanding the basis for the disease.
Buddha teaches methods that release us from our create deep and lasting inner freedom and fulfillment. Imagine having a quality of mind that is deeply satisfied, posessing an inner resourcefulness that frees you from any experience of pain, regardless of whatever circumstance life may present to you. Nirvana is a state of complete inner peace, boundless energy, and a perfect understanding and capacity to help others.
Happiness and its Causes - Oakville Buddhist Philosophy Discussion Group
Location(s)
Our topic for this month is Happiness and its Causes and our discussion will be facilitated by Dekyi-Lee Oldershaw. In his talk on October 31, His Holiness the Dalai Lama especially emphasized the importance of affection in the development of children and youth, as well as a secular approach that promotes respect for all beliefs. Tonight we will discuss and meditate on his main points, as well as his call to action in relationship to developing compassion and understanding within our children and youth.
As always, newcomers are welcome, There is no fee, but donations are appreciated.
Healthy Renunciation - Cultivating Compassion for Ourselves
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Buddhists define compassion as 'wishing that a being not experience suffering'. For ourselves we wish not to suffer, but still we do.
Why? There are two reasons.
One is that we often don't really like ourselves, and so cannot really be clear minded about wishing ourselves not to suffer. Or we may be afraid of becoming self centred and self indulgent.
Two is that we don't understand the causes of suffering so we don't know how to avoid creating the causes. Related to this is the struggle to change self defeating habits which we know are causing us suffering.
This evening’s meditation will focus on how to develop a deeply felt wholesome compassion for oneself, which is the basis for being able to help oneself change for the better. This is the Buddhist definition of Renunciation. We renounce the causes of suffering, not as a punishment to ourselves, but out of love and compassion for ourselves. The far reaching benefit of being rooted in wholesome renunciation is that we then spontaneously experience deeper compassion for others as well.
Silent Mind, Holy Mind
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Join us for a warm evening of chai tea, candles, chanting and deepening the heart of Christmas, facilitated by Dekyi-Lee Oldershaw.
As always, newcomers are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are appreciated.
Reciting the Diamond Cutter Sutra
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Reciting The Diamond Cutter Sutra is an experience that can alter your perception, bringing your view closer to what actually is reality. We are reciting this sutra following the recommendation of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, to create the inner causes for Geshe Soepa to arrive and thrive with Lama Yeshe Ling. Geshe-la making his Visa application in London, U.K. on January 14, which is the reason we are reciting this now. If you would like to join in from home you download the sutra here.
Reciting the Diamond Cutter Sutra
Location(s)
Reciting The Diamond Cutter Sutra is an experience that can alter your perception, bringing your view closer to what actually is reality. This is due to the vast collection of merit created by reciting this sutra.
We are reciting this sutra following the recommendation of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, to create the inner causes for Geshe Soepa to arrive and thrive with our community here with Lama Yeshe Ling. Geshe-la making his Visa application in London, U.K. on January 14, which is the reason we are reciting this now.
If you would like to join in from home you download the sutra here.
Discovering Buddhism Hamilton - How to Develop Bodhichitta
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Realizing Your Greatest Potential
What we believe in Buddhism is that we all have incredible potential. We have potential to become complete human beings. We have the potential to become really awake. When I say awake, I mean aware, awake, in the sense of being completely free of all disturbances of negative emotions, of harmful attitudes.
We have the potential instead, to fully develop our qualities, our capacity, for love, compassion and for wisdom. So we all have that potential. But to be able to realise that potential we need a bit of help. Just having the wish is not sufficient. We need to know methods. We need to work at developing our compassion and wisdom in order to be able to achieve this.
Come discover the clear meditation instruction available in Tibetan Buddhism that enables us to develop our innate qualities of loving kindness and compassion. Become skilled at applying these techniques to generate the mind of bodhichitta, the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of others, known to be the heart of Buddha's teachings.
Establishing a Daily Meditation Practice
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Sadly, a nephew of Gen. Ngawang, our laughing monk and Tibetan scholar, has passed away in Tibet. He has asked us to say prayers for TSETAN DHONYOE, 19 years old boy. He writes:
dearest dave and friends
i am so sorry i could not make it on 22nd
because my nephew expired last sunday in Tibet. so i am performing his
daily prayers till 49th day of his death. and also i would like to ask all
of you to kinldy pray for him to return back in a buddhist family as soon
as possible
frm ngawang
We will be reciting the Bardo prayer for Ngawang's nephew. As well, join us for an informal and practical evening discussing how to begin a daily meditation practice. What is important? What to do? What to include to begin? How to measure if it is helping? For those who already meditate regularly, you can gain tips on how to deepen or fine-tune your practice. This is your opportunity to ask all those questions you have been storing up. Dave will also lead us in a meditation.
As always, newcomers are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are appreciated.
CANCELLED Supper & Movie Night: “Not Without My Daughter”
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Cancelled
Supper and Movie: January 26th 2008All proceeds from this event will be going towards bursaries for youth to participate in Dekyi-Lee Oldershaw's Transformative Mindfulness Facilitator's Course offered in Spring 2008.
Movie: “Not Without My Daughter” with Sally Field
True Story of one woman's determination & survival
Supper: Home-made Soups
"Curry Squash" or "Vegetable Ginger"
served with pita & garlic bread
Coffee with a Selection of Teas & cookies
Silent Auction and Raffle will be held during the evening
Location: Sanctuary at
Unity Church 2l Rosedene Avenue, Hamilton
Time: 5 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.
Cost for Supper & Movie: $20 pp
Register: Una 905 628 5811 or
Shelley 905 814 0637
Discovering Buddhism Hamilton - Remembering the Kindness of All Sentient Beings
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Remembering the Kindness of All Sentient Beings
We were born and have survived until now, not all on our own, but because of continual massive and miniscule acts of kindness, from parents, family, friends and strangers. Reminding and familiarizing ourselves of how interconnected we are and how much we depend on other's kindness, helps us to develop appreciation and love, which are steps along the path to developing profound love and compassion for all.
The Benefits of Bodhichitta
If even the thought to relieve
Living creatures of merely a headache
Is a beneficial intention
Endowed with infinite goodness,
What need is there to mention
The wish to dispel their inconceivable misery,
Wishing every single one of them
To realize boundless good qualities?
For the one who has perfectly seized this mind
With the thought never to turn away
From totally liberating
The infinite forms of life,
From that time hence,
Even while asleep or unconcerned,
A force of merit equal to the sky
Will perpetually ensue.
This intention to benefit all beings,
Which does not arise in others even for their own sake,
Is an extraordinary jewel of the mind,
And its birth is an unprecedented wonder.
I bow down to the body of the one
In whom the sacred precious mind is born.
I seek refuge in that source of joy
Who brings to happiness even those who harm him.
from Shantidev - "The Bodhisattva's way of Life"
Come discover the clear meditation instruction available in Tibetan Buddhism that enables us to develop our innate qualities of loving kindness and compassion. Become skilled at applying these techniques to generate the mind of bodhichitta, the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of others, known to be the heart of Buddha's teachings.
Follow Through on Daily Practice - The Five Forces
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Our topic for this month will be The Five Forces for Becoming Kind and Wise. Becoming happier, kinder and more understanding is a result of regularly practising new ways of responding to situations and people, thinking differently, becoming more aware of those things that cause us and others pain and reinforcing those behaviours that show kindness and compassion. Dekyi-Lee Oldershaw will facilitate a discussion and practice of the quiescence of Buddhist teachings which can be applied in our daily life to become kinder and wiser.
As always, newcomers are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are appreciated.
Discovering Buddhism Hamilton - Great Love in Developing Bodhicitta
Location(s)
Great Love
The Benefits of Bodhichitta
If even the thought to relieve
Living creatures of merely a headache
Is a beneficial intention
Endowed with infinite goodness,
What need is there to mention
The wish to dispel their inconceivable misery,
Wishing every single one of them
To realize boundless good qualities?
For the one who has perfectly seized this mind
With the thought never to turn away
From totally liberating
The infinite forms of life,
From that time hence,
Even while asleep or unconcerned,
A force of merit equal to the sky
Will perpetually ensue.
This intention to benefit all beings,
Which does not arise in others even for their own sake,
Is an extraordinary jewel of the mind,
And its birth is an unprecedented wonder.
I bow down to the body of the one
In whom the sacred precious mind is born.
I seek refuge in that source of joy
Who brings to happiness even those who harm him.
from Shantidev - "The Bodhisattva's way of Life"
Come discover the clear meditation instruction available in Tibetan Buddhism that enables us to develop our innate qualities of loving kindness and compassion. Become skilled at applying these techniques to generate the mind of bodhichitta, the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of others, known to be the heart of Buddha's teachings.
Practical Buddhsim Weekend Retreat - with gen Ngawang Chokley
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Venerable Ngawang will lead the weekend by teaching and meditations, with time for discussiing and answering questions, on how to put Buddha’s teachings into practical use in our busy day to day lives. We will also do again the practice of Chenrezig which Ngawang introduced to us last year in Toronto.
Gen Ngawang is a Tibetan Buddhist monk and scholar, originally from Tibet and educated in Nepal at Kopan Monastery and later in India at Sera Monastery. Ngawang has lived in Toronto now for 2 years in the heart of the Tibetan community, providing the support of the Dharma to all by working in an informal friend to friend way. If you have met Ngawang before you will know that the phrase “Loving Kindness and Compassion” are never far from his thoughts and relationships.
Recommended offering for the weekend is $50.00. Please send an email to Dave dave@upayasolutions.org to register.
Transforming Problems into Opportunities
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Our guest speaker for the evening Gen Ngawang Choklay, has been called away on urgent personal business. He has asked Dave Gould to speak in his place, and his topic will be Transforming Problems into Opportunities as planned.
Have you ever asked, “How can we stay happy in the face of adversity?” One of the most powerful things we can do when we experience problems is to examine the benefits they bring. Often in retrospect we realize that the greatest challenges have resulted in new choices, opportunities, fresh perspective and life changing events. Like everyone Dave has faced problems, in his case the needs of family members paralyzed for years with neurodegenertive illness (who are now walking!) and also with dying, grieving, and Alzheimers disease. Without the methods of Transforming Problems into Opportunities this life may have become unbearable, but instead, although difficult, Dave feels he has been blessed with new perspectives and gentler, deeper inner resources.
Join us for an informal discussion and meditation.
As always, newcomers are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are appreciated.
Equalizing Self and Others: Discovering Buddhism Hamilton
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How to develop Bodhicitta - the mind of awakening - the intention to bring every being to a state of freedom from suffering and the perfect pure state of Enlightenment? We start be bringing ourselves to this state, and one method of developing this intention is the practice of Equalizing and Exchanging Self and Others.
We, all sentient beings, constanly wish for happiness and constantly seek to be free of suffering. We are all equal on this basis.
We all have a well developed capacity for caring and kindess, focused usually upon our selves or those we identify with. There is no need to change this caring and kindness other than to swap the person upon which it is focused - from ourself, to others. Since others are limitless, with practice in this method, our caring and kindness becomes limitless.
The Sutra of Golden Light for the people of Tibet and China
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Group recitation of the Sutra of Golden Light, hosted by Lama Yeshe Ling and the Sutra of Golden Light community for the people of Tibet and China.
This is also an ideal way to prepare the place for Geshe Soepa's arrival as reciting this sutra also blesses the location where it recited.
The plight of the Tibetan people has been in the news recently. Tibetans are now becoming a minority in their own land. It would be very sad if the culture that gives us this rich Buddhist tradition, from which we have benefited so much, were to disappear. Yet as time passes the Tibetan people may find themselves in a situation similar to our own First Nations people here. It can be heartbreaking what we human beings do to each-other.
Becoming angry does no one good, but being aware in a compassionate way can lead to constructive change. Here are two websites that speak to the Tibetan cause and also suggest some things that we can do to help.
From an enlightened perspective these events can serve as an opportunity to deepen our compassion for human beings, and to engage in spiritual action. Reciting The Sutra of Golden Light strengthens the power of goodness in the world; and specifically directs energy towards enlightened leadership and government. Lama Zopa states that due to reciting this sutra:His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Office: www.dalailama.com/news.htm
Support the Dalai Lama with this Avaaz international petition: www.avaaz.org/en/tibet_end_the_violence
“Acts of terrorism will be averted. Acts of violence will stop. China will return to Buddhism and will relax its hold on Tibet. … Anybody who wants peace in the world should read The Golden Light Sutra. This is a very important practice to stop violence and wars in the world. The Golden Light Sutra is one of the most beneficial ways to bring peace. This is something that everyone can do, no matter how busy you are – even if you can read one page a day, or a few lines and in this way continually read The Golden Light Sutra.”
Download a copy freely available here: www.sutraofgoldenlight.org.
Preparing for Geshe Soepa's Arrival & Purification Meditations and Prostrations
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| Purification Meditations and Prostrations (bring potluck lunch) | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm 10:00 to 11:00 am Break 11:30 to 12:30 pm Lunch (brown bag / potluck) 1:30 to 2:30 pm Break 2:30 to 3:30 pm Break 4:00 to 5:00 pm |
| Dinner Provided - Tibetan Soup | 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm |
| Preparing for Geshe Soepa's Arrival Community gathering with Dekyi Lee and gen Ngawang Chokley | 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm |
Purification Meditations and Prostrations
Dekyi Lee Oldershaw will lead a one day purification retreat. This will include prostrations, the white light purification practice and a discussion of what is negativity and the mechanics of removing negativity from our minds. Our practice of purification will also work to purify this location in preparation for Geshe-la’s arrival. You are welcome to come for any session. Following this a traditional Tibetan meal of homemade noodle soup (Thanktup) will be served.
Who is Geshe Soepa, what is the traditional way that lay and ordained people relate to each other?
Gen Ngawang our Sangha member from Toronto has studied and translated from Geshe Soepa in the past and knows Geshe Soepa well. He will tell us a few stories and give us a few examples of what we might expect and how we might benefit from having Geshe Soepa here among us.
Ordained monks and nuns (known as Sangha in Buddhist language) hold many vows. You could say that Buddhist ordination is an ultimate practice of ethical conduct. Holding such vows produces great good karma and supporting a Sangha member in holding these vows also produces great good karma. For us to support rather than unwittingly hinder our Sangha, Dekyi Lee Oldershaw a former nun of eight years will describe the time-honored manners practiced by ordained and lay spiritual communities.