Tibetan Buddhist practice and study group
Meeting: every Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
at Ekoji Buddhist Sangha of Richmond, Virginia
We are a small, friendly group of people aiming to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. Our teacher, Lama Norlha Rinpoche, is abbot of Kagyu Thubten Choling, New York, and we keep in close contact with him.
A few of us have been on the path for over 20 years; others have just begun. Regardless of our backgrounds or other attributes, we practice together as equals.
7:20 to 7:30 · Orientation for new people or beginners
7:30 to 8:30 · Chenrezi: the Lord of Compassion ·
We chant and meditate in order to realize our inborn great compassion. Includes a period of silent meditation. The liturgy is translated as well as written phonetically.
Our practice is authentic and traditional, but we try to make it "user-friendly" by explaining the basic points and providing texts to everyone attending. You can chant along, read the English to yourself, or enjoy meditating on the sounds.
Some thoughts on starting out on the Chenrezig practice
8:30 to 9:00 · Dharma study ·
We read a little, then discuss our questions and insights. Also, we answer questions that people may have about the practice or about Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhsim.
A respectful and open mind and the willingness to ask questions are the best preparations. Don't worry if you're new to Buddhism. As the Tibetan proverb says, "Dharma is good at the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end." Dress comfortably, and with respect to the temple setting.