Tuesday February 2nd, 7pm

 

FAQ

What is The Tibet Center?

The Tibet Center is a Buddhist meditation and study center open to all regardless of religious affiliation. The center offers a variety of programs to suit everyone from the merely curious to the more enthusiastic.

What programs does the center offer?

There are classes in Buddhist philosoph and practice, beginner's meditation class, regular group practice, as well as guest lectures and seminars. We also invte speakers from other religios traditions and scientific disciplines to share their insights. In addition the center is open weekdays from 2pm to 7pm for individual quiet study and meditation.

Are there resident teachers at the Tibet Center?

There are two: Reverend Khyongla Rato Rinpoche, an incarnate Lama of the Gelugpa Order of Tibetan Buddhism, the founder of the center; and, Venerable Geshe Nicholas Vreeland an ordained monk from Rato Monastery in South India, the center’s director. (See the biography page for more information).

 Do I have to be a Buddhist to study at the center?

That is not necessary. You may use the insights and techniques of Buddhism to enhance your own religious practice. For example, you can apply the techniques presented by the Buddha to develop and enhance compassion and loving kindness, qualities which are universal to all religions.

What is it that Buddha taught?

Very briefly; Buddha taught that all beings have basic dissatisfaction and suffering to some degree or another. This need not be our permanent situation. Buddha discovered that suffering has a cause and since it has a cause it can be eliminated by removing its cause, resulting in a permanent non suffering state. All of his teachings are methods and advice for the removal of suffering and the attainment of an enlightened happy existence.

How does one practice and study at the center?

One begins by reading, critically examining, and reflecting on Buddha’s teachings. The teachings should be viewed as advice and instruction for meditation. One practices according to what one studies. Each person naturally proceeds according to their individual ability. There are a variety of books suggested for both beginners and more advanced students on our reading list.

A Brief Suggested Reading List;

BASIC CLASSICS:

Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lam Rim Chenmo)

By Tsongkhapa…3vols.

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A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Bodhicaryavatara)

By Shantideva

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The Precious Garland

By Nagarjuna

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Mind Training Like the Rays of the Sun

By Nam Kha Pel

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INTRODUCTORY:

By His Holiness the Dalai Lama;

Kindness, Clarity and Insight

Ethics for the New Millennium

Lighting the Way

Open Heart

(ed. by Ven. Nicholas Vreeland)

My life and Lives

By Rato Khyongla Rinpoche

BUDDHISM AND SCIENCE:

Balancing the Mind

By B. Alan Wallace

Gentle Bridges

Conversations with the Dalai Lama on Mind Science

Ed. Jeremy Hayward, Francisco Varela

Destructive Emotions

By Daniel Goleman

 

Thanks to everyone who participated in the LIVING PEACE seminar.

Click here to view video of the lectures - www.ctice.columbia.edu

 

The Tibet Center Gift Shop has a selection of books on Buddhism,
RATO Monks Bags from Rato Monastery, religious items and jewelry.