Sunday Book Group, February 3rd

In January we started discussing the first part of The Essense of Tibetan Buddhism, by Lama Thubten Yeshe: the teaching on Renunciation, Bodhicitta, and Emptiness. We will continue the discussion on February 3rd with the second part on Tantra.

Books are available at Tashi Gatsel Ling for a small donation or you can download the e-book for free here.

Good Vibrations for Losar 2019 at TGL

Thursday, February 7 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Losar is the Tibetan New Year’s celebration.  We will celebrate on Feb 7th this year.  Join us to experience the wonderful vibrations of group mantra chanting. Please come ready to recite the Heart Sutra, participate in a simple Vajrasattva purification practice (both in English & Tibetan),  set Dharma intentions and recite mantras as a group to celebrate Losar.

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to Buddhism, this is a meaningful way to welcome in the Tibetan New Year. If you have a mala (prayer beads), please bring it. Please bring an offering like flowers, fruit, nuts, chocolate or baked goods for the shrine.

If you would like to bring a snack to share afterwards, you are welcome to do so, but it is not required.

Please RSVP if possible to Doreen at  perley@maine.rr.com so we can have the correct preparations on hand! Thank you. 

TGL hosting Venerable Thukten Dema

TGL will host Venerable Thukten Dema this weekend. She will join this Sunday’s book discussion, then later on Sunday, January 6, from 2-4 pm, we will have a Dharma talk, meditation, and a meet and greet tea with Venerable Dema.

Ven. Thukten Dema was born in small village in Bhutan called Gelephu. She is 32 years old and 15 out of those she dedicated to the monastic life. Currently she resides at Jangchub Choeling Nunnery in Southern India. Ven. Dema is studying at Emory University as a Tenzin Gyatso Science Scholar. She thoroughly enjoys observing nature.

Monthly Medicine Buddha Puja

Medicine BuddhaMedicine Buddha Puja: Saturday, December 22, 2018, 6:30-8:00 pm & Monday, January 21st, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.   Please arrive a little early so that we may begin at 6:30 p.m.

Medicine Buddha Puja (Prayer ritual) is offered for healing and world peace.  Please bring flowers, fruit, a healthy treat, or chocolate to offer, which we will all share in at the end of the puja.  We recite in English and all are welcome.

Khen Rinpoche’s March Teachings + Events (Maine + New York)

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WEBCAST FROM NYC
Friday, March 17 – 7-9p, Tibet House US, live event + webcast
The Eight Verses for Training the Mind

MAINE
Sunday, March 19 – 10:00a-12:30p, Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick
The Eight Verses for Training the Mind—A Powerful Practice for Transforming  Difficult Circumstances
Almost one thousand years ago the great Indian teacher Atisha came to Tibet and began giving personal instructions to his Tibetan students. These instructions formed the basis for the Tibetan Mahayana tradition of training the mind called lojong. In these turbulent times, these teachings help us to remain peaceful by keeping us focused on compassion and altruism. Khen Rinpoche will share with us his insight into one of the most famous mind training texts, Langri Thangpa’s Eight Verses on Mind Training. Whether you are a beginner or long-time student, listening to these teachings from Rinpoche will help you to take both your hardships and successes into the path and maintain a balanced and joyful state of mind. This event is free.

MAINE
Sunday, March 26 – 10am-12:30p, Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick
Tong-len – The Practice of Taking and Giving
Knowing the importance of altruistic love and compassion for all living beings (Bodhicitta) is crucial. Taking this wisdom to heart and manifesting it in all our affairs can be quite challenging. Fortunately, Tong-len meditation is an amazing tool to help us along the path. Khen Rinpoche will teach us how to take on the suffering of others and give our own happiness to them. It is a powerful way to generate Bodhicitta and, in the process, transform our own minds to be more peaceful, joyous, and free. This event is free.  

NEW YORK CITY
Wednesday, March 29 – 6pm, Rubin Museum, NYC
Art Walk and Commentary
Join Khen Rinpoche and RMA Curator Elena Pakhoutova for a walk through the main gallery with an eye on pieces connected to Ladakh, Rinpoche’s homeland, and the Gelukpa tradition, Rinpoche’s monastic lineage. Rinpoche and Elena offer us a chance to enjoy these meaningful works with the benefit of their commentary. This event is free and requires and RSVP. Please email: laura.kozaitis@ourssp.org with “RSVP for March 29 Rubin Museum Event.” Thank you.