Mondays, December 1, 15 and 22, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Beginners’ Tibetan Language Class

This 12-week beginner-level course in Tibetan introduces the letters and sounds of the Tibetan language, dharma words from prayer texts, and basic everyday vocabulary and sentences.  

Note:  Registration is complete.

Sundays, December 7, 14 and 21, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

Shamatha (calm abiding meditation)

Shamatha meditation is a fundamental Buddhist contemplative practice that develops the mind’s ability to reach a state of tranquility and lucidity.

Shamatha practice will be led by Ani Lodro Zangmo on Sundays, December 7 and 14, and by Acharya on December 21.

Members: Free
Non-members: Suggested donation $10

Tuesdays, December 9, 16, 23 and 30, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Early morning Meditation

Shamatha (calm abiding meditation)—Only on Zoom

Led by senior student, Nathalie Purchio

To reinforce our commitment to daily practice, we will have Zoom sessions on four Tuesday mornings in December for an hour of Shamatha meditation.

Shamatha, also called calm-abiding or tranquility meditation, is a fundamental practice essential for developing calmness, concentration, mental clarity, and stability, and for understanding the nature of our mind.

Saturday, December 13, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Training workshop on consecutive or simultaneous translation (English to French) with Esther Rochon

This workshop is for those who are involved in translating Dharma talks or would like to do so. It will include presentations, discussions and practical exercises. A glossary will be provided.

Schedule:

• 9:30 a.m. to noon: workshop focusing on explanations and questions
• 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Lunch offered by the Centre. This will allow you to informally discuss various aspects of translating for the Dharma with Esther Rochon and the other workshop participants.
• 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: workshop focusing on practical exercises

Prerequisites: be reasonably bilingual and have a basic knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism.

Suggested donation: Members-$10; Non-members-$20; Free for current Rigpe Dorje Centre translators.

REGISTRATION

Wednesdays, December 17 and 31, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Chenrezik and Amitabha Sadhanas

Love, compassion, joy, and wisdom—together known as bodhicitta—are the indivisible nature of the Buddha’s enlightened mind. Chenrezik (Skt. Avalokiteshvara), the Buddha of Infinite Compassion, embodies these virtuous qualities. 

Through the practice of Amitabha, the Buddha of Boundless Light, beings are guided to rebirth in Dewachen (Skt. Sukhavati), the pure realm of immaculate happiness, joy, and bliss. 

Members: Free
Non-members: Suggested donation $10

Thursday, December 18, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Dharma Protector Day

Mahakala Sadhana

Mahakala Bernagchen is a Wisdom Deity, a Bodhisattva whose wrathful manifestation is an expression of skillful means to subdue harmful forces affecting beings, personally and globally.

Members: Free
Non-members: Suggested donation $10

Saturday, December 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Teaching by Acharya on the Seven Point Mind Training

The Seven-Point Mind Training (Lojong) is a profound Mahayana Buddhist practice that was brought to Tibet by Atisha in the 11th century and later written down by Chekawa Yeshe Dorje. It teaches us how to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness in everyday life and to transform adverse circumstances into a path to enlightenment. Through this practice, we can become better human beings who embody the essence of enlightenment.

This practice is especially valuable for those who have taken or are considering taking the Bodhisattva vow, as it helps us to develop a sense of responsibility, kindness, and constructive behaviour.

Acharya’s teaching on the Seven Point Mind Training is a comprehensive experience, including contemplation, meditation, and Q&A sessions, designed to deepen our understanding of the practice and its application in everyday life.

Note:  Acharya began teaching The Seven Point Mind Training in October and will continue until we have covered the entire text. This month, the teachings will be offered only on December 20.

Suggested Donation:
Members—$10 per session
Non-members—$15 per session

Saturday, December 27, 10 a.m. to11:30 a.m.

Medicine Buddha Day

Medicine Buddha Sadhana

Medicine Buddha is a practice of physical, psychological, and spiritual healing. This Healing Buddha practice reveals the true cause of any affliction.

Members: Free
Non-members: Suggested donation $10

Sunday, December 28, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Tea Meditation

Led by Acharya Chöying Gyurmey and Tea Master Vivian Li

A tea meditation involves being mindful and present during all aspects of the tea ritual, including making the tea, drinking the tea, and being aware of the environment and the effects on your mind and body. Tea meditation can be practised at any time during the day. It’s an example of how to apply meditation to daily life.

Note:  Please bring some vegetarian food to share and join us for a potluck lunch after the meditation. 

Members: Free
Non-members: Suggested donation $10

Monday, December 29, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Guru Rinpoche Day

Kunchok Chidu Sadhana and Tsok

Prayers to Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, are considered increasingly powerful in these difficult times. He is often invoked for protection and to remove obstacles.

Note:  Please bring fruits, cookies, cake, juice, etc. to offer for the Tsok. Out of concern for the environmental impact of our practice, we ask that you limit the amount of plastic packaging in any Tsok offerings you bring. Thank you for helping in this way.

Members: Free
Non-members: Suggested donation $10