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Upcoming Buddhist Programs
Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies
Overview of Buddhist Path
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Buddhist
Path of Practice and Study
The Shambhala Buddhist path is based primarily on the teachings
of Tibetan Buddhism, but also includes elements from the Zen and
Theravadin traditions. The path Shambhala Buddhism presents is
characterized by a strong emphasis on mindfulness-awareness practice.
The teachings of Buddhism are presented in English, and programs
are designed to deepen students' understanding and experience of
buddhadharma in a gradual and systematic way. A careful sequence
of group practice programs ensures that students can develop according
to their own interests and commitments.
The Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies presents the three yana
path of Tibetan Buddhism in a four-cycle program of practice and
study. The
program is both an in-depth study of the three turnings of the
Wheel of Dharma and the basis for further study at the Sutrayana
Seminary. All courses are open to both beginners and mature
practitioners.
"The Buddhist tradition teaches the truth
of impermanence, or the transitory nature of things. The past is
gone and the future has not yet happened, so we work with what
is here -- the present situation. This actually helps us not to
categorize or theorize. A fresh, living situation is taking place
all the time, on the spot. This noncategorical approach comes
from being fully here, rather than trying to reconnect with past
events. We don't have to look back to the past in order to see
what people are made out of. Human beings speak for themselves,
on the spot."
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Extending love and compassion toward others in contemplative practice is a rehearsal for stepping beyond stinginess and self-centeredness in daily life. Eventually our training will give us the power to flip the mind instantly by letting go of the "me plan" and considering the happiness of somebody else, whatever we’re experiencing, wherever we are. In that moment, we are cultivating peace. When we live like this, we feel happier. The reason is simple: because love and compassion are the basis of our consciousness, we thrive when we let them come to the forefront.
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
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