Upcoming Event | Tuesday, March 21 and 28, 2023
Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism
We have created a short Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism program that we will offer via Zoom on two consecutive Tuesday evenings March 21st and March 28th.
During the first session we will present a brief overview of Buddhist teachings and practices. There will be ample time for questions, comments and discussion.
The second session will include a guided meditation on tranquility and concentration (samatha meditation), followed by insight (vipassana meditation) then merging again into samatha.
These first 2 sessions will introduce us to the meditations we will pursue on subsequent Tuesday evenings which Potala will host via Zoom each Tuesday evening beginning on April 4th. The format for these evenings will feature meditation, followed by a reading which we can contemplate and discuss. As always, questions and comments will be welcome.
For those who express an interest in tantric meditation practice we can also lead a guided meditation on Medicine Buddha. Some folk may recall this particular version of Medicine Buddha from past practices held at Body Mind Centre. It is designed for people who have no previous experience in tantric meditation practice. If there is interest we may schedule a regular Medicine Buddha practice such as the fourth Tuesday of each month.
All sessions are open to everyone and do not require any previous practice experience. If you are interested in joining us, please advise by sending an email to Potala Zoom and we will add your name to the Zoom invitation. You will then receive a Zoom invitation on Tuesday evenings at 6 pm ET. We will visit for 15 minutes to allow everyone to join the session and begin promptly at 6:15 pm. The sessions will vary in duration but we expect to conclude between 7:00 pm and 7:15 pm. Feel free to join in at any time during the session as Zoom is designed to allow a “silent” entry.
There is no cost to attend these sessions although donations are always welcome and gratefully accepted. For details on making a donation please refer to the Membership/Donate tab above.
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Past Event | December 17 - 18, 2022
Teachings by the Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche
We are very pleased to announce that our teacher, Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, will be visiting in December to teach and lead us in meditation.
This weekend of teaching and practice will take place at North McIntyre Recreation Centre, 2051 Government Road, Second Floor. The weekend is in-person, open to all and without prerequisite.
Rinpoche will teach Mahamudra on Saturday December 17th from 10am to 5pm. Registration begins at 9:30.
Mahamudra is the ultimate meditation on the nature of our mind.
"... Mahamudra is at the very heart of Buddhist teachings. Mahamudra practice slows us down so we can see things as they are. Mahamudra reveals the ultimate nature of the mind. Intrinsically pure and empty of inherent nature: pure awareness, luminous and spacious -- clarity and cognizance."
Excerpt from Gelug Mahamudra by H.E. Zasep Rinpoche
Rinpoche will teach Lojong on Sunday December 18th from 10am - 5 pm. Registration begins at 9:30.
Lojong or 'mind training’ is a contemplative practice which uses aphorisms or pithy observations which contain general truths. Through contemplating these truths, we can purify our motivations and attitudes and thereby cultivate wisdom and compassion.
Retreat fees are $25 per day (members) and $35 per day (non-members). However, no one will be turned away because of their financial situation. Please just ask for a reduced rate upon registration.
Payment options are cash, cheque or e-transfer.
Please bring your own meditation cushion. Chairs will also be provided.
To protect all participants, masking will be required. Please practise physical distancing.
Due to concerns about the potential for transmission of air-borne diseases such as COVID-19, influenza and RSV, we will not be serving a potluck lunch. There will be a 90 minute lunch break; you will have time to eat at home or go to a restaurant. Alternatively, you may choose to eat in your vehicle. If you will be dropped off, please ask about special arrangements for lunch. To stay hydrated, please bring beverages and remove your mask briefly to take a sip.
As well we will have copies of Rinpoche's autobiography on hand for purchase:
A Tulku’s Journey from Tibet to Canada - Autobiography of Zasep Tulku Rinpoche $60