WINTER WEEKLY SCHEDULE
December thru February
this schedule begins December 1st
Would you like to attend these programs regularly? Consider a membership with Gar Drolma and have free access to all of our weekly events.
SUNDAY MORNINGS
Temple Open for Personal Meditation
Date & Time: weekly, 9–10:15 am
facilitated by senior sangha member
Book Discussion Group
Date & Time: weekly, 9:00–10:15
facilitated by senior sangha member
Children's Class
Date & Time: weekly, 9–11:30 am
Suggested Donation: non-members $2 per child, per day
Each Sunday we have Buddha Class for children ages 6 to 12. In the class the children are introduced to basic Buddhist ethics and meditation. This class is led by our local sangha member Bonnie Topits. Please contact Bonnie in advance if you have any questions: Btopits@aol.com. facilitated by Bonnie Topits
tea break, 10:15–10:30
Basic Meditation on the Generation of Infinite Light
Date & Time: weekly, 10:30–11:30 am
On Sunday mornings we will practice Buddha Amitabha's Generation of Infinite Light meditation. Beginners welcome. facilitated by Dianne McKinnon, Debbie Jackson, & Naomi Bloom
Beginners Question & Answer Session
Date & Time: weekly, 11:30–noon
facilitated by senior sangha member
Statue Preparation
Dates: Sundays, December 7, 14, 21, 28 & January 4, 11
Time: 11:30–1:30 -lunch will be provided
During December and January we will need everyone's help in preparing mantra for the new statue at Gar Drolma. After the mantras are prepared, Lama Gape will roll them and place them in the statue and then statue will be placed on the new shrine. Then when Garchen Rinpoche comes in February he will consecrate the statue and shrine. Please join us in this exciting time of preparation! facilitated by sangha members
**suggested donation to participate in any or all Sunday morning activities: non-members $3-$10 / members: no additional donation requested
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
Basic Meditation on Calming the Mind
Date & Time: weekly, 6–7 pm
Suggested Donation: non-members $3-$10 sliding scale
The nature of calm abiding meditation is the one-pointed abiding on any object without distraction...Its merits are that, if one has achieved calm abiding, one's mind and body are pervaded by joy and bliss.–from The Buddhism of Tibet by the Dalai Lamafacilitated by senior sangha member
EVENING CLASS in JANUARY
Introduction to Buddhism Class
Dates: January 22, 23, 29, 30
Time: 7:30–9:00 pm
Suggested Donation: non-members $3-$10 or more per class sliding scale
The four thoughts comprise the foundation of the path of Tibetan Buddhism. A firm grasp of these concepts will provide the student with a philosophical basis for proceeding further on the path. This class will be taught by Lama Gape with Ina Bieler translating. It is not necessary to attend every class to participate.
Thursday, Jan 22: The Precious and Unusual Human Birth
Friday, Jan 23: The Pervasivenes of Impermanence and Death
Thursday, Jan 29: The Inevitability of Karma, Cause and Effect
Friday, Jan 30: The defects of Cyclic Existence
FRIDAY EVENINGS
Winter Movie Series
Dates: December 12, 19, January 2, 16 & February 13, 27
Time: 7 pm
Suggested Donation: non-members $3-10 sliding scale per class
remaining movies:
Friday, January 16: Little Buddha (change)
Friday, February 13: Kundun
Friday, February 27: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
facilitated by sangha members
Why do you ask for donations?
Like all organizations, Gar Drolma must raise funds in order to keep our basic operations running. This is why we ask participants to make an offering. If you attend our programs regularly you may want to Consider a membership with Gar Drolma and have free access to all of our weekly events.
How do I know if the center is open during bad weather?
In the unlikely event tha the weather is very extreme we may cancel Sunday morning practice. Please stay tuned to the home page of this website for such announcements.
Do I need to be a Buddhist to attend Gar Drolma
Not at all! No previous experience with Buddhism is necessary in order to attend practices. In fact, we all began with no experience!
I am a student working on a report on Buddhism. Do I need to make an appointment to attend?Students need not make an appointment to attend practices.
What types of people are welcome at the center? We are an open and inclusive sangha, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, income, sexual orientation or political orientation. We are a very diverse group of people with members from many walks of life.
I cannot sit on the floor, will I be able to sit in a chair? We sit on cushions at the center. In addition, we have pews available. If you would like to bring a different seat, you are welcome to do so.
Are there any rules I should know about before coming to the center? We ask individuals to abstain from alcohol or illicit drugs at any dharma-related function at Gar Drolma Choling.
May I bring my kids to the center? Our events are open to children.