welcome
Charleston Tibetan Society is a non-profit religious and educational organization under the spiritual direction of Geshe Dakpa Topgyal. It was founded in 1994 with three missions: to increase the awareness of Tibet and its unique culture, to bring the major world religions together to make a more effective contribution to humanity & world peace through an individual’s cultivation of inner peace, and to raise funds to help Tibetan refugees living in India, Nepal and Bhutan.
The Dharma Center is regularly open for in person teachings on meditation on sunday’s at 8:30-9:30am, and the stages of the path or Lam Rim on Monday’s at 6 -7pm. everyone is welcome to join! for more event info see class schedule & special events under calendar on menu bar.
please keep in mind those in need of life’s essentials and consider donating to your local food bank. We are accepting food donations for the Neighborhood House (77 America Street) who will appreciate canned soups/stews (not cream of), canned meat, canned fruits & vegetables, pasta, rice, and 12oz bottled water as well as personal hygiene items: soap, shampoo, toothpaste & deodorant. Offerings can be placed in foyer at the Dharma Center.
The real value of wealth lies within the act of giving.
The value of wealth is ruined in miserliness when one fails to act generously.
*** UPCOMING EVENTS ***
Sunday July 27: Last day of Meditation teachings before Summer Break
Monday July 28: Last day of teachings before Summer Break
July 29 - Sept 6: SUMMER BREAK: NO Teachings
Sunday, Sept 7: Meditation Teachings resume
Monday, Sept 8: Lam Rim Teachings resume
Saturday, Sept 20: Sangha Social get together @ Dharma Center
Saturday, Oct 18: Sangha Social dolphin-sunset cruise from Isle of Palms Marina
Saturday, Nov 15: Sangha Social Holiday lunch: deliciously healthy menu yet to be determined
Saturday, Dec 13: Sangha Social Holiday lunch: Meatless Lasagna w/ garlic bread, ceasar salad & dessert
*** PAST EVENTS *** for more past events, see SPECIAL EVENTS
Sunday, July 6: His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday Celebration: long life prayer ceremony & vegetarian Potluck
Brett read a message by His Holiness the Dalai Lama for His 90th Birthday:
On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism.
I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don’t normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organizing events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts.
While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place.
As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion.
I develop determination and courage in my daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose following aspiration I strive to uphold.
As long as space endures,
As long as sentient being remain,
Until then, may I too remain
To dispel the miseries of the world.
Thank you for using the opportunity of my birthday to cultivate peace of mind and compassion.
Tashi Deleg and with prayers,
Dalai Lama
Brett also read an important statement by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s‘Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama’ :
On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and those who have a connection with Tibet and Tibetans, regarding whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. I stated, “As far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue in the future.”
I also said, “When I am about ninety I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, to re-evaluate whether or not the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue.”
Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years leaders of Tibet’s spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, participants in a Special General Body Meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue.
The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition.
I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.
Friday June 20: Sangha Social: Dolphin Solstice Sunset cruise
Wednesday, June 11: Saga Dawa Ceremony on Full Moon
we shared a candlelight offering, a biography of Buddha Shakyamuni, Geshe-la recited the prayer “In Praise of the 12 deeds of the Buddha” as well as mantras including Buddha Shakyamuni's, Medicine Buddha's & Amitayus Longevity. We closed with a final dedication then released worms in the backyard.
Saturday May 17 : Annual Membership Meeting & Potluck
Sat Apr 26 Sangha Social Pancake Breakfast: we shared a delicious pancake breakfast served with a variety of fruit toppings, sausage as well as Geshe-la’s delicious & nutritious chai & OJ. Many thanks to those that volunteered to make it go so well especially our chef David Laurell.
