Teachings

  • All teachings are located at CTS Dharma Center, 12 Parkwood Avenue
  • The Dharma Center will be open 30 minutes before each teaching
  • Try to make an effort to arrive at least 5 minutes before the teaching begins
  • Please leave your shoes on the front porch in the racks provided before entering
  • If you cannot stay until the teaching is over, we ask that you do not attend that class
  • All classes are open to the general public, unless otherwise indicated
  • If you have any questions, please contact a board member or senior student
  • Please check the Calendar page for class cancellations

Dharma Teachings

(Mahayana Tradition)

These encompass clear and precise discourses on the Buddha’s wisdom including instructions on how to apply them according to each individual’s moral and spiritual development. These should be taught by an experienced and qualified teacher at best, if not, then at least by a teacher appointed by the head of a recognized monastery.

Lam Rim Teachings

(Mahayana Tradition)

Basic instructions in Tibetan Buddhism from the historical Buddha Shakyamuni’s teachings. Lam Rim Teachings give the specific details to the stages of Path essential to achieving Full Enlightenment.

Meditation Teachings

(Mahayana Tradition)

Detailed instruction in the practice of Shamata Meditation. This is the Tibetan Buddhist method of single-pointed concentration or object-focused meditation. The teaching lasts approximately 45 minutes followed by 15 minutes of practice. The Teaching ends with a brief question and answer session.

Medicine Buddha Practice

(Mahayana Tradition)

Shakyamuni Buddha emanates in a different form with a radiant deep dark blue color, holding a bowl filled with healing nectar and other medicinal herbs as a gesture or symbol of healing especially in this degenerative time of mankind. The benefit of doing the Medicine Buddha Practice is that it helps to decrease physical and mental illnesses and sufferings. This practice can be done as an individual or in a group for the benefit of the individual or others.

Chenrezig Practice

(Mahayana Tradition)

Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) is the Bodhisattva of Compassion. He is the embodiment of the compassion of all Buddhas. This practice is about building a humble and respectful means to a personal spiritual connection with him. The goal of this practice is for the activation of the latent seed of compassion which lies within each person’s mind and heart.

Tara Practice

(Mahayana Tradition)

 

Tara is the fully Enlightened female Buddha. Tara was believed to have been born out of a single tear drop from the eyes of Chenrezig. When Chenrezig was about to give up his Bodhicitta intention due to the ungrateful behavior and attitudes of sentient beings, she said to him, “Do not give up your Bodhicitta intention, I will be your assistant.”  The Practice has three benefits:

  1. It becomes much easier to make progress on our spiritual path due to her blessings and boons.

  2. Tara has a special role in dispelling obstructions and hindrances which interfere with one’s practice.

  3. One’s wishes and aspirations will be fulfilled more quickly and we will be able to meet our needs.

Vajrasattva Practice

(Mahayana Tradition)

 

Vajrasattva is the Bodhisattva of Purification and Cleansing. He is the ultimate source of cleansing and purification of our negative Karma created through our own negative actions of body, speech and mind. The Vajrasattva manifests from the unanimous agreement of all Buddhas that all negative Karma can be utterly purified. It is fair to say that the Vajrasattva is the physical representation of purity with the function to assist others in cleansing their negativities and moral corruption.