Finding the Three Jewels: Understanding the Vow of Refuge in Tibetan Buddhism
Entering the path of awakening in Tibetan Buddhism is called 'taking refuge.' Those who wish to do so have the option to participate in a simple but meaningful public ceremony…
The Buddha’s First Teaching: The Four Noble Truths
ZoomThe Four Noble Truths are common name of the Buddha’s first teaching after enlightenment. When the Indian prince, Siddhartha Gautama, (circa 563-483 BCE) sat under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya,…
Enlightened Art: Learning to Read a Thangka, Level I
ZoomA thangka painting is traditionally a portable scroll painting, painted on cotton or silk, framed in brocade, intended to be used either for personal meditation or in order to instruct…
Dec 31st – Ring in the New Year in 3 Time Zones
ZoomCome sit 5 minutes at the stroke of midnight--in every time zone in our sangha!
Intro To Buddhism
ZoomEspecially designed for those new to Buddhism (and required for students in the Vajra Heart Program) this class will include teaching on the life of Buddha and a quick survey…
Learning to Do a Full Mediation Session – with Traditional Prayers
ZoomNOTE: This class meets three consecutive Wednesdays - Jan 12, 19 and 26th from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Pacific Time. You'll register just one time. The ticket includes all…
When Bad News Is Good News: Nurturing The Heart Of Fearlessness
Great Vow Zen Monastery 79640 Quincy Mayger Road, Clatskanie, ORThe mind states of fear, anger, and negativity are pervasive in difficult times. In this retreat, following the practice-heart of Machig Labdron, the great female yogini of Tibet, we’ll learn a handful of precise and memorable instructions for fearlessness in the worst of times.
This weekend retreat will be held in the delightful natural environment of Great Vow Zen monastery, in Clatskanie, Oregon, or join us by Zoom.
Intro To Tibetan Buddhism
ZoomThis course continues our look at the development of the Tibetan tradition, examining how Buddhism initially rooted in India eventually migrated to Tibet and elsewhere. We’ll look at the development…
Learning to Give it All – Making the 8 Auspicious Offerings
Learn to make the most basic of altar offerings in a short practice ritual that increases generosity, discipline and good fortune. Anyone can do this beautiful practice. It's especially good for those who can't meditate, and for children. With this knowledge and skill, you can begin to learn to be an altar keeper at Dekeling.
Making a Shelze – a Ritual Art Hands-on Workshop
In this beginners' class, we'll meet face-to-face and make dough, sculpt it into the traditional shape, and decorate it with small 'butter jewels'. You'll learn how to cook the dough and get tips for getting the consistency just right. You'll also learn the ancient Tibetan method for creating the butter jewels in ice water!
Aspirations for Mahamudra – the Path in a Prayer – Part I
ZoomAs one traverses this path, it is helpful to prepare the mind for receiving realization by reciting a traditional text called 'The Aspirations for Mahamudra' prayer. This prayer was written by the Third Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje. A commentary (explanation) about the prayer was written by the Eighth Tai Situpa, Chokyi Jungne. The prayer is both interesting and beautiful. In this class—the first in a multi-part series that we will spread over time, in a relaxed way—we'll learn the history of the prayer, why it is beneficial to recite it, how to recite it and the meaning of the first several stanzas.
The Structure of a Sadhana
ZoomA sadhana is a liturgical text that forms the basis of many of the daily practices done in Tibetan Buddhism. The sadhana is a kind of ritualized mediation, practiced in…