New To Buddhism?
There are many reasons someone is drawn to explore Buddhist traditions. For some of us, it was because we were seeking mental peace to overcome depression. Or maybe things are going well, but your curious if the practices can help you be even happier. For others, its purely an academic interest; or perhaps simple curiosity to see how it compares to your own religion. The list of reasons is endless.
His Holiness, the Dalai Lama often discusses how glad he is that Buddhist traditions are being adopted in the west by scientists and psychologists who help make it accessible to all sentient beings. One doesn't have to be Buddhist to benefit from the practices, and infact, should only convert to buddhism if it suits their particular needs. It is perfectly acceptable to utilize many of the buddhist practices and apply them to become a better practitioner of your own religion.
We hope we provide teachings that meet the needs of both those seeking an understanding their own mind to develop greater happiness and compassion. We also hope to provide teachings to those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of the all aspects of Tibetan Buddhism which includes philosophy, religion and science.
A Brief Introduction to Buddhism
The best way to get started is to visit the center and start attending the Intro to Buddhism Courses.
If you'd like to learn a little more before coming to this, or another, dharma center, consider checking out some of the books in our recommended reading page.
How to Get Started?
Tibetan Buddhism is both a religion and a philosophy of life. It is a deep and comprehensive philosophical system that embraces life in all of its manifestations - from the simplest microscopic creatures to beings in dimensions beyond human existence. Buddhism views all of life as one inseparable whole.
Tibetan Buddhism is also a disciplined practice of mental and spiritual techniques to develop compassion (loving-kindness for all beings) and wisdom (insight into the nature of reality). It is the path that was first taught more than 2,500 years ago by the Buddha Shakyamuni, who succeeded in achieving complete realization of perfect wisdom and compassion. It is a path that leads to the cessation of all sorrow (Samsara) and the experience of supreme joy (Nirvana).
Our school, the New Khadampa or Gelug ("Virtuous") School was founded by Lama Tsong-khapa. The Gelug tradition evolved into a fully independent school of Tibetan Buddhism towards the end of the fourteenth century. In 1409, Lama Tsong-khapa founded the great Ganden Monastery. Lama Tsong-khapa's teachings stress the importance of monastic virtues and upon the need to establish a firm understanding of the sutra teachings before graduating to the tantras.
The effect of the power of his teachings was that the Gelug tradition spread not only over Tibet but further to Mongolia, where almost the entire population became devout Gelug followers. The teachings also spread throughout China influencing the successive emperors of China who became great supporters of Buddhism. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama belongs to this tradition.
While we follow and primarily teach in that tradition, there is much richness and value to be found in all the schools of buddhism. The advice is often given that students are encouraged to learn one tradition in depth, but after a firm understanding is developed, enrich that knowledge by learning from well qualified teachers in all valid lineages and traditions. This includes the Kagyu, Sakya and Nyigma traditions.