Fall 2009 Newsletter
Here is a summary of the Fall activities at Tara Center. There is plenty to choose from. We hope to see you often!
If you are ready to take your practice to the next level, this is a perfect time to join Foundation Program. We are moving on to study the second part of Joyful Path of Good Fortune. This in-depth study program meets Tuesdays from 5:45 pm until 8:30 pm with a short break. If you are interested, please contact Gen Lingpur at rt@meditationintucson.org to discuss the commitment.
This term there will be two General Program series (drop-in classes) to choose from beginning in September. On Thursdays at 7 pm at Tara Center, Gen Lingpur will teach on Lojong: Training the Mind. This series will also be repeated bi-weekly at SpiritsChild in NW Tucson at 6:30 pm. On Sunday mornings at 11 am she will teach on Lamrim: The Stages of the Path, based on the verses from Prayers for Meditation.
Take advantage of our Center Benefactor pledge option to attend as many classes as you wish for one monthly fee and help as a supporter of the Center's aim to provide peace of mind and wisdom to the Tucson community.
Our main event this term is the Empowerment of Buddha Maitreya, the Buddha of Loving Kindness on Saturday, December 5. Gen Lingpur will also give commentary to the practice and lead four retreat sessions on Sunday to help us gain familiarity with this practice.
Attend any of three special courses in Buddhist ritual with Kelsang Gamo. Pre-register by prior Thursday.
Sept. 26, 4 pm - 1/2-day Course in Buddhist Rituals
Oct. 17, 4 pm - Torma-making workshop (special offerings)
Nov. 7, 6 pm - Mala-making workshop (Buddhist rosaries)
Introduction to Buddhism
Saturday, September 19th, 2pm-6pm, $25
This class will introduce basic principles of Buddhism and meditation in a practical way to help you overcome your problems through the power of the mind. Pre-register by Thursday, Sept. 17
Meditations for World Peace (new time starting in September)
Everyone is welcome to join us for prayers, a short introduction to the meditation topic, followed by silent meditation - dedicated to world peace. Cost $5
Tara Mahayana Buddhist Center
9:30 am Sundays (10 am in August)
Teaching and Vows Ceremony
6-8:30 pm December 12
A vow is a virtuous determination to abandon particular faults that is generated in conjunction with a traditional ritual. Gen Lingpur will explain and then grant Refuge, Bodhisattva and Pratimoksha Vows. You may attend the teaching and decide afterwards which vows you wish to take. Pre-register by Dec. 10 - $15
Guru Yoga & Mandala Retreat - October 3-9: 8 & 10 am, 5 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 8 am, 5 & 7:30 pm Sunday. On Monday through Friday, Gen Lingpur will continue private retreat. Please call if you would like to join her. $3 per session
October 25 - Je Tsongkhapa Day. Special "Offering to the Spiritual Guide" tsog puja at 6 pm. It is traditional to bring a food offering.
Green Valley class beginning in November
with Gen Kelsang Lingpur
St Francis-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church
600 S. La Cañada Drive, Green Valley, Arizona 85614
Mondays, 4:30 pm November 2 - December 14
$10 per class, or 5-class card for $40
Some additional events this Fall:
Sacred Art Course in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Oct. 10 with Gen Lingpur & Gen ChomaInternational Fall Festival in Italy, Oct. 30-Nov. 5
Work a Day for World Peace - On Monday, October 26, please join thousands of people internationally who are contributing one day's wages to the International Temples Project (ITP), building for World Peace.