PROGRAM OF EVENTS 2010

Milarepa Initiation and Retreat

with  Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche

September 2 - 5, 2010

Registration Now Open

(More Information & Registration)

Weekend with Ven. Dagri Rinpoche

October 1-3, Commentary on the Heart Sutra and Manjushri Jenang (Blessing)

A truly blessed event, this program offers us an opportunity to deepen and enhance our wisdom. Rinpoche will give a Manjushri Jenang, which bestows a deeper connection with the Buddha of Infinite Wisdom. A ceremony of about two hours, the Jenang gives us permission to recite Manjushri's mantra: Om Ah Ra Pa Tsa Na Dhi, and plants seeds of understanding emptiness in our minds. The Heart Sutra is the essence of the Prajnaparamita or Perfection of Wisdom and one of the shortest versions of this precious piece of literature. This popular sutra holds the key to realization: the non-inherent existence of everything neither conventionally nor ultimately. We are very excited to welcome Rinpoche for his first visit to Milarepa Center. Register Here. Schedule.

Green Tara Retreat
with Ven. Geshe Gelek Chodha

October 9 - 17

Tara represents enlightened energy and exists as a female aspect of the omniscient mind. Meditating on Tara is a very powerful way to connect with your own spiritual potential and develop the qualities of wisdom and compassion in yourself. Tara practice is very helpful in eliminating obstacles in so many aspects of our lives: spiritual practice, work, relationships, etc. as well as for those around us.Our beloved Geshe Gelek is returning to Milarepa Center to give the Green Tara Jenang (subsequent permission to practice) and lead us in this most beneficial retreat.

Autumn Work Party Overnight and Milarepa Tsog

Saturday, October 23, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday, October 24, 9:00AM - NOON

...followed by lunch and Milarepa Tsog Here's a great way to enjoy the spectacular autumn foliage while helping a Dharma center. Please consider taking this time to help Milarepa Center prepare for the winter. Please bring your work clothes and gloves, chain saws, axes, and any other items you think would be useful. Feel free to bring your friends and family to help. Come either day if you are unable to spend the night.

The Way of the Bodhisattva
with Professor Jan Willis

November 5 - 7

This special weekend involves reading, listening to, meditating upon, and otherwise closely exploring the great eighth-century text by Master Shantideva, Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life (the Bodhicaryavatara). We will read, aloud and together, this wondrous exposition of the Mahayana path, thereby softening our hearts and opening to the joys of our infinite capacity to benefit others. Jan will also provide explanation on the text, the practices, and the meanings of terms, etc., as we investigate how best to nourish and increase compassion in ourselves.

Meditation Daylong
with Ven. Amy Miller

November 14 10:00AM - 4:00PM

If you are interested in learning about meditation or are a regular meditator who would like to recharge your practice, this is the perfect format for you. Spend some time getting to know your mind while exploring some relevant discussion.

It's a Wonderful Life:Dealing with Holiday Stress
with Ven. Amy Miller

November 9, 16, 23 (tuesdays); 6:30 - 8:30PM

Warm up at Milarepa Center this November and gather ideas from the Buddhist tradition to cope with holiday stresses: overindulgence in food and drink, frantic holiday shopping, unrealistic expectations, and challenging family dynamics. Here's a way to make your holidays most meaningful. Open to all levels of students. Drop-ins welcome.

Thanksgiving Nyung Né Retreat
led by Ven. Amy Miller

November 25, 7:00PM - November 28, 10:00AM,

Give thanks at this time of the year in this meaningful way. For a description of the practice, please see the information above under the Sakadawa Nyung Né being held May 25-28. You are welcome to make arrangements with us to come after your holiday meal.

Lama Tsong khapa Day:
Light Offerings and Lama Chopa Tsog

November 30, 6:30PM

Milarepa Center is pleased to celebrate the anniversary of Lama Tsong Khapa, the founder of the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. As this holiday falls near the darkest time of the year in the northern hemisphere, it is a lovely time to make extensive light offerings. Join us in lighting candles for this special day before our Lama Chopa Tsog and feel free to bring tea lights to share.

Annual New Year's Vajrasattva Purification Retreat
with Ven. Amy Miller

December 29, 2010 - January 1, 2011

Ring in the New Year in a most meaningful way by joining this deeply purifying retreat. This retreat is appropriate for all levels of practitioners and a great way to gain familiarity with how to do effective retreat. Videos of Lama Yeshe will be shown throughout the retreat and there will be sessions of guided visualization, mantra recitation, and silent meditation. A special ritual will be held on New Year's Eve and the retreat concludes with a fire puja and New Year's brunch. Musicians, bring your instruments to join our annual party!