Ananda Dharma Center - Choden Rinpoche's Home Center

* All teachings will be at Ananda Dharma Center.
( View Schedule )

Retreat on the Three Principles of the Path by Geshe Norbu
Sat, Dec. 27 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Lama Tsongkhapa summarized the entire path to enlightenment his poem The Three Principles of the Path. The three principles are the need for a determination to be free, the need to develop altruism and insight into the true nature of reality. These three are essential for a practitioner to develop in order to follow the Mahayana path. This is a four session retreat. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. All are welcome to attend. Please RSVP so we can plan for the food.

Four Tenets by Geshe Norbu
Sun, Mar. 1 weekly through Apr 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Study, comtemplation and meditation on the view of emptiness of self and phenomena of the four Buddhist philosophies; the Great Exposition School, the Sutra School, the Mind-Only School, and the Middle Way School, finally lead to the profound view of Nagajuna.

Mind & Its Functions by Geshe Norbu
Sun, Jan. 4 weekly through Feb. 15, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

The most unique and unbelievable feature of a human being is the power of the mind, which is responsible for all actions and their consequences. Geshe Norbu will lead us in an exploration of the mind through the profound knowledge of Buddhism. As the Buddha said, all things are preceded by the mind, led by the mind and created by the mind. The awareness of the nature, function and classification of the mind is indispensable, in order to make our life happy, meaningful and fulfill our spiritual potential.

Buddhist Psychology by Geshe Norbu
Sun, Nov. 9 weekly through Dec. 28 at 10:00 a.m.

This class examines the types of mind and behaviors. How do we construct positive attitudes, while preventing the shortcomings of destructive emotions from arising? How do we apply antidotes?

The 12 Links of Dependent Arising by Geshe Norbu
Sat, Dec. 6 weekly through Dec. 20 at 10:00 a.m.

The Twelve Links of Dependent Arising describe how we take rebirth, die and get reborn in cyclic existence. No beings or phenomenon exist independantly of other beings and phenomenon. The Twelve Links show us how dependent arising works. Each link is both a cause for the next and a result of the prior link in the cycle of samsaric existence.

The Four Noble Truths & Two Truths by Geshe Norbu
Sat, Nov. 8 weekly through Nov. 22 at 10:00 a.m.

The first discourse given by Buddha Shakyamuni after attaining enlightenment was the Four Noble Truths. The truth of suffering, the truth of its origins, the truth of its cessation and the truth of the path leading to its cessation lay the foundation for the path to Buddhahood. Truth exists in two forms, conventionally appearing and the ultimate nature which is empty of inherent existence. Our attachment to an inherently existing self keeps us mired in suffering.The Four Noble Truths teach us that release from the cycle of samsara is possible.

The Four Immeasurables by Geshe Norbu
Sat, Nov. 1 at 10:00 a.m.

The Four Immeasurables are love, compassion, joy and equanimity. Through practicing the Four Immeasurables one can eventually eliminate ill will, cruelty, jealousy and desire.

Teaching & Meditation on Karma by Geshe Norbu
Sat, Oct 11 weekly through Oct 25 at 10:00 a.m. Teaching on Karma
Tue, Oct 14 weekly through Oct 28 at 7:00 p.m. Meditation on Karma

Karma simply means action, it is the relationship between our actions and their consequences in past, present and future lifetimes. This class covers the definition and the nature of karma; including the causal effect of our actions and the imprints and tendencies created in the mind by such actions.

This practice develops the unwavering mind to give up worldly concern for this life and dedicate ones life to practice the Dharma.

Cittamani Tara is a Highest Yoga Tantra and belonging to the mother tantra class.

Amitabha (infinite light) is enlighted speech of all the Buddhas and the principal buddha of Sukhavati, the Pure Land of the West. This is an action tantra, so please, no black foods (meat, eggs, onions, garlic or alcohol) on the days of the empowerment. This jenang may be taken as a blessing.

Amitabha Powa is the profound practice of the transfer of consciousness to gain rebirth in the Pure Land of Sukhavati.

Mahakala is a Dharmapala or protector of the Dharma and a wrathful emanation of Avalokiteshvara This form of Mahakala is black, one face and six arms.

This is an action tantra, so please, no black foods (meat, eggs, onions, garlic or alcohol) on the days of the empowerment. This may be taken as a blessing, those taking it as a blessing may attend both days. While there is no specific daily commitment for mantra recitation, Rinpoche suggests that the mantra be recited as many times as possible.

Buddhist meditation encompasses a variety of meditation techniques that develop mindfullness, concentration, tranquility and insight to explore the potential of Buddhahood. It is not obvious because it is covered up by the various thoughts and defilements which are blocking the Buddha-nature. Through meditation one can bring the state of suffering into the state of everlasting happiness; by applying antidotes to destructive emotions and using wisdom to cool down negative emotions such as anger.