Descriptions of Center's Current Meditations and Ceremonies

Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), Buddha of Compassion, Meditation Practice:
Lama Karma teaches basics of meditation posture, prostrations, refuge prayer, mandala offering, and setting up a shrine/meditation space. The meditation practice of Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion) is taught and practiced, using  short sadhana practice that was written by HH Ngawang Tenzin Rinpoche of the Drukpa Kagyu Lineage in Bhutan. Chenrezig is renowned as the embodiment of the compassion of all the Buddhas, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Some of the most respected meditation masters (lamas), like the Dalai Lamas and Karmapas, who are considered living Buddhas, are also believed to be emanations of Chenrezig. Whenever we are compassionate, or feel love for anyone, or for an animal or some part of the natural world, we experience a taste of our own natural connection with Chenrezig. Although we may not be as consistently compassionate as some of the great meditation masters, Tibetan Buddhists believe that we all share, in our basic nature, unconditional compassion and wisdom that is no different from what we see in Chenrezig and in these lamas. By learning about the nature of compassion, and learning about Chenrezig, and repeating his mantra Om Mani Padme Hum and visualizing ourselves as Chenrezig, we actually can become aware of increasing compassion in our lives, and ultimately awaken as completely wise and compassionate buddhas.

A CD in Tibetan and English is available to recite the refuge prayer, mandala offering, Guru Rinpoche Seven Line Prayer, Dedication of Merit and the Chenrezig meditation practice.

Green Tara Meditation Practice:
Prostrations, mandala offering and hand mudras are taught with this meditation practice.  This meditation practice is more advanced/longer than the Chenrezig practice, and practitioners with meditation experience will find it easier to complete this practice than those who have not had Buddhist meditation practice, still, it is open to all. The practice includes the 21 Tara prayer.  The Taras are said to help protect us from the 8 dangers, also metaphors for obscurations of the mind:

1) lions ( pride)

2) wild elephants (delusions)

3) fires (hatred)

4) snakes ( envy)

5) robbers ( fanatical views)

6) prisons ( avarice)
7) floods (lust)
8) demons (doubt)

The practice of Green Tara helps to overcome fear and anxiety, and also develops the qualities of love, compassion, wisdom and protection on the path of enlightenment.

A CD is available in Tibetan to follow with the meditation practice. 

Kurukulle Meditation Practice:

Just as Tara in her usual green form may be called upon by Buddhists to protect them from various dangers and threats, in particular the eight great terrors and the sixteen fears, so in her red form as Kurukulle, she is invoked for the controlling activities of subjugating, magnetizing, and attracting, in order to benefit all others, and to bring under her power those evil spirits, demons, and humans who work against the welfare of humanity and its spiritual evolution. In Tibet, Kurukulle was also called upon when commencing the building of a new monastery, when undertaking a new business or enterprise, and other such activities, because she can subdue and subjugate the demonic and the human forces that stand in one’s way of benefiting self and all others.

The Kurukulle practice is open to those that have recieved the proper empowerments/transmissions.

Mahakala Practice:

Mahakala is a fierce protector of the Dharma. Mahakala and all the Protectors of the Dharma are supplicated to protect all beings from serious negativities, especially those accumulated from aggression. Through the practice we pray that Mahakala's enlightened protection may pervade everywhere. We pray that while in the circle of samsara all beings without exception may experience long life, health, and happiness and that they may attain perfect awakening. Thus, this ritual is performed to destroy conflicting emotions and obstacles, for the benefit of every single living being.

Mahakala practice is open to those that have recieved the proper transmissions/teachings from Lama Karma.

Cermonies/Pujas:

Lama Karma does perform prayer pujas and other ceremonies at times in the  Center.  Please contact us for details.