1) Discover the Wheel of Life  Day Course
2) Blessing Empowerment of Buddha Vajrasattva and Teachings with Kadam Nick and Kadam Lucy at Ellenton, Florida
3) Foundation Program ~ a good time to join us!
4) Parbawatiya Expansion Project
5) Sunday Morning Meditation & Kids' Meditation Classes
6) March: The New Meditation Handbook
7) Learn to Meditate
8) Monthly Calendars
9) Become a Parbawatiya Center Sponsor!

A Meditation Day Course at Parbawatiya Buddhist Center
With Resident Teacher Kadam Lucy James
Sunday, March 16 at 9:30am - 2:00pm

On Sunday March 16th, Kadam Lucy will be leading a day workshop on one of the most inspiring drawings ever made - the Wheel of Life - a picture Buddha drew that encapsulates all his teachings in a single image. The image reveals all our different problems, where they really come from and how we can solve them. As Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso writes in Joyful Path of Good Fortune: "Even if we contemplate deeply the most sublime paintings and works of art we cannot gain benefits that compare with the benefits of contemplating and meditating on the Wheel of Life because this diagram reveals the complete path to liberation and full enlightenment."

Everyone is welcome. No previous experience is necessary.

Please call (727) 797-9770 to pre-register, or email parbawatiya@meditationinflorida.org

Cost: $35 ($20 students/limited income) and includes a delicious vegetarian lunch! Center Sponsors receive a $25 discount off the regular course price.

Friday, March 28th - Sunday, March 30th

The blissful meditation practice of Buddha Vajrasattva is an extremely powerful, quick method for cleansing our impure mind and actions, making us light and happy. During this special empowerment weekend we will draw close to Vajrasattva and receive powerful wisdom blessings, as well as receive clear and inspiring instructions on purification practice.

Why do we need to purify? We always want to be free from suffering - even in our dreams we try to be free from problems, fear and danger - but unless we purify, this wish can never be fulfilled. Buddha taught that all the problems we have experienced in the past, are experiencing now, and will experience in the future come from our own negative intentions and actions. It does not matter what we do externally to try to avoid suffering - if the cause of suffering remains in our mind, suffering is what we will experience. Therefore we can see that there is nothing more important than to purify our mind as quickly as we can.

Fortunately, Vajrasattva practice, taught by Buddha, is one of the most powerful purification practices that exists. Through this practice you will feel rejuvenated, re-energized and cleansed.

Registration is now open online for this event!

Visit the Vajrasattva Empowerment Weekend site for more information.

Foundation Program with Kadam Lucy James is starting Part Two of Universal Compassion ~ a great time to come along and check it out!
Fridays, 7:00pm-9:00pm

This is a perfect time to consider joining FP, as we are embarking on the study and practice of Part Two of Universal Compassion. This part of the book gives a practical and uplifting explanation of how we can transform everything – including even the most difficult and demanding situations – into opportunities for personal and spiritual development. It also includes Buddha’s wise and applicable advice for following the Bodhisattva’s way of life every day of our lives by practicing the precepts and commitments of training the mind. In these ways, we can experience a life of great meaning and happiness for ourself and others. Many thousands of people worldwide have gained incredible benefits from this Program and from this book. You can audit the program for three classes before deciding whether or not to enroll.

We are delighted to say that Phase One of our Expansion Project is now successfully completed, and we have the most beautiful and inspiring large new meditation room. This gives us perfect conditions for meditation, teachings and practice. This building is the "first-ever green building in Safety Harbor" and has attracted a lot of local interest. Please check out this page for up to date pictures and links to various articles in the press. And please come and see it soon! Phase Two of our Expansion Project, converting the existing house, will commence in February.

While adults enjoy Sunday morning Meditation & Prayers for World Peace with our Resident Teacher Kadam Lucy James, kids explore a similar spiritual theme in the kids' class.

In the adults' classes, from January to March 2008 we will be learning to meditate on Eight Verses of Training the Mind -- cultivating our potential for love, compassion, patience, and wisdom. Everyone is welcome to attend these inspiring teachings and meditations. They are accompanied by short prayers dedicated to world peace.

In the kids' classes, we share a short meditation, a prayer reading, a brief teaching and an art activity. Classes are for children of any age. The spiritual themes emphasize kindness to others and how to develop inner peace and a happy heart. The kids classes are taught by Dr Anika Trancik who also works as a doctor in child clinical psychology.

Please pre-register by phone at (727) 797-9770 or email parbawatiya@meditationinflorida.org.

Tuesdays 8:00-9:00pm with Buddhist monk Kelsang Sanden
At Parbawatiya Center, Safety Harbor

Repeated every four weeks, these short meditation classes explain the basics of meditation and include a relaxing guided breathing meditation. If we establish a simple meditation practice, we will enjoy many immediate and lasting benefits. We can:
- reduce our stress
- improve our health and well-being
- have a clearer mind and better concentration
- naturally develop warmth and friendliness towards others

Class cost: $9 ($5 students/limited income) (Free to Center Sponsors)

 

We are a non-profit organization and rely upon your tax-deductible contributions for all our operating expenses.  Please consider becoming a sponsor of Parbawatiya Center by making a monthly commitment of $60 or more. All regular classes are free to Center Sponsors, and it is a wonderful way to insure that classes continue to help us, and our friends find greater inner peace. Center Sponsors also receive discounts on special events. Please email us at parbawatiya@meditationinflorida.org

For more information about all center activities throughout Florida visit: http://www.MeditationInFlorida.org
For more information about the New Kadampa Tradition throughout the world visit: http://www.Kadampa.org