Meditation, Practice & Instruction
Rigpe Dorje Centre welcomes people of all ages and all levels from beginners to advanced practitioners to participate in group sessions guided by resident Lamas. Individual instruction is also available upon request.
The regular schedule consists of a rotation of practices: Chenrezik (Compassion), Medicine Buddha (Well-being) and Calling The Lama From Afar (Devotion) . On Saturdays, Green Tara (Protection) meditation is chanted and on Sundays there is Shamata (calm abiding) sitting and walking meditation.
All chanting practices are done in Tibetan with English and French translations included in the texts.
The goal of meditation is to awaken to the true nature of our mind, beyond ignorance and confusion. It is in this way that liberation from suffering can ultimately be attained bringing us to an open and joyful heart rather than being stuck in attachment and aversion. Meditation also leads to greater focus, stress/anxiety relief and mindfulness.
Shamata - practice of calm abiding
Through this meditation comes mindfulness free from disturbing thoughts and emotions as well as the potential for insight into the true nature of the mind. Positive attitudes, reactions and habitual patterns are strengthened, thus nurturing our meditation practices as well as our daily lives.
Chenrezik - practice of compassion
This practice makes it possible to touch one's own enlightened heart of compassion, loving kindness and altruistic attitude. Inner qualities are discovered that lead to the realization of ultimate reality, peace of mind and eventual freedom from confusion and negativity.
Green Tara - practice for protection
Through the practice of Green Tara, one seeks worldly and spiritual protection so that aspirations and goals can be more easily fulfilled without obstacles. The aim is to achieve freedom from obstacles such as the sixteen kinds of fear, as well as to prevent natural disasters. The root of suffering can be overcome as we strive to eliminate the ignorance and confusion that rule our lives.
Medicine Buddha - practice for health
The benefit of this practice is increased physical and mental well-being as well as spiritual stability. It also creates the potential to develop positive qualities and to cut through the negative sources of suffering such as attachment, anger and ignorance.
Calling the Lama From Afar - practice of devotion
It is through our faith and devotion that the clarity and wisdom of the Lama’s mind become one with ours. In this way, the Lama’s blessings serve as inspiration and guide to cut through our confusion and to follow the path towards liberation from suffering.