Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I meditate?
Meditation can help us to calm our minds and to develop and improve our concentration. The most profound purpose of meditation, however, is to acquaint and familiarize our minds with positive states and realizations and to eliminate negative ones. In this way, we gradually achieve minds free from the causes of unhappiness and suffering.
Do I have to be a Buddhist to benefit from meditation?
Anyone can learn basic meditation and experience the benefits. Buddhism is a non-evangelizing religion. Buddhists respect all people and are happy to help anyone regardless of whether they subscribe to another faith, or to none.
What should I expect at a class?
General Program classes are ideal for newcomers seeking a basic introduction to Buddhist view and Buddhist meditation as well as experienced meditators with busy schedules. Our meditation classes are designed to give a broad introduction to Buddhist meditation, ideas, and practice. A typical class consists of a guided meditation to reduce stress, tension, and distractions, followed by a short talk on how to apply Buddhist principles in one's daily life. Time is allowed for questions and answers, followed by a final meditation.
Topics vary from month to month. These classes are open to everyone, and suitable for "drop-in" attendance, but one can follow a whole series to gain some understanding of Buddhist practice. Please come whenever you like!
Can I attend the classes if I've never meditated before and am a complete beginner?
The classes are introductory and suitable for beginners. All you need is the wish to improve yourself and the quality of your life. People with more experience with meditation can also take the classes and receive great benefit.
What do I need to bring to class?
If you wish to take notes, please bring a pen and notepad.
How should I dress for class?
Dress comfortably.
Do I have to wait for the next series of classes to begin?
Since each class is self-contained, you may attend a single class or the whole series.
Is it better to attend the whole series of classes, or is it okay if I just go to a few of the classes?
Attending the entire series of classes is highly beneficial because each class builds on the next. However, each class is taught in such a way that if you only attend one class, you will derive great meaning from it. Any amount of meditation you do will help, so don't worry if you can't attend the whole series.
Why is there a cost for classes?
Charging for General Program classes and daycourses helps us to support the Center and its branches. As a nonprofit organization, fees collected from classes are our only source of income. Arrangements are available for students, senior citizens, and those with low income.
What if I don't have money and I want to go to a class?
Everyone can participate in the classes regardless of ability to pay. To show respect and appreciation for the teachings, we recommend that everyone try to make a small donation, even if it's just $1.00. It is said that this creates the cause for you to receive many Buddhist teachings in the future and to reap a rich harvest of benefits.
How do I pay for the classes?
Before class beings, please go to the sign-in desk to pay using cash or check. Please make checks payable to Vajrayogini Buddhist Center.
Do I need to pre-register for the General Program classes?
Walk-ins are welcome at the General Program classes. No pre-registration is required.
What is the difference between General Program classes, daycourses and Foundation Program classes?
General Program classes and daycourses contain teachings for everyone about various aspects of Buddhism. For the more committed student, we offer the Foundation Program (FP) and an even more advanced class, the Teacher Training Program (TTP). We also offer classes for those with Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments.
Do I need to pre-register for daycourses and empowerments?
It is helpful to the event coordinators if you pre-register. However, you can still attend these events, even without pre-registration if seats are available.
What relevance does Buddhism have to the U.S. now and to my life?
Although Buddhism first appeared in India over two and a half thousand years ago, it has a timeless and universal relevance. In a nutshell, Buddha explained that all our problems arise from confused and negative states of mind. He taught methods for ridding the mind of these destructive states and thereby realizing true happiness and fulfillment. These methods work for any mind, in any country, in any age.
Who do Buddhists worship and why?
Buddhists regard all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas as perfect guides and role models, and as such naturally develop faith in them and rely upon them as Spiritual Guides.
As a meditator approaches (and eventually attains) enlightenment, he or she develops extraordinary mental powers. These include the ability to bless receptive minds with powerful transforming energy that greatly accelerates the process of mental development. For this reason, Buddhists try through meditation, prayer, and various ritual practices to communicate with enlightened beings and receive their transforming blessings.
Is the New Kadampa Tradition part of Tibetan Buddhism?
No, the New Kadampa Tradition is a global Buddhism. Just as the Tibetans faithfully adapted the practices taught to them by the great Indian masters and adapted it to their own culture, so Geshe Kelsang encourages people from all ethnic backgrounds to adapt the wisdom and compassion teachings of Buddha and put them into practice in a way that suits their particular culture.