http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/ New Kadampa - Clear Light Buddhist Center en jamesl@zipcon.net Copyright 2010 2010-01-30T05:13:00-05:00 http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/everyone-is-welcome/ http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/everyone-is-welcome/#When:08:00:00Z Introductory Retreats and Workshops Urban Retreat: Clarity of Mind Saturday, February 20th, 10am – 3pm Introductory Workshop: How to Meditate Saturday, March 27th, 9:30am – 3:30pm Healing Meditations – The Practice of Taking & Giving Saturday, April 24th, 9:30am – 12:30pm Introductory Workshop: Understanding Karma Saturday, May 15th, 9:30am – 12:30pm Introductory Workshop: Understanding Reality Saturday, June 19th, 9:30am – 12:30pm Photos: Oracle Mountain Retreat, January 8-10 The first annual January retreat in Oracle, AZ provided Dharma practitioners with perfect conditions to concentrate more fully on the practice of Mahamudra. View photos here: Oracle Mountain Retreat Clear Light Buddhist Center Clear Light Buddhist Center is located at 614 E Townley Ave in Phoenix near Dunlap and 7th Street. Open to everyone, the Center offers meditation classes, a variety of introductory and in-depth courses, chanted prayers and retreats.  Classes take place in our beautiful meditation room and are suitable for all individuals whatever their level of interest, from those who seek simple relaxation to those who wish to find lasting inner peace and contentment through following the Buddhist path. Everyone is Welcome You are welcome to visit the Center - spend time in our inspiring meditation room, browse in our bookstore or speak with other practitioners from our community. Clear Light Buddhist Center was founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in 2001 and is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (KMC-IKBU) a global network of over one thousand Centers and groups around the world. Classes in Buddhism and meditation are also offered in Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, North Scottsdale, Prescott, and Scottsdale. Learn to Meditate Normally we seek happiness outside ourselves. We try to obtain better material conditions, a better job, higher social status and so forth. But no matter how successful we are in improving our external situation, we still experience many problems and much dissatisfaction. We never experience pure, lasting happiness. This shows us that we should not seek happiness outside ourself but instead establish it within by purifying and controlling our mind through sincere spiritual practice. If we train in this way we can ensure that our mind remains calm and happy all the time. Then, no matter how difficult our external circumstances may be, we will always be happy and peaceful. The blessing empowerment of Manjushri and teachings on Seeing Beyond Our Problems, with Deputy Spiritual Director Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong. Make a tax-deductible donation to Clear Light Buddhist Center Main Menu pages 2007-10-30T08:00:00-05:00 http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/clear-light-center-calendar/ http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/clear-light-center-calendar/#When:21:34:00Z **Starred events have prerequisites for attendance Main Menu pages 2007-06-01T21:34:00-05:00 http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/how-to-meditate/ http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/how-to-meditate/#When:01:43:00Z The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful, we will be free from worries and mental discomfort, and so we will experience true happiness; but if our mind is not peaceful, we will find it very difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions. If we train in meditation, our mind will gradually become more and more peaceful, and we will experience a purer and purer form of happiness. Eventually, we will be able to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances. Usually we find it difficult to control our mind. It seems as if our mind is like a balloon in the wind – blown here and there by external circumstances. If things go well, our mind is happy, but if they go badly, it immediately becomes unhappy. For example, if we get what we want, such as a new possession or a new partner, we become excited and cling to them tightly. However, since we cannot have everything we want, and since we will inevitably be separated from the friends and possessions we currently enjoy, this mental stickiness, or attachment, serves only to cause us pain. On the other hand, if we do not get what we want, or if we lose something that we like, we become despondent or irritated. For example, if we are forced to work with a colleague whom we dislike, we will probably become irritated and feel aggrieved, with the result that we will be unable to work with him or her efficiently and our time at work will become stressful and unrewarding. Such fluctuations of mood arise because we are too closely involved in the external situation. We are like a child making a sand castle who is excited when it is first made, but who becomes upset when it is destroyed by the incoming tide. By training in meditation, we create an inner space and clarity that enables us to control our mind regardless of the external circumstances. Gradually we develop mental equilibrium, a balanced mind that is happy all the time, rather than an unbalanced mind that oscillates between the extremes of excitement and despondency. If we train in meditation systematically, eventually we will be able to eradicate from our mind the delusions that are the causes of all our problems and suffering. In this way, we will come to experience a permanent inner peace, known as “liberation” or “nirvana”. Then, day and night in life after life, we will experience only peace and happiness. To read more on this subject, see The New Meditation Handbook, Transform Your Life, and Eight Steps to Happiness. Meditation, Helpful Links 2007-05-02T01:43:00-05:00 http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/urban-retreat-clarity-of-mind/ http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/urban-retreat-clarity-of-mind/#When:05:13:00Z Derived from the Buddhist Mahamudra tradition, these meditations lead you on a voyage of exploration of your mind through which you can discover your own inner potential for lasting peace and happiness. In recent years our understanding and control of the external world has increased considerably and as a result we have witnessed remarkable material progress; but there has not been a corresponding increase in human happiness. There is no less suffering in the world today, and there are no fewer problems. This shows the cause of happiness and the solution to our problems do not lie in knowledge or control of the external world. Happiness and suffering are states of mind, and so their main causes cannot be found out side the mind. Therefore, if we want to experience true, lasting happiness, we need to learn the secret of inner peace by meditating on the mind. Sessions will include teachings as well as guided meditations from the CD ‘Meditations for a Clear Mind.’ Registration: $35, Please register in advance. Cost includes vegetarian lunch. Upcoming Events 2010-01-30T05:13:00-05:00 http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/dharma-for-kids/ http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/dharma-for-kids/#When:04:32:01Z Buddhist Meditation Classes for Children Monthly in 2010:  Feb 6th, March 6th, April 10th, May 8th, June 12th All parents wish for their children to be happy. In an uncertain and busy world, children and parents need a place to go together to learn how to develop harmony, confidence and methods to help calm our minds and strengthen our families. These classes offer simple introduction to Buddha’s teachings, emphasizing kindness, respect for others and keeping a happy heart.  Classes include brief prayers, teaching, meditation, and an art project. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Everyone welcome – no pre-registration required.   Donation $1 per child. Location: Clear Light Buddhist Center Upcoming Events 2010-01-06T04:32:01-05:00 http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/festivals-and-celebrations/ http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/festivals-and-celebrations/#When:16:23:02Z International Festivals Spring Festival 2009 Summer Festival 2009 National Festivals Kadamp National Festivals Regional Festivals and Celebrations Coming soon! Festivals & Celebrations 2009-03-14T16:23:02-05:00 http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/clases-de-espanol/ http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/clases-de-espanol/#When:02:26:01Z Clases de Meditacion Sabado de 11:30 a 12:30 horas 6 de Febrero, 6 de Marzo, 10 de Abril, 8 de Mayo, 12 de Junio con Kadam Michelle $5 cada clase (ninos 0-13 pueden venir gratis) El Programa General El Programa General consiste en clases mensuales diseñadas para todo público, sin importar si has meditado con anterioridad o no, y sin ningún compromiso de tu parte fuera de llegar puntualmente y disfrutar la clase. Cada clase dura aproximadamente una hora. Ofrece una introducción básica a la visión, meditación y prácticas budistas, y es ideal para todos. Incluye una relajación inicial, una enseñanza práctica y relevante a la vida diaria y una meditación guiada. Te puedes integrar en cualquier momento. Se pide un donativo de $5 por clase. El Budismo Nuevo Kadampa Hemos sido testigo del paso cada día más acelerado en que estamos viviendo en la isla. Buscando mejorar económicamente y disfrutar de nuestros logros, nos ha traído más tensión y dificultades en nuestras relaciones. La meditación es un método profundo y a la vez simple para contrarrestar las tensiones de nuestro diario vivir mejorando así la calidad de nuestras vidas. Siguiendo instrucciones bien simples y prácticas podemos liberarnos de las causas de nuestro dolor e insatisfacción y de esta forma conseguir la claridad y paz interna que buscamos. La paz interna está más cerca de lo que te imaginas. Solamente creando la paz en nuestras mentes y corazones y ayudando a los demás a hacer lo mismo podemos aspirar a conseguir la paz mundial. El poder de la meditación La meditación te puede ayudar de muchas formas: Experimentando una calma interna y relajación de tu cuerpo y mente Reduciendo el estrés y la ansiedad, mejorando así nuestra salud en general Resolviendo los retos y problemas del diario vivir en una forma positiva Siendo sabias cuando las relaciones entran en crisis Consiguiendo nuestra propia paz interna para ayudar a los demás a descubrir la suya propia Un gran maestro que viene a Occidente Geshe Kelsang Gyatso nació en Tibet en 1931. Fue ordenado monje budista a la edad de ocho años. Estudió y practicó budismo bajo la guía de maestros budistas cualificados, y en particular de Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, su Maestro Raíz. Después de abandonar el Tibet en 1959, principalmente pasó los dieciocho años siguientes en retiros de meditación en diferentes lugares de la región del Himalaya, al norte de la India. En 1977 aceptó una invitación del Centro Budista Manjushri en Ulverston, Inglaterra, para fijar su residencia allí como Maestro Residente, y en 1982 se convirtió en ciudadano británico. Desde su llegada al Reino Unido en 1977, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso ha trabajado continuamente a fin de establecer el Buddhadharma puro de Je Tsongkhapa en Occidente. Ha dado extensas enseñanzas sobre los caminos del Sutra y del Tantra, y ha publicado numerosos libros aclamados por la crítica por su inigualable claridad y profundidad. Ha fundado Centros de Dharma en Europa, América y Asia, y ha diseñado los tres Programas de Estudio—el Programa General, el Programa Fundamental y el Programa de Preparación de Maestros—que constituyen la esencia de la Nueva Tradición Kadampa. Enseña cómo desarrollarnos personalmente de una manera amena y muy práctica Desde el principio Gueshe Kelsang enfatizó la importancia de asimilar la sabiduría y la compasión de Buda en el modo de vida occidental sin tener que hacer cambios radicales en nuestro estilo de vida, o tener que aprender un nuevo idioma, cultura o costumbres. El enseña de una manera amena y muy práctica cómo desarrollarnos personalmente, lo que nos permite encontrar la paz y felicidad interior. El nos muestra cómo, a través de la meditación y otras prácticas, podemos mejorarnos a nosotros mismos como personas y con ello el mundo en que vivimos. Poniendo en práctica las enseñazas superamos nuestro odio, ansiedad, celos y otras emociones negativas, así como desarrollamos cualidades positivas de amor, compasión, sabiduría y afecto. Estas enseñanzas son como lluvia refrescante en un desierto ardiente y seco, en unos tiempos en que muchos de nosotros buscamos un descanso del estrés y las tensiones de la vida moderna. Clear Light Buddhist Center 614 E. Townley, Phoenix, AZ (602) 243-5220 Todos están bienvenidos. Meditation Classes 2009-01-24T02:26:01-05:00 http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/scottsdale/ http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/scottsdale/#When:09:33:01Z Meditation Classes with Kadam Michelle Gauthier Wednesdays, 6:30pm January 13th, 20th, 27th, Feb 3rd Rima Fine Art 7130-34 E. Main St. ‘By familiarizing our mind with the patience of voluntarily accepting suffering, our problems and troubles will eventually disappear. Everything depends upon familiarity; once we are familiar with something, we can accomplish it without any difficulty. If we do not learn to accept the comparatively small harms we experience in daily life, we shall have to face far greater suffering in the future...Eventually we shall be able to accept with a calm and happy mind all the sufferings of human life...in this way, we shall be able to live without fear, knowing there is nothing that could happen to us that we cannot accept and transform into the spiritual path.’ -Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, How to Solve Our Human Problem Rima Fine Art 7130-34 E. Main St.  Scottsdale , AZ West of Scottsdale Road, between Marshall & Goldwater View Larger Map Classes in your area 2008-12-26T09:33:01-05:00 http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/death-dying-a-buddhist-perspective/ http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/death-dying-a-buddhist-perspective/#When:02:36:00Z Death & Dying: A Buddhist Perspective Although one of the few certainties of life is death, we often do not like to think about our death or the death of others. Visit Death-and-Dying.org for more information on the Buddhist view of death and dying. This informative link describes death, its causes and minds, including the intermediate state and rebirth. Through increasing our understanding of what happens when we die and engaging in special meditations, we can train to meet our death with confidence and joy. Buddha’s teachings on death and dying give us special advice on how to live a meaningful life, how to prepare for our death throughout our life, how to help others who are dying and how to die joyfully. This is essential and practical advice for everyone. Helpful Links 2008-12-26T02:36:00-05:00 http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/prescott/ http://www.meditationinarizona.org/en/prescott/#When:09:29:01Z With Jack Lancaster Once a month, Saturdays, 10am January 16th: Understanding the Mind February 20th: Overcoming Distractions March 20th, April 17th, May 15th, June 19th Everyone is welcome. Registration: $10 Contact Information: 602-243-5220 info@meditationinarizona.org http://www.MeditationInArizona.org “If we train in meditation, our mind will gradually become more and more peaceful, and we shall experience a purer and purer form of happiness.” Location: Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation View Larger Map $10/class, no pre-registration required Everyone is welcome Classes in your area 2008-12-25T09:29:01-05:00