What is the Karma Kagyu tradition?
Do you have to be a Buddhist to visit the centre?
Can I get help with my practice?
Can anyone come to the centre?
Do we actively seek conversions to Buddhism?
The name Buddhism comes from the word budhi which means to wake up and thus Buddhism is the philosophy of awakening. This philosophy has its origins in the experience of the man Siddhata Gotama, know as the Buddha, who was himself awakened to the true nature of reality at the age of 36. Buddhism is over 2,500 years old and has about 300 million followers world wide. Until a hundred years ago, Buddhism was mainly an Asian philosophy but increasingly it is gaining adherents throughout the world.
What is the Karma Kagyu tradition? Top
Tibet has four major traditions, Nyingmapa, Kagyupa, Sakyapa and Gelgugpa. They differ in their emphasis on learning through study and practice. The Dalai Lama is head of the Gelugpa tradition, (as well as of the Tibetan people). Our tradition is the Kagyupa (Karma Kagyu) Lineage (known as the Practice Lineage) which was passed to the Indian Saint Tilopa (988-1069) who transmitted the teachings to Naropa (956-1041). From there the lineage passed to Tibet with Marpa the translator (1012-1097), his disciple the yogi Milarepa (1052-1135), to the monk Gampopa (1079-1153) and then to the first Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa(1110-1193). From there to the present day there is an unbroken transmission lineage - from master to disciple - as it is currently being passed from the 12th Tai Situpa (our spiritual head), to the 17th Karmapa, Urgyen Trinley Dorje (b.1985).
Do you have to be a Buddhist to visit the centre? Top
It is not necessary for you to be a Buddhist to visit the centre and to talk to the resident teacher. Our meditation teachings on a Sunday and Tuesday night are open to all and are frequently attended by non Buddhists.
How can I become a Buddhist? Top
Becoming a Buddhist is known as 'Taking Refuge', which means committing yourself to the Buddha, his teachings and the Buddhist community. This is done in a short private ceremony with a qualified teacher during which some traditional lines are repeated three times, a tiny lock of hair is taken, and a Buddhist name given. Some study and thought should be given to the notion of becoming a Buddhist so that you know what you are doing. Lama Rabsang, of course, welcomes enquires and is qualified to perform the ceremony. The whole ceremony takes about an hour. See here for more.
Can I get help with my practice? Top
The centre was established specifically that there are qualified teachers available for individuals in their practice. One to one teachings and retreats, either in groups or solitary, can be arranged. The individual retreats would be guided by the resident teacher and all necessary transmissions can be arranged.
We feel that once the foundations of Buddhism are in place then an individuals development is a very personal thing.
Meditation is an ancient technique for calming the mind that offers some space to put things in perspective, sharpening your concentration and clarity. It isn't brainwashing, daydreaming or dulling the mind.
Ultimately the master of meditation will understand the very nature of the mind and reality itself.
Can anyone come to the centre? Top
Everyone is very welcome to visit. If you wish to organise a visit outside of the group times, simply phone and arrange it with a centre member. Otherwise come along to one of the meditation sessions.
There is no entry fee, or charge for visiting the centre or the teacher.
For courses there is a suggested donation that goes towards the costs, this varies depending on the course but suggestions for donations can be found on the home page. If you feel unable to meet the donation it is not a problem and should not dissuade you from attending a course or teaching.
For special occasions when attending personal teachings and interviews there is a Tibetan tradition of making personal offerings to the teacher with a white scarf (kata), which the centre has if needed.
Do we actively seek conversions to Buddhism? Top
Absolutely not. There are vows against forced or coerced conversions because the Buddha said that unless it comes from the heart first, then there is no true commitment. So we are just here. That's all. If you wish to use what is on offer, you are welcome.