Tibetan Buddhism: the Four Thoughts, part 1

All systems of Dharma include foundational preliminary teachings that provide a solid foundation for correct perception and correct practice. This preliminary teaching—The Four Thoughts That Turn the Mind—is the very foundation of the Buddhist path. But these Four Thoughts are not just for Buddhists. They provide a clear description of the way reality works. All are welcome to join our 90-minute discussion that begins at 8:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 22nd.

Our regular Sunday morning classes explore the richly variegated jewel that is Tibetan Buddhist doctrine, philosophy, and practices. There is plenty of time for open discussion and questions. You are warmly invited to join us.

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Please join our meeting through the internet by using Zoom.

Meeting ID number: 814 3390 5026
Password: pcddc
Please join a few minutes before the scheduled time.

NOTE: Our program plan is to rotate the topic of the tutorial portion of our sessions from week to week, from basic meditation, to philosophy, our book study group, and more. Our intent is to serve our newest members as well as our more senior members. Please let us know how this scheme works for you.

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PCD-DC (Palyul Changchub Dargyeling—D.C. Area) is a Tibetan Buddhist Dharma center affiliated with Palyul Ling International. Every Sunday morning (please check our calendar for occasional irregularities) we offer a class aimed at learning about Tibetan Buddhism. Each class includes instruction on various aspects of the Buddhist practices, or meditation, and discussion of those instructions. Classes are led by senior students of our Palyul spiritual lineage masters. Our teachers include His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche, Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche, and others. All who are interested, including beginners, are welcome; there are no prerequisites. Time for Q&A is available.

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“The Tibetan word 'jin-lab' is loosely translated as ‘blessings.’ Jin-lap transforms our whole being—our body, our speech, the way we think, how we understand phenomena, and the way we relate to ourselves and the world. Ultimately, however, what jin-lap does is to break the shell of our ego and force us to see the true nature of our minds. Among the many other causes and conditions, in the Vajrayana it is the guru who is considered the most important and indeed supreme cause for doing all of the above.” -Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, “Ocean of Blessings” (p. vii)

“If we had pure perception from the beginning, we wouldn’t need to train in it. However, at present our mind is filled with disturbing emotions, our way of perceiving is very obscured, and we lack pure perception. Therefore, we need to train in pure perception.” -His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, “Ocean of Blessing” (pp. 9-11)

May All Beings Benefit!

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