Geshela visiting a Kagyu Monastery near Toronto Canada.

The Path to Joyful Wisdom Study Group

Shakyamuni Tibetan Buddhist Center hosts a study group on Essence of Refined Gold (2nd revised edition) by the Third Dalai Lama, translated by Glenn H. Mullin and Songs of Experience by Je Tsong Khapa, translated by Geshe Thupten Jinpa. Students read aloud from the text, ask questions, discuss, and meditate together. 

Weekly online meetings
Wednesdays
6:00-7:00pm

Contact Cat Wilson (catmwilson@comcast.net) for more information.

Shakyamuni Tibetan Buddhist Center Tonglen Group

Join a dedicated group of practitioners to perform the practice of tonglen, also known as giving and receiving meditation. Develop equanimity, compassion, and wisdom in yourself and effect healing in others.

Online meetings
2nd and 4th Mondays of the month
6:00-8:00pm

Contact Linda Marshall (linda360@me.com) for more information.

Shakyamuni Tibetan Buddhist Center

Notice: Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities, all STBC public meetings, classes, and events will be cancelled until further notice. 

Please refer to the Shakyamuni Tibetan Buddhist Center Groups page for information on groups that are now meeting online.

Message from our teacher, the Most Venerable Geshe Kalsang Damdul

Dear STBC Students, Friends and Well-Wishers,

As we are well aware, we are all going through an unprecedented situation which is unfolding in our world. The Covid-19 pandemic is impacting each of us as individuals, as well as challenging our world community as a whole.

I want to convey my deep concern and let you know that I am offering prayers for the well-being of each of you, and of your family and friends.

Likewise, I want to share that we should all have the same concern for our human family members, and send our prayers out for the well-being of all.  

This virus doesn’t discriminate based on race, nationality, ethnicity, political affiliation, socio-economic status or any other difference. No matter how powerful any single person or nation may be, they cannot defeat this invisible assault on their own. It is only through the recognition of our interdependence and common humanity that we can stand together in this time of overwhelming uncertainty.

This kind of adversity has the potential to promote a profound acknowledgement of our interconnectedness and reminds us of the value of cooperation and how it can lead to solutions to the most difficult of problems. 

It is also inspiring to see countless numbers of people from doctors to nurses, caregivers to emergency people and thousands of common people doing everything they can to mitigate the sufferings of the victims everywhere in the world. This clearly indicates that human beings are basically good in the core of the heart.

 It is only natural to feel anxious and insecure when faced with so much uncertainty, but I encourage you to call on your dharma practice and particularly on the tonglen practice as much as possible.

We cannot fall into despair or hopelessness over the things we cannot control or do anything about, but we can do our best to see what is possible. Steps like small acts of kindness, or reaching out to someone to express our gratitude, showing concern and love — especially when we’ve been out of touch— will not only support them, but it will increase our own sense of connection and well-being. 

 If there is any one who needs special prayers to be done for yourself or another at this very difficult time, please kindly inform our STBC Prayer Group. We will make sure your prayer request is performed by the members of our community.

Once again, I would like to offer my sincere wishes for the well-being and safety of you and your loved ones, and for the protection and welfare of all sentient beings.

 Much love from Geshe la