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
