Parbawatiya Center, December Newsletter 2009

December 2009 eNews Contents

• Being Happy for Others Day Course on Dec 12
• Purification Retreat on Dec 13-19
• Branch Class Night on Dec 19
• Family Meditation Class on Dec 19
• Christmas Day Events on Dec 25
• Amitayus Empowerment in Sarasota on Dec 31
• Weekly Classes on Meditation & Buddhism
• Monthly Calendar

Being Happy for Others Day Course

December 12 at 10:00am - 4:30pm

Jealousy is a mind that feels unhappy seeing others’ good qualities or happiness. By practicing rejoicing, we can feel happy and confident in the presence of others, able to delight in their good fortune without hesitation. This pure and practical advice is beneficial for everyone.

This day course taught by Resident Teachcher Kelsang Chokyan will consist of teachings, guided meditations and a delicious vegetarian lunch!

Find more information and register here.

Purification Retreat

A Week Long Retreat with Kelsang Chokyan
December 13 - 19 at Various Times

Vajrasattva is the Buddha of purification. During this retreat we have the opportunity to purify our negativity by engaging in the purification practices of Buddha Vajrasattva. Through this practice we can remove both the causes of our future suffering and obstacles to our spiritual practice.Through purifying our negativity our mind will gradually become happier and happier, our good qualities will increase, and all our mental and physical problems will gradually disappear. Each session consists of chanted prayers and silent meditation and last about 1.5 hours.

Sessions on Monday-Friday are at 7:30am, 10:00am, and 4:00pm 
Wednesday and Friday special sessions at 7:00pm 
Saturday sessions at 8:30am and 11:00am

View our calendar for session times.

Branch Class Night

December 19, 6:00-8:00pm

This special night is an opportunity for all the students at the branch classes to meet together at Parbawatiya Center.

We will gather together and watch The Wheel of Life DVD (watch the trailer). Performed during the NKT International Festival in Paris, November 2008, this play tells the story of the life of King Bimbisara, a friend and contemporary of Buddha Shakyamuni. Presenting the entire path to liberation in a way that makes it come alive and immediate to our experience, the Wheel of Life expresses the essence of Buddha's teachings, inspiring us to engage wholeheartedly in a spiritual life.

"The final result of watching this play is that we will develop and maintain the strong determination to liberate ourself and others permanently from the sufferings of this life and countless future lives-this is its purpose. It is a wonderful play of holy Dharma." —Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Join us at Parbawatiya Kadampa Buddhist Center, 201 6th Ave S, Safety Harbor!

Family Meditation Class

December 19 at 5:00 - 6:00pm

You and your child can learn about Buddhist meditation together. The classes include a short prayer, meditation, teaching, discussion, and a fun art project. This is a great opportunity for you to share in a meaningful activity with your child.

The course is located at Parbawatiya Buddhist Center, 201 6th Ave S, Safety Harbor and costs $10 ($5 students/limited income). Free for Center Sponsors.

Please pre-register by calling the center at (727) 797-9770 
or email us at info@MeditationInTampaBay.org.

Christmas Day Events

Special Prayers for World Peace Class, 11:00am-12:30pm
Giving Happiness to Others
This time of year is known as the season for giving. What is the best gift we can offer to others? We may give presents to others, but will these fulfill their real wish? Deep down, everyone wishes to be happy all the time. By practicing meditation, we can learn how to create the inner wealth of happiness and offer it to everyone, shining a light into their lives. We can brighten our own and other's holiday with the pure mind of giving.

Potluck Lunch, 12:30-1:30pm
Please join us and bring a vegetarian dish for everyone to enjoy!

Christmas Offering to the Spiritual Guide, 3:00-4:30pm
These chanted prayers are a special Guru yoga practice of Je Tsongkhapa's tradition. Please bring a vegetarian food offering. As a special holiday offering, we will light many candles. Arrive early to participate in this special offering.

Amitayus Empowerment in Sarasota

December 31, 7:00pm - 9:00pm 
January 1, 10:00am - 5:00pm

The most precious possession we have is our own human life because it provides us with the chance to enjoy human conditions, to be of benefit to others, and to create the ultimate peace of full enlightenment. If we use our life in this way we will make the most of this rare and precious opportunity. For this reason, we must overcome the obstacles to living a long and meaningful life. If we lose this life we do not know when another similarly qualified human life will come again.

Buddha Amitayus is the enlightened being of long life, merit and wisdom. By engaging in the Yoga of Buddha Amitayus sincerely we can protect and increase our own and others' life span, merit and wisdom. 

On New Year’s Eve we will receive the special blessing empowerment of Buddha Amitayus and New Year’s Day we will receive commentary to the long life practices of Buddha Amitayus and engage in a half day meditation retreat. 

Get more information and pre-register at www.MeditationInSarasota.org.

Weekly Classes on Meditation & Buddhism

Our evening meditation classes are an hour and a half in length and include guided meditations, teaching, and discussion. These classes are open to anyone who wishes to learn more about meditation, the Buddhist way of life, or those who just want a couple of hours of peace and calm! You are welcome to join at any time.

The class series this month is Exchanging Self and Others.

For more information call (727) 797-9770 or email us at info@MeditationInTampaBay.org.

Monthly Calendar

December '09

Meditaiton and Buddhism Classes for Everyone

Intermediate/Advanced Classes and Chanted Prayers

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