Overview
What We Offer
TBLC’s regular programs and special events provide opportunities for all who are interested to study, reflect, and meditate upon core Buddhist topics and to bring Buddhism’s benefits into their lives. Continuing a tradition started by our founder, Geshe Ngawang Wangyal, TBLC classes focus on engaging with core Buddhist treatises held in esteem within Tibetan Buddhist traditions. As geshes, our Resident Monastics are accomplished scholars who bring Buddhist texts to life, giving a foundation in Buddhist philosophy for newcomers and an opportunity for longtime students to deepen their knowledge. They also lead prayer and ritual services for those who wish to develop a Buddhist practice, and, when called upon, attend to the spiritual needs of our members at life’s important junctures. TBLC also hosts Kalmyk and Tibetan cultural education events to promote the continuation of traditional Buddhist religious culture.
First Sundays of the Month
On the first Sunday of every month, TBLC holds a day-long program that includes a morning prayer and meditation session, held within the Temple, followed by an afternoon class in the School House. People are welcome to attend either or both parts of this program and no registration is required.
Morning Prayer and Meditation
Recited together in English, the morning prayers have been translated from a Tibetan non-sectarian liturgy originally arranged for large assemblies of Tibetan monks and nuns when gathering in Bodh Gaya, India – the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment. Those who plan to stay for the 2pm dharma class are welcome to bring their lunch and eat in the TBLC School House.
Afternoon Buddhist Teaching
TBLC’s first Sunday afternoon teaching is available both in person and via livestream. TBLC Resident Monastic Scholars educate on a wide range of Buddhist topics through a traditional format of giving commentary on critical works of Buddhist philosophy. Examples of such texts include: Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland, Aryadeva’s 400 Verses on the Middle Way, and Je Tsongkhapa’s Concise Meaning on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. No prior experience with Buddhism is necessary and TBLC’s Director, Joshua Cutler, provides English translation.
Periodic Learning Intensives
Several times each year, TBLC holds weekend-long seminars designed to explore particular Buddhist philosophical topics and practices in more depth. These learning intensives often bring together visiting American scholars of Buddhism with our resident or visiting Tibetan Monastic Scholars in order to facilitate learning. Through this cross-cultural approach, they offer their unique educational approaches and perspectives, while also collaborating to make Buddhist teachings both accessible and relevant for students.
Two Important Annual Traditions
The Maitreya Festival
As the biggest day of the TBLC annual calendar, the Maitreya Festival includes: a traditional Tibetan prayer and juniper offering, a procession, a taped message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, prayers from the assembled monks, a Maitreya Teaching, and delicious Festival food. This tradition dates back to 1965, when Geshe Wangyal held TBLC’s first Maitreya Festival in commemoration of his spiritual teacher, Lama Ngawang Losang Dorjiev, a religious assistant to the 13th Dalai Lama. Renowned for promulgating the Buddha’s teachings in Kalmykia, Lama Dorjiev likewise had instituted this custom there in 1905. TBLC is proud to maintain this important ritual tradition centered on Maitreya Buddha, the embodiment of loving kindness.
Founder’s Day
A very special event in TBLC’s annual calendar, Founder’s Day was initiated by Geshe Wangyal himself in order to celebrate his arrival to the United States on February 5, 1955 and out of gratitude for his prosperity in this country.
When he passed away on January 30, 1983, this event transformed into a remembrance of his extraordinary life, his exceptional efforts to help Buddhism flourish in America, and his great kindness in founding TBLC. Held within the Temple, Founder’s Day includes a recitation of prayers, followed by sharing stories of Geshe Wangyal’s life.
