Sunday Meditation for All: Shamatha and Vipashyana

“We have the same basic responsibility which underlies everything in our life. This is getting hold of our mind.”
– Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, A Guide to Shamatha and Vipashyana Meditation

When his Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa came to the West, he was asked what practice would be appropriate for Westerners. He said that he felt the most appropriate practice was Mahamudra. 

Inspired by the path of simplicity, Thrangu Rinpoche — who was recognized by the 16th Karmapa, served as abbott of Rumtek Monastery, and whom Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche described as the abbott of the Karma Kagyü lineage — taught Shamatha and Vipashyana meditation to students new to, and already practicing, the Dharma. 

Anyone can Practice Meditation, Anytime

Dharma Ebooks recently published a collection of Thrangu Rinpoche’s teachings, A Guide to Shamatha and Vipashyana, in which Rinpoche explains “that regardless of what our particular responsibilities and work in this life may be, the practice of Mahamudra will be effective in achieving realization.”

Guided by Rinpoche’s teachings and drawing from the instructions of other Karma Kagyü masters, we will study and contemplate the practice of Shamatha and Vipashyana to take hold of our minds. 

Sunday Meditation for All

Meditation can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, and will benefit ourselves and others in the short and the long term. So, whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, familiar with the Dharma or simply curious, you are more than welcome to join us on Sunday for our weekly Meditation for All session. 

Registration

Making an Offering

Making an offering or donation is optional and is not required to register for our Meditation for All: Shamatha and Vipashyana. You can join for free by selecting  “Free Ticket.” If you would like, you can make a donation of any amount to support our Stūpa Project and our weekly meditation session. After selecting a free ticket or making an offering below, the Zoom link and other practical information will be delivered in a confirmation email.

Purpose of Practice

The purpose of all practice, Thrangu Rinpoche says, “is to clear away the negative emotions and thoughts that afflict our mind, thereby allowing our good qualities to develop.” By taking the responsibility of getting hold of our mind through practice, we can develop a state of mental happiness and peace, and be more effective in our actions for the benefit of all beings. 

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday! Online activities like Meditation for All are sometimes also onsite. We will notify all registrants ahead of time. You are welcome beforehand to enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and lunch afterwards. 

Karmapa Khyenno!