Last updated: August 26, 2009

© The Jefferson Tibetan Society

jts@jts.avenue.org

Schedule

                                          Discovering Buddhism Series

Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; meets at JTS temple, 5 min. from U.Va. 
Our next meetings scheduled:

Saturday, November 21st,
Topic: "The Power of Meditation"

Saturday, November 14th,
Topic:  "How to develop Bodhicitta"

Saturday, October 31st, 
Topic: Understanding Taking Refuge in the 3 Jewels 

Saturday, October 24th,
Topic: Transforming Problems

Saturday, October 17th,
Topic: Samsara and Nirvana - Understanding Suffering & Developing Lasting Happiness

Saturday, October 10th,
Topic: Meditation & General Discussion

Saturday, October 3rd,
Topic: "Impermanence, Death & Rebirth and Shamatha Meditation" 

Saturday, September 26th, 
Topic: "Overview of the Buddhist Path- Practice & Goals" 

Saturday, September 19th, 
Topic: "Karma & Our Spiritual Practice"

        Each week includes a 25 min. videotape from the FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana tradition), shamatha meditation, brief prayers, discussion & question/answer time.

       The Saturday series is led by Sandy Newhouse, Ph.D., one of Geshe Jampel Thardo's most senior students, who has studied and practiced Buddhism for the last 30 years.  She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Virginia and is a clinical psychologist.

        $10 suggested donation/session.  If you're able to attend, e-mail us for  directions at  Jts108Va@aol.com or call (434) 980-1752.  

Recent Darma Events

Special Prayer Ceremony: Anniversary commemoration of 
Venerable Geshe Jampel Thardo's passing.  
 Sunday, September 20th, 7:00 p.m.
The puja for Geshe-la will be proceeded by a 6:00 p.m. potluck. It is traditional to bring flowers, candles and donations as offerings to the puja. All are welcome to attend. Please email  Jts108Va@aol.com for any questions.

Previous Study Groups

               Buddhist Study Group
               Taught by Ven. Geshe Jampel Thardo

• Last Wednesday evening topic was the classic text on Nagarjuna's Letter to a Friend.
• The text is a poetic rendition of 123 verses which covers the entire Mahayana (the Great Vehicle) path.  It is known for its unusual clarity & memorable imagery; this text is frequently quoted in written and oral commentaries on other Tibetan texts.
• Nagarjuna is generally considered to be one of the most important historic figures of Mahayana Buddhism
• Excellent translation was provided by Jann Ronis, Ph.D.
  candidate in Buddhist Studies, University of Virginia. This was of great benefit in allowing for Geshe-la's profound knowledge of this topic to be presented, as well as participants' questions to be fully answered.