Is anyone welcome?

We are an open and diverse space of Buddhists from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on any qualification, experience, race, gender identity, religion, etc. All are welcome!

What can I expect?

We typically begin a session with silent meditation, moving into a dharma talk and guided sadhana, or group practice. This includes chanting, guided meditation/visualization, mantra recitation and explanation if needed. We typically end our sessions with closing prayers and casual talk about our experience, with space for questions or discussions with the monks/priests about any particular problems we have in our daily lives.

What should a bring to a session?

We recommend loose, or comfortable clothing, a positive attitude and an open mind. Otherwise, come as you are! We provide cushions and chairs for guests to sit on per their preference. If you have dharma clothing you are welcome to wear it, and if you have dharma implements (i.e. vajra and bell, mala, etc.), you are welcome to bring those with you.

Buddhist Monks typically are seen as having shaved heads and no facial hair, what is the reason for the difference?

Every tradition is different! In the Nyingma tradition, many monks also hold Ngakpa vows or what is known as a “Hair Empowerment”. This allows them to grow their hair, some even vow to never cut it. This is an expression of the individual practitioner’s renunciation of societal norms, as well as an expression of various Tantric commitments one might have taken.

What is a Ngakpa?

A Ngakpa (Nok-pa) is a non-monastic, often non-celibate ordained individual. The closest approximation to the word is “Priest”. Ngakpas hold vows just like monks do, but observe different practices and precepts. In the Nyingma tradition, these sometimes intertwine together, and you can observe monastics who also uphold Ngakpa vows while still observing their Vinaya vows. You can often spot the difference in what each ordained individual wears: Individuals with Monastic vows wear maroon and/or saffron robes with red shawls, and Ngakpas typically wear white or maroon robes with a red and white shawl.

What is a Genyen?

In our tradition, a Genyen is an ordained lay practitioner who holds vows like a Monk, but only observes them strictly during particular times of the month. Which vows the individual takes depends on their own personal choice that they make upon their ordination, and can range from full vows to partial vows. Genyens are typically seen in our tradition wearing white robes with a white shawl, only a white shawl, or just all white plain clothing. Anyone who takes refuge in the Buddha can become a Genyen, regardless of their life path, marital status, age, or any other circumstance.

We encourage all who become serious practitioners of the Dharma to consider Genyen ordination. It is a beautiful expression of one’s faith and empowers everyday people to live more active, mindful lives in their Dharma community.

What is Tantra?

Tantra, otherwise known as Vajrayana in Buddhism, is a more esoteric, deeply spiritual path to enlightenment. Contrary to popular belief, it does not focus on sexual activities. Instead, it uses deep allegorical and spiritual imagery, combined with intense visualization and physical practice to enact a rapid change upon the practitioners worldview and understanding of the nature of their own Mind. Vajrayana can be considered a subset of Mahayana, the most widely practiced form of Buddhism in the world, comprising of denominations like Tibetan Buddhism, Zen/Chan, Pure Land, Nichiren, and Tendai. Aspects of Vajrayana can be found in many of these schools, though it may not be widely taught.