November at the Center

" If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry. "

~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama
PUJAS Everyone Welcome!
Sun, Nov 7, 7:00-8:30p
Sponsor the puja here
Sat, Nov 23 1:00p-3:00p
Sponsor the praises here
Mon, Nov 4, 12:00-1:00p
Sponsor the puja here
Tues, Nov 19, 5:30-6:30p
Sponsor the puja here
UPCOMING AND ONGOING TEACHINGS, CLASSES and PRACTICES
Don't miss the opportunity to hear teachings with Venerable George, who brings a sharp and incisive intelligence to his presentation of the Dharma.
In this two-week visit, he will offer teachings in a wide variety of topics. A graduate in physics from MIT, Venerable George applies the same intellectual acuity to the Dharma as he did to physics.

This is the sixth module in a two-year series. In this module, learn the essential facts about the law of cause and effect. Explore ways to deal with life most effectively and take control of your future. The class is led by Venerable George Churinoff and Stephanie Smith .
Registration requested
WHEN: Nov 4 - Dec 9, (Nov 4 & 11 taught by Venerable George, no class Nov 25) Childcare provided

During November, we will be blessed to have visiting teacher, Venerable George Churinoff, teach us for three out of the four Sundays! We look forward to his illuminations on Buddhism and how it sheds new light on our thoughts and emotions.

WHEN: Nov 3, 10 & 17, 10:30a - noon

MEDITATION 101 (Daytime Class)
Meditation 101 is an introductory course on basic Buddhist meditation techniques for complete beginners, and includes Buddhist meditations that can be used by anyone to create more peace and happiness in daily life. 
The class is led by Patti Pandya .
Registration requested

MEDITATION 101 (Evening class)
Meditation 101 is an introductory course on basic Buddhist meditation techniques for complete beginners, and includes Buddhist meditations that can be used by anyone to create more peace and happiness in daily life. 
The class is led by David Machles .
Registration requested

The purpose of the meditation circle is to channel our energy in positive, healing ways to benefit the group and all other living beings. The practice is followed by tea-time for meditators to share experiences, discuss topics, and to get to know one another.
WHEN: Every Sunday

Lhabab Düchen is one of the four major Buddhist holy days, and occurs on the 22nd day of the ninth month on the Tibetan lunar calendar.
The Center is open for prayers and practices.
WHEN: Nov 19

Everyone is welcome!
Tara is a female Buddha whose qualities include enlightened action and swiftly removing obstacles. Geshe Gelek translated this special practice for us and assures us that this will greatly benefit not just our center and community, but have the best benefit of helping all sentient beings.
WHEN: Nov 23

Our precious spiritual director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, advised us to recite 100,000 Praises to the 21 Taras to create the causes for the next Light of the Path Retreat.
See our new commitment page here!
Enter your personal count here.
 Our progress as of today: 43,902
Read about our Tara retreat in the FPMT Mandala blog here!
"At Kadampa Center, we always look forward to the Light of the Path retreats when we have the opportunity to spend so much time with Lama Zopa Rinpoche and students from all over the world. Before each retreat Rinpoche kindly advises us about..."
Written by Donna Seese
Photo courtesy of David Strevel
"We don’t have to drown in our wrongdoing. We can flow.”
With these words, Geshe Gelek reminds us of the benefit of spiritual practice. When we think about our mistakes, instead of feeling guilty and upset with ourselves, we can use the simple tool of purification to restore our minds to equanimity. Then we can rest in a mind of compassion, loving kindness and joy.

from Donna Seese, Spiritual Program Coordinator
WELCOME FAMILIES – JOIN US!
Sunday morning classes begin at 10:30
Our Sunday Program is a vibrant mix of drop-off and family programming. Much of our curriculum content is based on the 16 Guidelines .
FALL SESSION Sept 8 - Nov 24
Sundays, 10:30 - Noon
The Family Program will host 3 Children's classes from the ages of 5 to 17.
See the  Family Program page  for more information about the Elementary, Middle and Teen class offerings.
We have a Refuge Room for those with children under age 5 - Learn more
Curriculum
Each month we explore one of the 16 Guidelines, celebrate Buddhist holy days (such as Saka Dawa and Lama Tsongkhapa Day), introduce Buddhist practices (including prostrations and reciting mantras), and participate in Center-wide celebrations (like Losar and Compassion Day). Learn more
Parents, are you interested in attending Discovering Buddhism sessions
on Monday evenings? Childcare is now provided!
To participate, all volunteers must register here!
ADOPT A STREAM CLEAN UP AT LAKE JOHNSON
Do you enjoy doing something for the environment? Lake Johnson accumulates trash along the shore lines and wildlife become entangled, or ingest trash that is toxic to them. The Family Program and Outreach have teamed up to offer this opportunity to do service work and protect the local wildlife at Lake Johnson. All ages are welcome to participate in the Adopt-A-Stream biannual cleaning.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED HERE

The Triangle Interfaith Alliance will hold an afternoon of devotional prayer and thoughts regarding "Shine Your Light." Presenters will share a brief prayer or thought from their faith tradition. 

SAND MANDALA AT ELON UNIVERSITY
On Oct 23 - 25, our own resident teacher, Geshe Sangpo, constructed a sand mandala for peace and healing at Elon University's Truitt Center for Religious & Spiritual Life.
Students, faculty and Kadampa Center helpers and members: Elise and David Strevel, Sandy Carlson, Patti Pandya, Chris Baranski and Jim Sutorus watched as the Mandala took shape all the way to it's dissolution. This was a beautiful and meaningful event for those that participated.
Photos courtesy of David Strevel
Welcoming the Unwelcome by Pema Chodron
Chödrön offers a combination of wisdom, heartfelt reflections, and the signature mix of humor and insight that have made her a beloved figure to turn to during times of change. In an increasingly polarized world, Pema shows us how to strengthen our abilities to find common ground, even when we disagree, and influence our environment in positive ways.
Silver and Turquoise necklace
Come see our new collection of beautifully handcrafted necklaces from Nepal. Available in turquoise, moonstone and sapphire. Also available: rings, bracelets and pendants all handcrafted.
Cost: $105
BOOKSTORE HOURS
Office hours and before/after teachings
Read about our own David Machles in the FMPT Mandala blog here .
"David Machles, from North Carolina, US, began his journey into the 16 Guidelines for Life in 2008. He felt inspired to offer the 16 Guidelines for Life program in prisons working with adult and juvenile prisoners as well as..."
Photo courtesy of Dimensions-OHC Inc.
Interested in becoming a KCPP pen pal? Email Amanda Henry , Pen Pal Coordinator, or call 919.859.3433
We have a waiting list – can you help? Kadampa Center Prison Project (KCPP) volunteers offer prisoner-support workshops using meditation to more skillfully navigate life, in prison and out. Many class participants have questions about meditation and Buddhism that cannot be addressed during our limited workshop time. Still others who are interested are located where our workshops are not available. It doesn't take a Buddhist scholar to write to an inmate. Just someone with a warm heart, a compassionate ear, and the willingness to keep a conversation going.
Questions on giving?
Email centermanager@kadampa-center.org or call 919.859.3433
You can sponsor a visiting teacher to Open a World of Possibilities? Sponsorships allow the Center to continue offering teachings at no charge and giving the Dharma is the greatest generosity of all! Your sponsorship makes teachings available to others both now and in the future. Go to our website to sponsor!

Photos courtesy of David Strevel
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!
Sunday, Oct 27, was 'Thank You Sunday' for everyone who supported the Center in any of the 4 ways during 2019
  • Financial
  • Service
  • In-kind
  • Practice
After the Sunday morning class, Donna and Jill asked folks to stand if they had ever supported the Center and listed everything from, "Every been on the Board of Directors?" to "Ever smiled at someone just because?" By the end, everyone in the gompa was standing and we gave ourselves a round of applause to the tune of "Thank you for being a friend." A lovely gift of a magnet with His Holiness's image was given to everyone and folks learned of 51 more ways of offering service to the Center.
Thank you again to all of you who keep Kadampa Center thriving!
KADAMPA CENTER HOURS

Wednesday-Friday, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
(please call ahead to ensure staff is available to unlock building)
Wed-Fri: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm: Silent meditation - all welcome (call ahead)
Classes and events take place throughout the week. Check the calendar for full listing. Doors open 30 minutes prior to start times.
Enjoy your thanksgiving holiday!
The Center will be closed on
Thursday and Friday, Nov 28 & 29
Brought to you by the
Hospitality Team!
We've expanded our social activities to include small groups with common hobbies or interests. Groups will meet informally and as often as they like.
  • Fitness/Health (Ex. walk/run/bike)
  • Movies/Game Night (Ex. movies/museum/board games)
  • Outdoor Activities (Ex. gardening/hiking/nature walks)
  • Spur-of-the-Moment (Ex. Meet me at the _______ in an hour.")
Click below to learn more and register.
Join us Saturday nights, for an evening of fun, food and conversation as we create the cause and conditions for a strong dharma community.
  • WHAT: Dinners at 6
  • WHEN: 6:00p, Saturdays, (see calendar for weather or conflict cancellations)
  • WHERE: Aladdin's Eatery, 4209 Lassiter Mill Rd., Suite 136, Raleigh (Quail Ridge Bookstore side, North Hills Mall)
Brought to you by the Hospitality Team!
PLEASE NOTE: Everyone is responsible for their own meal; click here for menu and pricing
The Hospitality Team offers the opportunity to meet after the teachings on the last Sunday of each month to snack, chat, and hang out together. Food and drink will be provided.
Read  here  about Sponsoring a Sunday Tea!
QUICK CONNECTIONS
TUNE-IN TO TEACHINGS
Tune to 90.3 FM when listening to teachings live in the Gompa
YOU SHOP - AMAZON DONATES TO KADAMPA CENTER
Interested in supporting the teachings, programs and events at Kadampa Center?
Know someone else that would be
interested in Kadampa Center?
Kadampa Center is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) in the
lineage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama