The goal of the Chenrezig Project is to promote the wisdom, compassion and loving-kindness that is the very heart of the Geluk lineage of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practice.
The Geluk is a school of Buddhism founded by Je Lama Tsongkhapa, (1357-1419), a philosopher and Tibetan religious leader.Tsongkhapa was an enthusiastic promoter of the Mahayana principles of universal compassion as the fundamental spiritual orientation. He combined this with a strong emphasis on the cultivation of in-depth insight into the doctrine of emptiness. Tsongkhapa said these two aspects of the spiritual path, compassion and insight into wisdom, must be rooted in a wholehearted wish for liberation, all impelled by a genuine sense of both altruism and renunciation of the aspects of life influenced by delusion and ignorance.
The central teaching(s) of the Gelug School are the Lam Rim, or the “Stages of the Path”, based on the teachings of the Indian master Atisha (circa 11th century) and the systematic cultivation of the view of emptiness. With this path in mind we provide a conducive environment for people to contact, study and deepen their understanding of the Buddhist path. Our approach is a blend of the spiritual, psychological and practical, and follows the Dharma teachings of the Buddha. In striving to develop compassion “step-by-step” we believe there is a very beneficial place in our modern “Western” lives for practice of this sort.
Meetings are open to the community, and newcomers are welcome! We believe there is a simple, universal message in Buddhism that can benefit everyone, regardless of faith or background. Our teachings and discussions — appropriate for Westerners with little knowledge of Buddhism — are open, practical, supportive, spirited and fun. We also maintain a lending library with a wide assortment of dharma titles Relating the essences of Tibetan Buddhism to living in today’s America, we have found that the teachings can touch (and resonate) quite deeply. It is not an exaggeration to say one’s life can be substantially changed for the better.
Our themes include:
- Buddha, Dharma, Sangha
- Basics of Buddhism
- The Four Noble Truths
- The Eightfold Path
- Compassion and Loving-Kindness
- Mindfulness
- Karma
- Emptiness
- Aging/Death/Rebirth
- Meditation
- Buddhist Scriptures
- Tibet and the Exile Community
- HH Dalai Lama
Currently our meetings are facilitated by Mark Winwood, a long-term student and participant of Tibetan Buddhism. We invite you to join us!