Buddhist Meditation in Orlando |
|
Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Center For information please scroll down or use the following links: Our Center Resident Teacher: Ricc Bishop Vajrapani Buddhist Center is located in the beautiful city of Orlando and is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT), established by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Previously a branch of Parbawatiya Buddhist Center in Safety Harbor (the mother Center for Florida), it recently became an Independent Center. It remains closely affiliated with Parbawatiya Center, as well as our other centers in Florida, Kancha, Drolma, and Samudrabadra.
Vajrapani is a Buddha who is the embodiment of the skill and spiritual power of all enlightened beings.
Ricc Bishop is the Resident Teacher at Vajrapani Center. A long time Buddhist practitioner, he shows us how to integrate Buddha's teachings into our daily activities in a relaxed, practical, and joyful way. It is Ricc’s wish that all of Orlando will have the opportunity to develop the inner peace and wisdom made possible by practicing the teachings of Kadampa Buddhism and he is committed to making this a reality. Introductory Meditation Classes Thursdays, 7:30pm - 9:00pm Our aim, as at all Kadampa Buddhist Centers, is to provide tools and methods whereby people can find increased peace and happiness in their daily lives. Everyone is welcome! Cost: $9 ($5 for students/limited income) per class. Center Sponsors pay $60 ($35 for students) each month, and can go to any class at the Florida Centers or branches for free. Monday Evenings, 6:00pm
If you enjoy meditating with others, chanted meditations are a great opportunity for you to engage in group meditation. These chanted meditations are also known in Sanskrit as "pujas", meaning "offering", or as "sadhanas", which means "method for receiving attainments". Using ancient prayers translated into English, we receive the blessings, protection and guidance of the holy beings. We can make requests for ourselves or for others who need help or protection. These spiritual practices create a strong connection with the Buddhas, and help us purify our negativity and fill our mind with positive, healing energy. These meditations are open to everyone, though you might want to try one of the shorter ones first! People sit on chairs or on cushions on the floor. Please check the calendars for all dates, times, and locations. Pujas are open to everyone. However, we recommend that you attend an introductory meditation class before attending these pujas.
Sunday Morning Rise and Shine Chanted Meditations Select Sundays, 10:00am - 11:30am This is a wonderful opportunity to engage in traditional Buddhist chanted meditations for purification of negative karma. These meditations include Vajrasattva mantra recitation and the Bodhisattva’s Confession of Moral Downfalls in association with Heart Jewel. These practices are fully guided meditations that will leave you feeling lighter, healthier, and prepared to face the coming week with a happy heart. Various Sundays Our day classes are monthly events that we hope you will find both fun and inspiring. They generally run from 9:30am to 2:00pm on Sundays and include a talk, meditations, Q and A, time for paired discussion, and often a delicious vegetarian lunch! Get your weekend off to a great start with these practical and informative workshops which are open to everyone.
Find out more information about current Florida Center events. In-depth Buddhist Study Programs Foundation Program Our study program is available for anyone interested in a more in-depth study of Buddha’s teachings. We meet on Monday nights to study Geshe Kelsang’s books in a systematic manner on the Foundation Program. Students have a chance to share their experiences in paired group discussion and apply authentic lineage instruction to their daily life. Eventually we reach the point where we can transform any situation, however unpleasant, into a positive experience and an opportunity to make progress in our spiritual development. For information and registration call (407) 245-7574 or email us at vajrapani@meditationinorlando.org We also offer a meditation “Day Retreat” on the last Sunday of each month. There are four retreat sessions, come to as many or as few as you like. This is a quiet day to deepen your personal practice. Our bookstore contains the 20 books written by our Spiritual Director and Principal Teacher, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. These extraordinary texts are suited for both beginners and more experienced meditators. They are also available on CD. Several of his books are also available in Spanish. Geshe Kelsang has taken Buddha's teachings, and without changing their essential meaning, presented them in a way that fits our Western lifestyle. There is also an assortment of cards, statues, sadhanas (prayer books) and other items for anyone who is interested. The bookstore is open before and after all classes at the Center.
|
