Buddhist Meditation in Tampa Bay |
Parbawatiya Buddhist Center For information please scroll down or use the following links: Our Center Resident Teacher: Gen Kelsang Demo
The Center owns a beautiful and peaceful house just off Main Street in downtown Safety Harbor. Situated conveniently close to the Courtney Campbell Causeway, the Howard Franklin Bridge, and US Highway 19 North, the Center is easily accessible from anywhere in the Tampa Bay and Pinellas County area. Just five minutes' walk from the famous Safety Harbor Spa, the Center offers a delightful spacious meditation room, bookstore, meditation garden, and comfortable sitting areas for socializing. "Parbawatiya" (pronounced "Par-bah-wah-tee-ya") is the name of a female Buddha of Wisdom. This Sanskrit name literally means "Radiant Dawn" and refers to the blissful wisdom Gen Kelsang Demo is a western Buddhist nun, and Resident Teacher at Parbawatiya Center. She has been a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for many years. A great example of how to practice Kadampa Buddhism in the modern world, Gen Demo shows us how to find peace and happiness in our daily lives. Introductory Meditation Classes Thursdays, 7:00-8:30pm 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. Meditations and Prayers for World Peace Sundays, 10:00-11:30am
Learn the art of relaxation and stress-release and discover the far-reaching benefits derived from all aspects of Buddhist meditation. 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.
Sundays, 10:00-11:30am While parents enjoy Sunday morning Prayers for World Peace, kids explore a spiritual theme in the kids' class. Each week, we share a short meditation, a prayer reading, a brief teaching and an art activity. Classes are for children of any age. The spiritual themes emphasize kindness to others and how to develop inner peace and a happy heart. Anika Trancik is an experienced Buddhist practitioner and works as a child clinical psychologist. She taught successful kids' meditation classes for 3 years in Seattle, WA, before moving to Florida. Please pre-register by phone at (727) 797-9770 or email parbawatiya@meditationinflorida.org. Cost: $1 per child. 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 Friday 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 registration call (727) 797-9770 or email us at parbawatiya@meditationinflorida.org.
Our Day Courses 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 & A, time for paired discussion, and a delicious vegetarian lunch! Get your week 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. Parbawatiya Buddhist Center offers Buddhist meditation classes throughout Tampa Bay. Click the icons on the map below for additional class times and locations. 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. Pujas are open to everyone. Please check the calendar for exact dates and times. However, we recommend that you attend an introductory meditation class before attending these pujas.
Please check the monthly calendar for dates and times.
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. |
Founded in 1996, Parbawatiya Center was the first center of Kadampa Buddhism to be established in Florida.
consciousness of an enlightened being.
These classes are also suitable for beginners. Without inner peace in the minds of living beings, outer peace is impossible. Start the week off right by learning to increase and maintain a happy, positive mind. Everyone is welcome to join us for an inspirational talk, special prayers and guided meditation to create peace inside of people's hearts and therefore, the world. Every week we make special prayers and dedications for people around the world. 
If you enjoy meditating with others, 