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Exploring Buddhism Module Three: Exploring the Truths

with Don Handrick

Wednesdays, 6:30pm – 8:00pm PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)
September 1 – October 13, 2021
​Online Event - (7 classes)

We are using Zoom for this event. Please register below to receive your online access information.

Buddhism is based on fundamental truths that point to the principal levels of reality that the Buddha discerned and then taught throughout his life, including most notably the two truths and the four noble truths. In this module, we will explore the nature of these and other core truths of Buddhism, utilizing the Dalai Lama's mode of presentation based in logic that establishes a framework for the path to enlightenment which is suitable for people with a modern rational outlook.

New students are welcome.  You do not have to have attended previous modules.
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Don Handrick is a touring teacher for the FPMT  sharing the Dharma with centers and study groups in North America and other parts of the world, both in-person and online. Don's study of Buddhism began in 1993 after reading The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche. Over the next two years he practiced with Sogyal Rinpoche's organization, until he began attending classes in 1996 with Venerable Robina Courtin in San Francisco.

Buddhism in a Nutshell 
& Meditation 101

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Every Other Sunday 
​11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Hybrid (in Person & Online) 

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Buddhism in a Nutshell and Meditation 101 are introductory courses that provides an overview of Tibetan Buddhist concepts and meditation. It is also suitable for people who have heard or read some Buddhist teachings but would like a more structured approach to understanding the path to enlightenment as taught by the Buddha.
​ It begins with an introduction to the life of Shakyamuni Buddha and then discusses the Buddha’s first teaching on The Four Noble Truths: the truths of suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path to the cessation of suffering. This teaching is common to all Buddhist traditions and forms the cornerstone for all the other teachings given by the Buddha.

It also provides an overview of Tibetan Buddhism based on the three principal aspects of the path to enlightenment—renunciation, bodhichitta, and the right view of emptiness—as taught in the stages of the path teachings and based on the short text 'Foundation of All Good Qualities' by, Lama Tsong Khapa.  The course also provides the foundations of meditation practice and five guided meditations suitable for beginners.

Led by Trey Ligon
Center Director

Check calendar ​​​​

New- In Person
(masks required) 

Drop-In Silent Meditation

Every day, Monday through Thursday
5:00 pm - 5;45 pm


​Do you want a peaceful transition form your work life to your home life? Do you want to bring our best self home? Join us for drop-in silent meditation. Stay for as long or as little as you need while you meditate in a tranquil, beautiful setting. No Buddhist or meditation experience is necessary.

Subtle guidance on staying focused on your breath will be provided.

​Currently available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays. Will be available Friday soon.

Dharma Book Discussion Group  

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​Every Monday  ​
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Hybrid (in Person & Online) 

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Beginning September 1, 2021:

 "The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus" will be our next book study book. In this landmark book of interfaith dialogue, the Dalai Lama provides an extraordinary Buddhist perspective on the teachings of Jesus, commenting on well-known passages from the four Christian Gospels including the Sermon on the Mount, the parable of the mustard seed, the Resurrection, and others. Drawing parallels between Jesus and the Buddha--and the rich traditions from which they hail--His Holiness delivers a profound affirmation of the sacred in all religions. Readers will be inspired by the Dalai Lama's discussion of the endless merits of each tradition and uplifted by the common humanity between them.

After "The Good Heart" we will begin "The Life of Milarepa". This is one of the most beloved stories of the Tibetan people and a great literary example of the contemplative life. Jetsun Milarepa, the 11th-century Buddhist yogin and poet, started life as a black magician, gaining revenge for loss of heritage by casting terrible hailstorms and committing multiple murders. Distraught with remorse, he sought to expiate his crimes and, with the fiercely compassionate help of his lama, Marpa, devoted himself to unremitting practice - meditation in caves, existing only on nettles and turning green as a result. And he gained liberation in one lifetime. Milarepa’s remarkable story is told in this equally remarkable 15th-century biography, which is dramatic, humorous, moving and wise. Andrew Quintman’s new translation, vibrant and immediate, brings this great classic to life. Joyful, enriching and unexpectedly entertaining, it is a spiritual biography without compare.
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This book discussion group is a gathering of individuals who view, read, study, and discuss various dharma-relevant and reinforcing materials. The group can at times be very focused on texts and other times only loosely tethered to a common resource, but enriching experience, increased knowledge, and deeper understanding are always the goals. Anyone can benefit at any point by attending, regardless of background or experience, so don’t hesitate to drop in—whether you know what the group is focusing on or have seen the current materials. Visitors are encouraged and invited to come over some evening to see what it is all about.

Led by Anne Ligon, SPC
​& Mary Wellhoner
No one turned away for lack of funds.

Check calendar ​​​​​

Drop In Guided Meditation 

​
Every Wednesday & Friday 
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Hybrid (in Person & Online) 

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​Meditation is an effective, yet simple, way of dealing with many stresses in life. There is a growing body of scientific evidence of meditation being highly effective at reducing physical and mental stress.

Every week we focus on one topic on the Lam Rim using excellent meditations from Kathleen McDonalds' "How to Meditate" that are suitable for anyone interested in exploring and incorporating the benefits of meditation into their daily lives, regardless of whether you are a Buddhist practitioner or not. 




Led by Cyndy
Check calendar ​​​​


​Tonglen Meditation Practice

Starting on September 16th, 2021

Thursdays 6:30-7:30
Hybrid (in Person & Online) 
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​The practice of tong-len, taking and giving, encapsulates the practices of loving-kindness and compassion. Atisha wrote: “Because of the negative result of the faults of attachment and confusion, habituate the mind to exchanging self and other.” By engaging in this meditation practice we learn to think more about giving to others and less about our own selfish desires.

Join us for this amazing meditation practice and reap the benefits of learning how to generate loving kindness and compassion in your life.

Medicine Buddha Study Group  


​​Every other Saturday 
11:00 am-12:00 pm
Hybrid (in Person & Online)

This study group will explore the benefits of meditating on the Medicine Buddha.

​The first half of the hour will be spent reading and discussing Lama Zopa Rinpoche's masterful book, Ultimate Healing: The Power of Compassion. In the second half of the hour, we will engage in the Medicine Buddha Meditation.  


Led by Cyndy
Check calendar ​​​​​

Calendar of Events

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​Dharmakaya Center

6490 South McCarran Blvd. Building D2- Suite 41
Reno, Nevada 89519
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                           Affiliated with the 
Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition
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