Discovering Buddhism: REFUGE IN THE THREE JEWELS

Lhagsam Tibetan Meditation Gablerstrasse 51, Zurich, Switzerland

Find out what it means to take refuge in the Three Jewels and the essential practices of refuge. Learn about the advantage of taking lay vows and their role in enhancing our spiritual growth. WHEN: 4 Thursdays, March 3–24, 6:30 - 9.00 pm (CET – Zurich) WHERE: Online and Onsite LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced REGISTRATION: REGISTER HERE The formal entry point for becoming a Buddhist is to participate in a ceremony in which one takes refuge in – commits to rely upon – the Three Jewels or, as Lama Zopa Rinpoche says, the Three Rare Sublime Ones: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. Students will learn about absolute Buddha, Dharma and Sangha – the enlightened mind, the experiential knowledge in that mind, and the superior beings who’ve realized emptiness; and relative Buddha, Dharma and Sangha – the buddha of our time, Shakyamuni, the texts that present his teachings, and the ordained monks and nuns. Students also learn about the power of living in vows. Of the three levels of vows – those of individual liberation, the bodhisattva, and tantra – the first are taken after having taken refuge. Schedule 6:30 pm Meditation 6:50 pm Break 7:00 pm Teaching by Ven. Robina 8:30 pm Discussions 8.50 pm Conclusion & Dedication 9.00 pm End Discovering Buddhism is an FPMT study program aimed at giving Buddhist and non-Buddhist students a solid footing in the practice of Mahayana Buddhism. The program is not meant to be an academic study of Buddhism, it is meant to change our daily lives through experiential training in meditation and thought transformation. About the Teacher Ven. Robina Courtin, Australian-born, has a powerhouse personality and has been a Buddhist nun for nearly 40 years. Well known for her work with people in prisons, Ven. Robina’s life and work is the...

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Book Club

Join us reading and discussing!

Dharma Toolkit – Demystifying Tibetan Buddhist Ritual

With Miffi Maxmillion. This course is aiming it as an entry level course for the committed beginner and the curious practitioner. WHEN: Saturdays in February and March 2022, 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm CETWHERE: OnlineLEVEL: Intermediate. Some basic understanding of Mahayana Buddhism is of benefit. Beginners are welcome as well! REGISTRATION: REGISTER HERE Dharma Toolkit is an interactive beginner series on everything you ever wanted to know about Tibetan Buddhist ritual but were afraid to ask! We may feel awkward or even slightly embarrassed performing rituals of a culture different than our own until we learn the meaning of those rituals and integrate them into our practice. With an understanding, Tibetan Buddhist ritual becomes a powerful connector to inner transformation and growth. A means to unify body, speech, and mind into a sum greater than its parts. The Dharma Toolkit series is a great introduction for beginners to combine Tibetan Buddhist philosophy with daily practice. As well as a refresher for returning students, to check they have all the ingredients necessary for a stable and flourishing Dharma practice. February 5 - Session 1: Why have an altar?Discover how to set up your own altar with the essential elements and how to customize it as a living practice, reflecting your own inner journey. February 12 - Session 2: Why and how to make offeringsMaking water bowl offerings is a simple yet profound practice that gentles the mind, and it is a unique way to practice generosity no matter your financial resources. February 19 - Session 3: What is a mandala?Mandalas are universal symbols of wholeness and transformation, found across cultures. In Buddhism this is also a way to break down our habitual ordinary (and often distorted) view of reality. February 26 - Session 4: How to make a mandala offeringExplore the...

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Discovering Buddhism: Intensive Practice Day

Lhagsam Tibetan Meditation Gablerstrasse 51, Zurich, Switzerland

Meditate with us on the meaning of taking refuge in the Three Jewels; Buddha, Dharma & Sangha! WHEN: Sunday, March 27, 10:00 - 16.00 pm (CET – Zurich) WHERE: Online and onsite LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced REGISTRATION: REGISTER HERE Each FPMT Discovering Buddhism course ends with an intensive practice day, which is designed to review the material one more time and to practice the meditations in a retreat setting. It can also be a great way to get a summary of the course, if you did not have the chance to attend regularly. Everyone is welcome. Schedule 10.00 – 12.00  Meditation 1 & 2 12.00 – 14.00  Lunch break – Bring a vegetarian dish to share! 14.00 – 16.00  Meditation 3 & 4   Discovering Buddhism is an FPMT study program aimed at giving Buddhist and non-Buddhist students a solid footing in the practice of Mahayana Buddhism. The program is not meant to be an academic study of Buddhism, it is meant to change our daily lives through experiential training in meditation and thought transformation.   PRACTICAL INFORMATION Cost: You would make us very happy by supporting us with a donation. Suggested donation is 0 – 50 CHF. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. You can donate online (via Paypal, Twint or E-Banking). Language: English. Level: Beginner to Advanced. Registration: REGISTER HERE

Retreat Day (onsite only)

Lhagsam Tibetan Meditation Gablerstrasse 51, Zurich, Switzerland

Our monthly meditation retreat day at Lhagsam WHEN: Saturday April 2nd, 10.30 - 16.00 WHERE: Lhagsam Tibetan Meditation LEVEL: All levels, beginners welcome If you would like to join, please send an email to info@lhagsam.ch "Meditation gives us breathing space in the mind; it gives us the space to experience. Normally our lives are so cluttered that we don't even have breathing space. But meditation gives us the breathing spaceso that things can arise, so that understanding anc experience can come up. Normally we are so busythat they can't surace, because there is no room...meditation is about coming back to our silent inner spaciuousness" Tenzin Palmo How about giving yourself the gift of withdrawing from this busy world for a day?  Turn off your phone, be in silence, settle your mind and look inwardly instead of following your senses to the external world. We will come together for a day of meditation. For anyone not being able to commit for the whole day, you can join half a day.  It is okay to leave or join during lunch break between 13:00 - 14:00, but please do so quietly, as we will be in silence. Beginners are encouraged to join the morning session at 10:30 AM as there would be more guidance in the morning and we will reduce interactions as we move deeper into the retreat. Schedule - 10:30 - 13:00 Setting Motivation, Shamatha Meditation - 13:00 - 14:00 lunch break - 14:00 - 16:00  Meditation, Dedication PRACTICAL INFORMATION Cost: Suggested donation is 30-50 CHF for the full day.  No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. You can donate upon arrival or online (via Paypal, Twint or E-Banking). Language: English Level: No prior knowledge required Registration: We will meet at our location in Zurich. If you...

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Green Tara Practice

Lhagsam Tibetan Meditation Gablerstrasse 51, Zurich, Switzerland

Monthly Green Tara practice WHEN: Wednesday, March 30, 07.00 - 08.30 pm CET WHERE: Online & onsite LEVEL: Advanced Join us onsite at Lhagsam or via Zoom under the following link and login. Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86534366822?pwd=bFRSNUJKQWZVVnlxWlZIUCs5MkpzZz09 Meeting ID: 865 3436 6822 Passcode: 393313 Joyful and peaceful, beautiful and powerful, Tara is the embodiment of enlightened activity. She is a fully awakened Buddha, who vowed to work for all sentient beings as a female until samsara ends. She achieved liberation by following the same spiritual path many practitioners follow until this day. Known as the Liberator, she is always ready to rush to the aid of others. Meditating on Green Tara can help us to connect with the energy of action, joy and compassion within ourselves. Tara can help to prevent hindrances and to discover and realise our true potential, all the way to enlightenment. The ancient Mantra related to Green Tara is: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha PRACTICAL INFORMATION Cost: Suggested donation is 0 - 20 CHF. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. You can donate upon arrival or online (via Paypal, Twint or E-Banking). Language: English Level: Advanced. Previous knowledge in buddhist practices is helpful. Beginners are welcome - we will happily give you a short introduction! PDF: Find the description of the practice here: Green Tara

Discovering Buddhism: Establishing a Daily Practice

Lhagsam Tibetan Meditation Gablerstrasse 51, Zurich, Switzerland

Assemble the tools you need to develop a successful daily practice and find out the elements necessary to generate realizations. Get some tips for making every action meaningful. WHEN: 4 Thursdays, April 7–28, 6:30 - 9.00 pm (CET – Zurich) WHERE: Online and Onsite LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced REGISTRATION: REGISTER HERE Based on the understanding gained from studying How to Meditate (module 2) and the other previous modules, students learn how to choose the meditation techniques and other practices necessary to purify the mind, train the mind in virtue, and develop a close relationship with the guru Buddha. They also learn how to bring their Dharma into every action of daily life, making every moment practice. Schedule 6:30 pm Meditation 6:50 pm Break 7:00 pm Teaching by Ven. Robina 8:30 pm Discussions 8.50 pm Conclusion & Dedication 9.00 pm End Discovering Buddhism is an FPMT study program aimed at giving Buddhist and non-Buddhist students a solid footing in the practice of Mahayana Buddhism. The program is not meant to be an academic study of Buddhism, it is meant to change our daily lives through experiential training in meditation and thought transformation. About the Teacher Ven. Robina Courtin, Australian-born, has a powerhouse personality and has been a Buddhist nun for nearly 40 years. Well known for her work with people in prisons, Ven. Robina’s life and work is the subject of the award-winning documentary ‘Chasing Buddha‘. She teaches full time around the world at the centers of her teachers’ organization, the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Read more PRACTICAL INFORMATION Cost: You would make us very happy by supporting us with a donation. Suggested donation is 0 – 30 CHF. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. You can donate online (via Paypal, Twint...

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Discovering Buddhism: Establishing a Daily Practice

Lhagsam Tibetan Meditation Gablerstrasse 51, Zurich, Switzerland

Assemble the tools you need to develop a successful daily practice and find out the elements necessary to generate realizations. Get some tips for making every action meaningful. WHEN: 4 Thursdays, April 7–28, 6:30 - 9.00 pm (CET – Zurich) WHERE: Online and Onsite LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced REGISTRATION: REGISTER HERE Based on the understanding gained from studying How to Meditate (module 2) and the other previous modules, students learn how to choose the meditation techniques and other practices necessary to purify the mind, train the mind in virtue, and develop a close relationship with the guru Buddha. They also learn how to bring their Dharma into every action of daily life, making every moment practice. Schedule 6:30 pm Meditation 6:50 pm Break 7:00 pm Teaching by Ven. Robina 8:30 pm Discussions 8.50 pm Conclusion & Dedication 9.00 pm End Discovering Buddhism is an FPMT study program aimed at giving Buddhist and non-Buddhist students a solid footing in the practice of Mahayana Buddhism. The program is not meant to be an academic study of Buddhism, it is meant to change our daily lives through experiential training in meditation and thought transformation. About the Teacher Ven. Robina Courtin, Australian-born, has a powerhouse personality and has been a Buddhist nun for nearly 40 years. Well known for her work with people in prisons, Ven. Robina’s life and work is the subject of the award-winning documentary ‘Chasing Buddha‘. She teaches full time around the world at the centers of her teachers’ organization, the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Read more PRACTICAL INFORMATION Cost: You would make us very happy by supporting us with a donation. Suggested donation is 0 – 30 CHF. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. You can donate online (via Paypal, Twint...

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Medicine Buddha Puja

Lhagsam Tibetan Meditation Gablerstrasse 51, Zurich, Switzerland

Join our Medicine Buddha Puja onsite or online! WHEN:  Saturday, 04:00 - 06:00 pm CET WHERE: onsite & online LEVEL: Intermediate - Advanced (beginners are welcome) Join us via Zoom under the following link and login:Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/910346209?pwd=ajRQQlk5NTM1aHJlZ2Z0UGtnUy9BQT09 Meeting ID: 867 1617 3585 Password: 637172 REQUEST DEDICATION A Medicine Buddha Puja consists of meditations, visualisations, reciting mantras, and prayers, including taking refuge and generating bodhicitta, the seven limb practice, mandala offering, followed by the request prayers. The session is concluded with dedications. The Seven Medicine Buddhas made special prayers to benefit beings of degenerate ages, hence in the sutric tradition this is considered one of the most powerful practices, which possesses the greatest and quickest blessings. This practice purifies and heals on all levels – physical, mental, spiritual and environmental. In our monthly Medicine Buddha Practice and in this Puja we will make dedications to all the beings who need help and support at the time. If you would like for us to make a special dedication to yourself, friend or family member, please fill out the Request Dedication Form. PRACTICAL INFORMATION Cost: Suggested donation is 0 - 20 CHF. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. You can donate upon arrival or online (via Paypal, Twint or E-Banking). Language: English Level: Intermediate - Advanced. Previous knowledge in buddhist practices is helpful. Beginners are still welcome. We will happily give you a small introduction!

Discovering Buddhism: Establishing a Daily Practice

Lhagsam Tibetan Meditation Gablerstrasse 51, Zurich, Switzerland

Assemble the tools you need to develop a successful daily practice and find out the elements necessary to generate realizations. Get some tips for making every action meaningful. WHEN: 4 Thursdays, April 7–28, 6:30 - 9.00 pm (CET – Zurich) WHERE: Online and Onsite LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced REGISTRATION: REGISTER HERE Based on the understanding gained from studying How to Meditate (module 2) and the other previous modules, students learn how to choose the meditation techniques and other practices necessary to purify the mind, train the mind in virtue, and develop a close relationship with the guru Buddha. They also learn how to bring their Dharma into every action of daily life, making every moment practice. Schedule 6:30 pm Meditation 6:50 pm Break 7:00 pm Teaching by Ven. Robina 8:30 pm Discussions 8.50 pm Conclusion & Dedication 9.00 pm End Discovering Buddhism is an FPMT study program aimed at giving Buddhist and non-Buddhist students a solid footing in the practice of Mahayana Buddhism. The program is not meant to be an academic study of Buddhism, it is meant to change our daily lives through experiential training in meditation and thought transformation. About the Teacher Ven. Robina Courtin, Australian-born, has a powerhouse personality and has been a Buddhist nun for nearly 40 years. Well known for her work with people in prisons, Ven. Robina’s life and work is the subject of the award-winning documentary ‘Chasing Buddha‘. She teaches full time around the world at the centers of her teachers’ organization, the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Read more PRACTICAL INFORMATION Cost: You would make us very happy by supporting us with a donation. Suggested donation is 0 – 30 CHF. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. You can donate online (via Paypal, Twint...

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Discovering Buddhism: Establishing a Daily Practice

Lhagsam Tibetan Meditation Gablerstrasse 51, Zurich, Switzerland

Assemble the tools you need to develop a successful daily practice and find out the elements necessary to generate realizations. Get some tips for making every action meaningful. WHEN: 4 Thursdays, April 7–28, 6:30 - 9.00 pm (CET – Zurich) WHERE: Online and Onsite LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced REGISTRATION: REGISTER HERE Based on the understanding gained from studying How to Meditate (module 2) and the other previous modules, students learn how to choose the meditation techniques and other practices necessary to purify the mind, train the mind in virtue, and develop a close relationship with the guru Buddha. They also learn how to bring their Dharma into every action of daily life, making every moment practice. Schedule 6:30 pm Meditation 6:50 pm Break 7:00 pm Teaching by Ven. Robina 8:30 pm Discussions 8.50 pm Conclusion & Dedication 9.00 pm End Discovering Buddhism is an FPMT study program aimed at giving Buddhist and non-Buddhist students a solid footing in the practice of Mahayana Buddhism. The program is not meant to be an academic study of Buddhism, it is meant to change our daily lives through experiential training in meditation and thought transformation. About the Teacher Ven. Robina Courtin, Australian-born, has a powerhouse personality and has been a Buddhist nun for nearly 40 years. Well known for her work with people in prisons, Ven. Robina’s life and work is the subject of the award-winning documentary ‘Chasing Buddha‘. She teaches full time around the world at the centers of her teachers’ organization, the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Read more PRACTICAL INFORMATION Cost: You would make us very happy by supporting us with a donation. Suggested donation is 0 – 30 CHF. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. You can donate online (via Paypal, Twint...

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Four Mandala Offerings to Cittamani Tara

Lhagsam Tibetan Meditation Gablerstrasse 51, Zurich, Switzerland

Join this Four Mandala Tara Offerings to Cittamani practice and experience how to engage in the puja, led by Miffi Maxmillion - our teacher for Demystifying Tibetan Buddhist Rituals. We will chant praises to the 21 Taras, make long mandala offerings, strew flowers, and present offerings with the traditional hand gestures (mudras). This offering ceremony is chanted in both English and Tibetan. It is rich in symbolism. WHEN: Saturday April 30, 10.00 am – 12.00 am CETWHERE: online & onsiteLEVEL: Intermediate. Some knowledge of Buddhism is of benefit, but everyone is welcome! PDF: If you join us onsite, please bring your own device or printout to read the text. You can find it here: Cittamani Tara Join us onsite or on Zoom under the following link! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82760731053?pwd=NS9HeVgwV1cxWWF1YTJIYjIyKzZEQT09 Meeting ID: 882 9665 8110 Passcode: 940984 Cittamani Tara Puja is a highest yoga tantra practice that invokes Cittamani Tara, well-known as a source of swift assistance in all temporal and spiritual matters. She is called upon to bring success – including for situations involving family, relationships, business, and career – and for protection from all negativities and fears. She is also invoked in times of emergency, personal distress and difficulty, health problems, for the quick removal of obstacles, and when rapid wisdom is needed. Arya Tara is the manifestation of all the buddhas’ enlightened activity, and this ceremony is particularly helpful in removing obstacles, receiving help in emergencies, resolving conflicts, and energizing spiritual practice. In the aspectof Cittamani Tara, she quickly benefits the mind of those who pray to her. Tara is the guardian from all fears and anxieties. She arrives, ready to put to right the most terrible of situations. Everyone will benefit from this practice, whether they are religious or not. There will be an opportunity to make personal dedications...

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Nina & Jeff’s Farewell Party

Quartiertreff Enge Gablerstrasse 20, Zürich, Switzerland

Celebrate a happy past and future with us! WHEN: April 30, 4.30 pm CET WHERE: Quartiertreff Enge, Gablerstrasse 20 REGISTRATION: Please REGISTER HERE Big changes are happening at Lhagsam. Nina and Jeff - our founders and long time coordinators -  will go on a retreat for a longer period. Their contributions during the past are countless, and their actions have benefited many sentient beings: How amazing that our community had the conditions for having such wonderful people with us for a long time. Thank you - thank you – thank you! Though with a heavy heart due to their departure, we rejoice in their wonderful and courageous ventures. May their spiritual path be blessed with oceans of progress and happiness. For Lhagsam, the future's looking bright: We just became an FPMT center, and with Theres and Fabienne we have two experienced practitioners to share the director positions. Lots of reasons to celebrate the past, present and future. It is also a great opportunity to come together again in person after a lengthy period of social distancing. Please join us for Tibetan momos, cakes, fun, and community on April 30! Please register until April 26 enabling us to adjust quantities. We would like to create a Word Cloud for Nina & Jeff! How does it work? Just write down three words that describe Nina & Jeff in this FORM PRACTICAL INFORMATION Cost: The event is sponsored by a member, but donations to the center are always welcome. Ideas: If you have ideas for program items or gifts to Nina and Jeff, please contact Maria at finance@lhagsam.ch Registration: Please REGISTER HERE