The practice of meditation and study of Buddhist and Shambhala teachings have been an integral part of my life for nearly
thirty years.
Buddhist teachings are based upon the three turnings of the wheel of dharma by Sakyamuni Buddha. The first turning
of the wheel of dharma is known as
The Four Noble Truths. The second turning of the wheel of dharma presented the teachings on Emptiness. The third turning of the
wheel of dharma teaches Buddha Nature.
The key to Buddhist training is the practice of sitting meditation. In sitting meditation, the meditator brings
oneself back to the present moment. The various upheavals of mind - thoughts, emotions, fantasies and plans - simply
rise and fall as the meditator places attention on the breath. That's it.
If you wish to learn how to meditate it is important to meet with a qualified meditation instructor. Ven. Chogyam
Trungpa Rinpoche authorized me as a meditation instructor in 1983.
Buddhism and Shambhala are presented in the Albany area by the
Shambhala Meditation Center of Albany. We generally have an introduction to meditation on the first Wednesday evening of every month (please check
our website for current dates).
If you would like to begin before meeting with an instructor
click here for Meditation Instruction by the Ven. Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.
The teachings of Buddhism are not offered so much as Truth but as possibilities. All beings are encouraged
to examine one's own mind and one's own heart. If meditation serves that purpose - good. If not, good
luck on your journey.
I have never met another being who doesn't ask the same fundamental spiritual questions such as: Why am I here?
How do I conduct my life? What is death? What is beyond death, if anything? How can I be happy?
Buddhist thought offers an interesting perspective on these questions. The practice of meditation allows mind to settle
down so that these questions might be examined more carefully.
