Without first developing inner peace, world peace will remain impossible to achieve. We all have within us the potential for peace and happiness, and cultivating this potential creates the harmony we seek. Each class includes a relaxing breathing meditation, a teaching, a contemplative meditation, and a closing dedication.
Attendance at Meditations for World Peace is by donation, and the class is family friendly! All ages are welcome; Dharma for Kids is held at the same time as the adult class.
Teachings in this class are derived from Modern Buddhism, by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. The book offers a special presentation of Buddha’s teachings on compassion and wisdom that communicates their essence in a way that is easy to understand and put into practice.
During adult class, kids aged 4-10 can attend a special class just for them. In these classes, kids learn basic Buddhist teachings like the importance of loving everyone, being generous, what to do when we get angry, and how to calm down. Each class includes a prayer, short teaching, short meditation and a craft project that explores the spiritual theme of the teaching.
Classes are taught by experienced and dedicated Dharma students. Kids need to be accompanied by an adult who is attending Meditations for World Peace. Children under the age of four may attend the class if a parent or guardian stays and assists them in participating in the class.
Each class begins with a guided breathing meditation to help settle the mind, let go of distractions and cultivate inner peace.
The teacher will then give a practical teaching based on a Buddhist topic, and will explain how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives.
The class concludes with a guided meditation to help us become deeply familiar with the teaching. Dedication prayers are chanted at the end of some classes.
A: No. Buddha’s teachings are presented in a way that is accessible to everyone, and no religious obligation is required.
A: No. Everyone is welcome, including beginners. The classes are fully guided so all you need to do is show up.
A: No special clothing is required, come as you are.
A: No. The classes focus on meditation and teachings alone. You can choose to sit on a chair or meditation cushion.
A: No, but you can ask questions after class if you would like.
A: No, it is not necessary to book in advance. Each class is self-contained so you can come to whichever class suits your schedule and start whenever you like.
A: Kadampa Meditation Center Washington is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. Supporter donations and fees are used to rent or maintain facilities for these classes, and any surplus is donated to the International Temples Project. We make every effort to keep fees low and, for most classes and events, reduced rates are available to senior citizens and full-time students. If you would like to attend an event but are unable to afford the fee, please contact the Administrative Director at least one week in advance.
A: No, please feel free to drop in whenever you like. Attending the entire series of classes is highly beneficial, as each class builds on the next. However, each class is taught in such a way that you can derive value from attending even just once.
