Welcome
Mahakaruna Buddhist Meditation Center offers instruction and opportunities to practice Kadampa Buddhism. Kadampa Buddhism is a time-honored tradition that for centuries has made Buddha's teachings and meditation practices available to people throughout the world. Kadampa Buddhism is a Mahayana tradition, meaning that our primary meditation is to benefit all living beings.
The foundation of the practice is meditation. More specifically, there are 21 meditations, together known as “Lamrim”, which comprise the complete path to enlightenment. By practicing these 21 meditations repeatedly, we gradually transform ourselves, developing our compassion, our wisdom, a deep inner peace, and a commitment and capacity to help others. The practice also includes prayers, mantras and tantric practices, but the foundation is always the 21 Lamrim meditations.
Upcoming Events
Weekly Drop-In Meditation Classes
In Yountville
Yountville beginning January 19th, 2010
INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
Tuesday Evenings 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Yountville Community Center - Community Hall
6516 Washington St.
Napa Valley classes are led by Mike Smith, devoted student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, founder of the Mahakaruna Buddhist Meditation Center, and author of the books used in class. He can be reached with any questions at 415-717-4943.
Learn Kadampa Buddhist Meditation
Anyone can learn to meditate. We can improve our capacity to love, find mental peace and happiness through meditation. All you need to know is what to meditate upon and the methods to develop concentration.
All classes begin with an easy breathing meditation that you can practice anytime. This is followed by a brief description of how to meditate on specific states of mind. Precise instructions for finding and holding an object of meditation will be practiced in class through guided meditations and commentary.
No prior experience of knowledge is necessary; and there are no other special requirements. With these instructions, you will learn how to enjoy meditation. You'll develop ways to recognize specific problems and obstacles, and learn specific methods to help resolve the difficulties in your life. As a result you will develop the wish to meditate, gradually transforming your mind and your life.
Petaluma Seven Day Calendar
| Sun Aug 1 | 10:30am | Pray for Peace |
| Sun Aug 1 | 4:00pm | FP Summer Break |
| Tue Aug 3 | 12:00am | Open Hours |
| Tue Aug 3 | 12:00am | 10:00am-1:00pm |
| Tue Aug 3 | 7:30pm | GP |
| Wed Aug 4 | 6:00pm | 35 Confession Buddhas |
| Wed Aug 4 | 7:30pm | GP |
| Thu Aug 5 | 7:30pm | GP |
| Fri Aug 6 | 12:00am | Open Hours |
| Fri Aug 6 | 12:00am | 1:00pm-4pm |
About Us
Located in Petaluma, California, Mahakaruna Buddhist Meditation Center is the main branch for many venues of Kadampa Buddhism in northern California, from Petaluma and Sacramento up to the Oregon Border, as well as Nevada. Visit our Contact Us page to for more information about the locations we serve. If you'd like to find a center in a region other than northern California and Nevada, please visit our Other Centers page.
