Frequently Asked Questions

"What's going on in the minds of those Kadampa Buddhists?" Find out below!

These questions have all been compiled by students of Saraha Center and are not intended as definitive explanations of Dharma, just informal conversational replies to questions most frequently asked at our Centers. You will find out more about all of these topics by reading the Kadampa books.

If your question or concern is not addressed here, please ask a teacher or an experienced member of the Sangha, or contact us by e-mail.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Questions about Buddhism, the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) and other religious beliefs

2. Questions about the Temple and the Center

3. Questions about classes

4. Questions about meditation

5. Questions about active participation

6. A beginners glossary

1. Questions about Buddhism, the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) and other religious beliefs

1. Who was Buddha?
2. Is Buddhism a philosophy or a religion?
3. Is Buddhism a religion? Is Buddha the same as God?
4. Is there more than one Buddha?
5. How do you know if you or someone else is a Buddhist?
6. What are some facts about Buddhism?
7. Why is Buddhism relevant to my life?
8. Is the New Kadampa Tradition part of Tibetan Buddhism?
9. Do Buddhists meditate on “nothingness,” or “emptiness"?
10. What good is that?
11. Who is Geshe Kelsang Gyatso?
12. Sutra and Tantra: What's the difference?

2. Questions about the Temple and the Center

1. How long have you been at the Temple?
2. What was this building before?
3. Where were you before?
4. Who are all the pictures of?
5. Why are the water bowls on the shrine in front of the room?
6. Is your Center only for Buddhists?
7. What is a puja?
8. What about the prayers, prostrations and other rituals?
9. What are the rules here?
10. What are the economics of the Center and the Sangha?
11. Can I attend the classes if I've never meditated before and am a complete beginner?

3. Questions about classes

1. What if I'm new to any kind of organized religion?
2. How should I dress for class?
3. Do I have to wait for the next series of classes to begin?
4. What classes are available and where should I start?
5. What happens in a typical class?
6. What about the more advanced classes?
7. What happens in the more advanced classes?
8. What is the difference between Foundation and Teacher Training Programs?
9. Are there other programs or activities at the Temple?
10. What classes are available and where should I start?
11. How much do the classes cost?
12. What if I don't have money, but want to go to a class? Do I need to pre-register for the General Program classes?
13. Do I need to pre-register for day courses and empowerments?
14. What is the difference between General Program classes, day courses and Foundation Program classes?
15. How can I learn more about your Center and classes?

4. Questions about meditation

1. Do I have to be a Buddhist to benefit from meditation?
2. What if I'm completely new to meditation?
3. Why should I meditate?
4. How does meditation work?
5. How often should I meditate and what meditation should I do?
6. Will my previous meditation experience be a problem?
7. I can't seem to do the meditations...what should I do?
8. I have a specific problem in my life. Can Dharma help?
9. What books should I read?
   

5. Questions about active participation

1. How do I get involved with the Center?
2. I feel I’ve found a home in Kadampa Buddhism. How can I pitch in?

1. Questions about Buddhism, the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) and other religious beliefs...

Who was Buddha?

Buddha Shakyamuni, after whom Buddhism is named, was born as the Indian prince Siddhartha 2,500 years ago. Although materially, he had everything we could imagine anyone ever wanting, he became restless and disturbed when he realized that he and everyone else have no choice but to experience suffering and eventually death, with no control. Leaving his status, wealth, and family behind, Siddhartha embarked on a spiritual journey which culminated in his becoming a Buddha, or an enlightened being. He lived for another fifty years, giving over 84,000 teachings which form the basis of Buddhism as we know it today.

Is Buddhism a philosophy or a religion?

Buddhism is both. As a philosophy, it deals with the nature of life, reality, conduct and all of the big questions which have engaged humans for many ages. As a religion, it is concerned with these same issues, detailing how, through entering into an exploration of our minds, we can develop our human potential to the fullest, becoming Buddhas ourselves. In its religious aspect, Buddhist thought deals with the formless, non-material realm and explains its relationship to the material world around us. It also explains methods whereby we can develop minds such as faith, love, compassion and wisdom, as well as the significance of developing these.

Is Buddhism a religion? Is Buddha the same as God?

While Buddhism is referred to as a major world religion, it is not theistic. Buddhism accepts the concept of god, or gods, but Buddhist belief is that we all can ultimately become Buddhas ourselves. This can be accomplished by simply cultivating minds such as faith, love and compassion and learning to practice moral discipline, concentration and wisdom. We explain this process in our three study programs.

Many Westerners first hear about Buddhism from another religion's partial idea of it, often out of context. It is not a cult. At least a billion human beings are presently following the Buddhist path, keeping compassion and wisdom as their motivating forces.

Is there more than one Buddha?

Yes. Although Buddha Shakyamuni is the being people usually think of when using the word, there are many others. Actually, the term "Buddha" can be thought of as a designation rather than the name of a specific person. That is, if someone eliminates all negativity from his or her mind and actualizes all of his or her potential, he or she has become a Buddha.

How do you know if you or someone else is a Buddhist?

Once you place your reliance and faith in Buddha, his teachings, and the community who strive to become like him, you can consider yourself a Buddhist. This is pretty similar to the process in Christianity by which if you place your faith in Christ, you can call yourself a Christian.

What are some facts about Buddhism?

Buddhism is the world's third oldest and fourth largest religion--A 2,500-year-old tradition of teachings and practices. The main motivation in Buddhism is the wish to become more compassionate and wise.

Why is Buddhism relevant to my life?

Although Buddhism first appeared in India over two and a half thousand years ago, it has a timeless and universal relevance. In a nutshell, Buddha explained that all of our problems arise from confused and negative states of mind. He taught methods for ridding the mind of these destructive states and thereby realizing true happiness and fulfillment. These methods work for any mind, in any country, in any era.

Is the NKT part of Tibetan Buddhism?

No. The New Kadampa Tradition is global Buddhism. Just as the Tibetans faithfully adopted the practices taught to them by the great Indian masters and adapted it to their own culture, so Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder and Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition encourages people from all ethnic backgrounds to adopt the wisdom and compassion of Buddha and put it into practice in a way that suits their particular culture.

Do Buddhists meditate on “nothingness,” or “emptiness"? What good is that?

There is a great deal of popular confusion about these two concepts. Buddhists do not meditate on nothingness. Instead, our studies and meditations include contemplating ultimate and conventional truths. The study of conventional truths leads to a deep understanding of how our actions lead to particular experiences and effects in our lives. The result of this is that we begin to understand that engaging in good or virtuous actions results in happiness, and engaging in negative actions results in unhappiness. This in turn motivates us to perform more and more virtuous actions and thus become more considerate, compassionate and loving people.

Through listening to teachings on ultimate truth or emptiness, we learn to eliminate our root ignorance that is the cause of all of our own and others' suffering. Finally, through combining our understanding of ultimate and conventional truths, we are able to transform ourself into a fully enlightened Buddha. This attainment affords us the best opportunity to be of benefit to others.

Who is Geshe Kelsang Gyatso?

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is the founder of our tradition and is our Spiritual Director. From the age of 8, Geshe-la (a term of endearment) studied at the great monastic universities of Tibet, earning the title "Geshe," which means "spiritual friend." Under the guidance of the famous Tibetan Lama Trijang Rinpoche, his Spiritual Guide, he spent the next eighteen years in meditative retreat in the Himalayas. He rose to prominence there through his mastery of the Kadampa tradition and his compassionate healing acts.

In 1976, Geshe-la was invited to teach in England at Manjushri Centre. For over 25 years, he has worked tirelessly to bring Buddha's precious teachings to the West. He has established
hundreds of Centers, designed the three special study programs described above, written twenty highly acclaimed books, trained Western Buddhist teachers and built several Temples dedicated
to world peace. He currently divides his time between England and the United States, living humbly and guiding and inspiring many thousands of students.

We do not worship our Spiritual Director, but from the depths of our hearts we thank him for everything that he has given us. We recognize that he has gained a full understanding and experience of all of Buddha's teachings which in turn means that he now possesses the qualities of an enlightened being himself, including perfect compassion, wisdom and skill.

Sutra and Tantra: What's the difference?

Sutra teachings are the teachings of Buddha that are open to everyone to practice without the need for an empowerment. Tantra teachings require an empowerment from a Tantric Master, such as Geshe-la, and are known as "the quick path to enlightenment".

2. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TEMPLE AND THE CENTER

How long have you been at this Temple?

We opened in April of 2004.

What was this building before?

The building was built as a Temple in 1918 for the Spiritualist Church. They were here until 1998 when they sold it to a photographer who used it as a live-in studio until selling
it to us.

Where were you before?

Saraha Buddhist Center was started in San Francisco in 1992. We have had a residential center here for about ten years. We had been wanting a more public venue, so were delighted to
find this space.

Who are all the pictures of?

You might recall that we said that there are many Buddhas. Each one, male or female, is the embodiment of some aspect of enlightenment. They are like facets of a jewel in that each one has specific qualities that can help us with our spiritual practice and enable us to fulfill our own spiritual potential. For example, Avalokiteshvara is the Buddha of Compassion. He can help us touse our experience of our own suffering to understand how other people suffer as well.

Buddha Avalokiteshvara

He can help us to develop compassion for others. This can help us in our relationships because we will be able to empathize with what the other person is feeling.

Manjushri is the embodiment of the wisdom of all Buddhas and helps us to increase our own meditative insight. Je Tsongkhapa is the embodiment of the wisdom, compassion and spiritual power of all of the Buddhas. By relying upon him, we naturally develop these qualities ourself. Feel free to ask teachers and other students about the pictures. You will also naturally learn more about them as you continue to study.

Why are the water bowls on the shrine?

In all Buddhist traditions, offerings are made to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for many reasons. A major reason is that we want to show our gratitude for their attainments and teachings;
another is that we want to gain the same attainments ourselves.
Through making offerings, we create a relationship with the holy beings, just as by giving people gifts we improve our everyday relationships. While the Buddhas do not need these gifts, we ourselves need to give them to improve our relationship with the Buddhas. Our making offerings to them makes it clear that we are paying homage to their many good qualities and are hoping to learn from them.

Additionally, each of the seven bowls filled with water symbolizes a different offering substance, such as perfume and nectar. These originated from objects which people in India offered
to honored guests in their homes. Each offering substance creates causes for our mental and physical development in the future. For example, offering light creates the cause to increase our wisdom.

Is your Temple only for Buddhists?

Our Temple and Center belong to all living beings. We take care of it and welcome everyone who comes to visit. You don't have to be a Buddhist to participate. Most of us who are now members of the Buddhist Center came with some type of spiritual background, or with none at all. We began to notice that the meditation practices helped us solve our daily problems and resulted in a greater measure of inner peace. The Temple has classes for varying degrees of commitment and participation. Do what's right for you and we will do our best to be of benefit to you, whether or not you are a Buddhist.

What is a puja?

A puja is a series of prayers designed to bring us closer to enlightened beings and to help us to develop their good qualities. There are several pujas that take place at the Temple. These can be done by a single person or a group, aloud or silently. They each use a sadhana, a booklet which contains the words to the prayers of the puja itself.

What about the prayers, prostrations and other rituals?

We engage in prayers, prostrations and other rituals to help us purify our mind, increase our merit or good karma and receive inspiration from enlightened beings. All of these help us to quickly transform our mind. Some of the most sacred and ancient prayers and mantras have been retained in their original Tibetan or Sanskrit, but most of the prayers have been translated into our own language under the guidance of Geshe-la. Prostrations are a way of showing humility, gratitude and respect for the teachings. Decide for yourself whether or not to join in prayers, prostrations, or other rituals.

What are the rules here?

There are different types of Buddhist vows and precepts, including refuge vows, monks' and nuns' vows, Bodhisattva vows, and Tantric vows--all for those with varying levels of personal commitment. Vows are an individual's sole responsibility and each person voluntarily and privately chooses to take them or not. Nobody will judge you or expect anything from you other than common courtesy and respect. All of the vows serve the purpose of helping us to overcome our faults and to train our mind. The most important promise a Buddhist makes is the promise to never deliberately harm other living beings. Beyond that, we try to avoid placing our books or prayers on the floor, to remain quiet during meditation and to stand when the teacher enters and departs - all out of respect for the teachings. Mistakes are part of the path. It's the fact that we keep trying to improve that counts.

What are the economics of the Center and the Sangha?

Each NKT Center is an independent, non-profit entity, receiving no financial support from the tradition's leadership or any other government or corporate entity. We sustain the running of
the Center, the offering of all Dharma activities, and the living expenses of our principal Teachers through your class fees and donations, as well as through the contributions of those
who are core supporting members. You may choose to become what we call a 'Temple Friend' by contributing a regular tax-exempt donation of $65/month for one calendar year ($45 for students/low income), covering the cost of all regular classes and activities at all the Centers in Northern California. Our Centers in Northern California are growing and we have on-going fundraising campaigns to finance the facilities needed for that growth.

3. QUESTIONS ABOUT CLASSES

Can I attend the classes if I've never meditated before and am a complete beginner?

YES. The classes are introductory and are suitable for beginners. People with more experience with meditation can also take these classes and receive benefit.

What if I'm new to any kind of organized religion?

Buddhist teachings are inclusive and tolerant and are presented more as an applied philosophy, a practical psychology and an ethical way of life. We invite you to ask questions and to bring your own experience and intellectual capacity to any teaching. It is okay if you don't agree with everything. Having a questioning
mind is a plus for making progress in Buddhist meditation. Although ritual is part of our more advanced program classes, its purpose is to develop states of mind which enhance our spiritual progress.

How should I dress for class?

Dress comfortably. Most practitioners wear comfortable pants or other casual attire.

Do I have to wait for the next series of classes to begin?

NO. Each General Program meditation class is self-contained. You can choose to attend only one class or the whole series. Attending the entire series of classes is good because each class builds on the next. However, even if you attend only one class, you will derive great meaning from it. Any little bit of meditation you do will help.

What classes are available and where should I start?

We have several classes a week at three different levels. People usually start with our General Program classes because these operate on a drop-in basis, allowing you to check things out without commitment. There are two main classes a week with our Resident Teacher, Kadam Lucy James: Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Either of these will give you a chance to experience our Center.

What happens in a typical class?

In a General Program or drop-in class, you will experience guided meditation, hear a talk on some aspect of Buddhism and have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. You will learn breathing meditation and other forms of practical meditation that you can do at home throughout the week.

What about the more advanced classes? What happens there?

The more advanced classes (Foundation Program and Teacher Training Program) are based on a systematic study of various Buddhist texts. Their format is similar to the Sunday General Program classes in that they include prayers, meditation, a teaching and time for discussion.

What is the difference between Foundation and Teacher Training Programs?

The Teacher Training Program studies all of the books in the Foundation Program, as well as seven additional texts. It also requires continuous study of all of the texts and includes short retreats.

Are there other programs or activities at the Temple?

Yes. We offer half-day courses on some Sundays which replace the usual Sunday Morning Meditation/Prayers For World Peace classes. During these courses, we focus on a particular topic in more depth. We also have periodic retreats to which everyone is invited.

How much do the classes cost?

We suggest a donation of $10, or any other amount that you can afford for the General Program classes. We are a small non-profit organization with minimal finances. These donations are used for supplies, copying, etc. No one working for the Temple receives a salary.

What if I don't have money, but want to go to a class?

Everyone can come to classes regardless of ability to pay. To show respect and appreciation for the teachings, we recommend that everyone try to make a small donation, even if it's $1. It is said that this creates the cause for you to receive many Buddhist teachings in the future and to reap a rich harvest of benefits.

Do I need to pre-register for the General Program classes?

No, you don't need to pre-register.

Do I need to pre-register for day courses and empowerments?

It is helpful to the event coordinators if you pre-register because we usually include a vegetarian lunch. However, you can still attend these events, even without pre-registration.

What is the difference between General Program classes, day courses and Foundation Program classes?

General Program classes and day courses contain teachings for everyone about various aspects of Buddhism. For the more committed student, we offer the Foundation Program (FP) and an even more advanced class, the Teacher Training Program (TTP). These can be taken by correspondence if a student lives more than one hour's drive away from the classes. We also offer classes for those with Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments.

How can I learn more about your Center and classes?

You can call, e-mail, or write us for information by clicking on the "Contact" link of our website, located in the top left-hand corner of all of our pages above. Choose the Center of your choice.

4. QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDITATION

Do I have to be a Buddhist to benefit from meditation?

No. Anyone can learn basic meditation and experience the benefits. Buddhists respect all people and are happy to help anyone regardless of whether they subscribe to another faith, or to none whatsoever.

What if I'm completely new to meditation?

Welcome to a time-honored and fully-integrated mind/body philosophy and meditation method. If done systematically, correctly and with the desire to help other people, it creates a permanently happy, compassionate, wise and healthy person. People come to meditation for many different reasons: relief of stress, relaxation, health benefits, overcoming a personal problem, inner peace, a positive mind, a practical spiritual path
and an increased ability to help others. You can find all of these benefits by practicing the meditations taught at the Center.

Why should I meditate?

Meditation can help us to calm our minds and to develop and improve our concentration. The most profound purpose of meditation, however, is to acquaint and familiarize our minds with positive states and realizations and to eliminate negative ones. In this way, we gradually achieve minds free from the causes of unhappiness and suffering.

How does meditation work?

Meditation is a mind that concentrates on a virtuous object and is the main cause of mental peace and happiness. Meditation is a method for acquainting our mind with virtue. Virtuous states of mind naturally make us peaceful and happy.

Because our mind determines our experience and ultimately, the quality of our lives, we use meditation to gain control over our mind and focus it in a positive direction. Breathing meditations settle our mind and transformative meditations lead us to deeper and deeper experiences of inner peace and joy.

During the actual meditation process, we are repeatedly bringing our mind back to either a neutral (in the case of most breathing meditations) or virtuous object, such as love. In breathing meditations, we are mostly improving our concentration. Transformative or virtuous objects are those which cause us to be happy, positive and peaceful.

Whenever we meditate, we perform an action that causes us to experience inner peace in the future, even if our meditation doesn't seem to be "working." Eventually, we will have deeper experiences of inner peace. This in turn will affect our mind outside of meditation, as we bring the understanding developed in meditation into our daily life.

Gradually, we will find that our lives are improving, our experiences are less stressful and that we are happier regardless of our external conditions. Ultimately, we will keep working on our mind both in and out of meditation until we attain the supreme inner peace of full enlightenment.

How often should I meditate and what meditations should I do?

To begin with, getting into the habit of coming regularly - once or twice a week - to meditation classes will re-charge your batteries and make a big difference. Once you feel ready, it is very
helpful to engage in these meditations at home on a regular basis. You will soon notice their positive effects on your life.

As to which meditation to do, it's a good idea to start with breathing meditation until your concentration is stronger and to then gently start doing the other meditations you have learned.

Concerning how often, once a day is recommended, even it is only for 5, 10, or 15 minutes. This helps us to maintain a positive, sane perspective on the rest of the day. If you come to classes regularly, you will gradually learn more meditations that you can start doing at home.

Eventually, you will know how to incorporate all of the meditations you have learned into a three-week cycle of twenty-one meditations called "Lamrim", or the "Stages of the Path to Enlightenment". Please always feel free to ask the teacher for advice on your individual meditation practice.

Will my previous meditation experience be a problem?

We welcome you. Your previous experience can help you with many aspects of Kadampa Buddhism. If it is your intention to deeply pursue a spiritual path, it is important to remember that all Buddhist masters advise us to choose a path wisely and to follow it sincerely, gratefully and thoroughly.

Each authentic tradition is a complete method in itself, a sequence of progressive steps, not to be mixed or diluted. Should you choose the Kadampa path as your own, that is wonderful. Should you choose another path, follow it whole-heartedly with our blessings and good wishes.

I can't seem to do the meditations...what do I do?

Geshe-la says, "Try, don't worry!" Keep a light and happy mind, make steady effort and you will find that your concentration naturally improves. Geshe-la also suggests that we can improve
our meditations by using mindfulness in our daily life: to try to keep a positive mind by relying upon the teachings and to practice moral discipline (avoiding harmful actions to ourself and others).

You are in the right place. We will do our best to answer your questions if you have them and respond to your concerns if you voice them. Your confusion will clear away if you take the time to contemplate deeply and thoroughly each aspect of the teachings. By putting them into practice joyfully and consistently in your daily life, your understanding and ability to meditate will naturally improve.

I have a specific problem in my life. Can Dharma and/or meditation help?

People often find that they do. Buddha's teachings give people ways to heal and transform their minds, granting access to deep relaxation, happiness and inner peace. Meditation is the vehicle by which we can deepen our clarity, concentration and experience of these teachings so that we can integrate them into our lives.

Dharma can help people to think about their problems in new and more helpful ways. Often when we have problems, we can "not see the forest for the trees." Buddha taught a very wide view and by understanding this bigger picture, many problems can be put into a context which makes them easier to deal with.

Also, our Sangha is filled with compassionate people. As you get to know a few, you might approach one or more of them and discuss your concern with them.

What books should I read?

A good place to start is Transform Your Life. If you are ready to do the cycle of meditations based on the "Lamrim" (see above), you will be well-guided by The New Meditation Handbook.

Additional commentary to these twenty-one meditations can be found in Introduction to Buddhism and Joyful Path of Good Fortune. You can also browse a Tharpa Books catalogue to see what else catches your interest. Feel free to ask for advice!

5. QUESTIONS ABOUT ACTIVE PARTICIPATION

How do I get involved with the Center?

For most people, this starts with taking classes. If you like what you are hearing, and feel that you are learning and growing, you will probably keep studying, meditating and applying Dharma in your daily life.

You are also welcome to participate in one of our many volunteer programs which keep the classes and Center running smoothly. You will find a lot of experienced students in your classes who can give you more information about volunteering.

They can tell you how they are involved in the Center and probably suggest ways you could help. You are also welcome to contact the Education Program Coordinator and ask her about this. Please inquire about what help you can give to keep the classes and Center running smoothly.

We also have monthly education program meetings where everyone is invited to come and share their ideas about how to improve the Center and help it to flourish. There are many volunteer opportunities presented at these meetings.

Talk to an experienced Sangha member, study a book, do your best with the meditations, apply spiritual teachings to your daily life, ask questions and share your experiences. These are all ways to be involved with the Center.

I feel I’ve found a home in Kadampa Buddhism. How can I pitch in?

It is wonderful that you have found us and we are happy to have you be a part of our community. Our tradition has many opportunities to participate in practical ways, including helping at the Centers with many tasks, contributing financially to ensure our viability and to enable our growth, and studying and practicing enough yourself to become a Teacher who can offer the tradition to others. All are of great value. Welcome to your new home.