PBC Tampa Bay is a practice group in the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism that exists as part of the larger mandala of Padmasambhava Buddhist Center International. Through the kindness of our teachers, the late H.E. Venerable Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and his brother Venerable Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche, we were given permission to form a practice group and offer weekly dharma practice to anyone who was interested.<\/p>\n
Beginning August 7, 2007, PBC Tampa Bay was graciously and generously granted a space to offer practice and meditation at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa. In recognition of this generosity, PBC Tampa Bay contributes a portion of all donations received during weekly practice to the church.<\/p>\n
This year celebrates 7 years of our practice group gathering for weekly practice \u2013 currently on Monday nights at 7pm in the large dome. Our practice is always attended by a mix of UUCT members and people from the community. The typical attendance is usually between 4 to 8 people and sometimes on special occasions, sangha members from outside the area will come to join us.<\/p>\n
PBC Tampa Bay is co-coordinated by Stephen Marchese and Mary Kuka-Marchese. During practice, Mary acts in the role of the Chopon or shrine keeper. It is her responsibility that the shrine is constructed and kept as per the instructions of the teachers and the lineage to the best of her ability. Stephen\u2019s role is that of Umze or chant master. He sets the cadence and directs the order of the prayers and meditation.<\/p>\n
Weekly practice is comprised of the recitation of prayers in Tibetan and English and silent meditation. Practice always begins with the opening prayers to Padmasambhava and our Lineage masters. The main text that we most often chant is entitled the Heart Sutra. The Heart Sutra is a Buddhist text that is associated with all vehicles of Buddhism. The Heart Sutra, which is part of a much larger text known as the Prajnaparimita or Perfection of Wisdom Sutra is considered the most condensed and distilled form of the wisdom teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni. We then sit in silent shamatha or calm abiding meditation for approximately 15 minutes. After which we recite the long life prayers to the teachers and dedicate the merit of the practice to all sentient beings. Tibetan Buddhism is part of the larger umbrella of Mahayana Buddhism whose main focus is the practice of enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. This is the Bodhisattva ideal of freeing all beings before oneself.<\/p>\n
Our group is open and we welcome those new to Tibetan Buddhism as well as experienced practitioners. A beginner\u2019s orientation is provided at 6:30pm. Experienced practitioners are encouraged to come at least 15 minutes before practice begins to allow time to get settled. Practice texts are provided as well as ample seating however, bringing a cushion is fine for those who would prefer to sit on the floor.<\/p>\n
For additional information visit:
\nPBC \u2013 Tampa Bay [http:\/\/www.pbctampabay.org\/
\nPBC \u2013 International [http:\/\/www.padmasambhava.org\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PBC Tampa Bay is a practice group in the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism that exists as part of the larger mandala of Padmasambhava Buddhist Center International. Through the kindness of our teachers, the late H.E. Venerable Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and his brother Venerable Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche, we were given permission to form … Continue reading Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Group<\/span>