Training In Mindfulness (Lompoc)
2019-07-10 18:30 - 19:30, 2019-07-17 18:30 - 19:30, 2019-07-24 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 1825 State Street Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
“Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible.” ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Prayer and meditation are neither small nor passive actions. Rather, they are a force for change in our shared world. Join us to bring peace to our world through the action of meditation, and dedicating our prayers for world peace. Everyone is welcome – you do not need to be a Buddhist to attend.
Each class consists of a guided breathing meditation, a short teaching on Buddhist meditation techniques, and a guided meditation to practice as a group. The preparatory prayers are in English. Prayer booklets are available for use.
If you pre-register for the whole 4-week guided meditation series, you will receive a copy of The NEW Meditation Handbook, authored by renowned Buddhist scholar and Meditation Master, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Pre-register HERE.
Suggested Donation per single class – $10

Guru Yoga Mandala Offering Retreat
2019-09-01 09:00 - 17:30, 2019-09-02 09:00 - 17:30 | Mahakankala Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1825 State Street Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
Retreat sessions will be on Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2. The first session of the retreat on Sunday will be an introduction to the practices of Guru Yoga and Mandala Offering by our Resident Teacher, Kadam Keli Vaughan. The retreat is open to everyone. Each retreat session is 90 minutes long including prayers.
The practice of Mandala Offering creates vast good fortune and is a method to attain the Pure Land of a Buddha.
Giving with a mind of compassion unmixed with attachment is the first of the Six Perfections. Buddha taught giving as the first of the Six Perfections so that living beings can generate good fortune, or merit, to sustain all necessary conditions for our spiritual practice. While meditation plants the seeds of realizations within our mind, if our mind is devoid of merit, or good karma, we will be planting seeds in barren ground. Accumulating merit creates a rich and fertile mental environment within which our meditations will swiftly ripen and transform into realizations.
The blessings arising from the practice of Guru Yoga are rain that nurtures and sustains the seeds of our meditation. Guru Yoga is a special and powerful method that enables us to receive the blessings of all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and holy beings. Receiving this inspiration into our mind bestows inner peace and gives rise to realizations of renunciation, universal compassion, and wisdom realizing emptiness.
Session 1 9:00-10:30am (Introduction to the practice on Sunday / Regular session on Monday)
Session 2 11:00am-12:30pm
Session 3 2:00-3:30pm
Session 4 4:00-5:30pm
Each session is $5 or $20 for whole day.
Free for Foundation Program students.

Free Meditation Classes at the Lompoc Family YMCA
2019-09-16 | Lompoc Family YMCA, 201 W. College Ave., Lompoc, CA, 93436, United States
Join us at the Lompoc Family YMCA for two meditation classes
Monday, September 16
Morning Class – 10:30-11:30am
Evening Class – 5:30-6:30pm
About the classes:
A daily practice of meditation offers us fresh perspectives on our life. These classes provide an opportunity to pause and relax. Using guided breathing meditation, we’ll create peace in our own mind. No special attire required. You can bring your own cushion or sit in a chair.
About the teacher:
Kadam Keli Vaughan is the Resident Teacher of Mahakankala Buddhist Center in Santa Barbara, CA – a member of the New Kadampa Tradition, International Kadampa Buddhist Union. Kadam Keli has been studying and practicing meditation in this tradition of Buddhism since 1995. She also teaches at Mahakankala Buddhist Center North in Lompoc, CA.

Fall Festival Countdown - Temple Opening
2019-09-26 | International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon, 6701 Mountain Ranch Resort Dr, Williams, AZ, 86046, United States
For information, please click HERE.

International Kadampa Fall Festival
2019-09-27, 2019-09-28, 2019-09-29, 2019-09-30, 2019-10-01, 2019-10-02, 2019-10-03 | International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon, 6701 Mountain Ranch Resort Dr, Williams, AZ, 86046, United States
For information and registration, click HERE.

Meditation for Families & Kids
2019-10-27 09:00 - 10:00 | Mahakankala Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1825 State Street Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
Through stories, songs, meditation, and crafts, children can learn simple Buddhist principles such as kindness, respect for others, and keeping a happy heart. A parent needs to accompany each child for this class.
Adults will find these introductory teachings valuable as well, and will be able to use what is learned in class throughout the week. Practicing meditation together can support a family life filled with loving-kindness, peace and harmony.
Cost per family: $10

Vajrasattva Purification Retreat
2019-12-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Mahakankala Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1825 State Street Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
Everyone Welcome.
Purification practice ensures that the mental environment within which we plant the seeds of meditation is pure and level — not like stony ground.
All Buddhas appear in the form of Vajrasattva to purify the minds of living beings. For this reason the practice of meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva is superior to other purification practices. By relying upon Vajrasattva practice, we naturally become happier and begin to experience ever purer states of mind such as love, compassion, and wisdom.
Using Vajrasattva’s mantra, we concentrate on removing the negative karma in our mind by applying the Four Powers:

Reliance on the Compassion, Wisdom, and Power of Enlightened Beings
Regret for Engaging in Harm and Negativity
The Virtuous Opponent Force of the Mantra of Purification
The Promise to Refrain from Negative Habits of Body, Speech, and Mind

Each meditation session lasts 90 minutes and includes some instruction on the practice, as well as preparatory prayers and time for mantra recitation. Saturday sessions will be guided. Sunday sessions will be self-guided for those who are familiar with the practice.
You are welcome to join us for the entire retreat, or to drop in for any session you have time for. Any meditation retreat becomes more qualified and beneficial if sequential sessions are attended.
An introduction to the practice will be presented by our Resident teacher, Keli Vaughan, on Friday, December 20 at 7pm. This will help beginners and experienced meditators prepare for the retreat.

Retreat Schedule:
Friday
Introduction to Purification Practice 7:00-8:30pm
Saturday (guided)
Session 1 9:00-10:30am
Session 2 11:00am-12:30pm
Session 3 2:00-3:30pm
Session 4 4:00-5:00pm Heart Jewel
Sunday (self-guided)
Session 1 2:00-3:30pm
Session 2 4:00-5:30pm
$15 for each day’s program.
$40 for whole retreat.
Free for monthly members.

Vajrasattva Purification Retreat
2019-12-21 09:00 - 17:00, 2019-12-22 14:00 - 17:30 | Mahakankala Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1825 State Street Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
Everyone Welcome.
Purification practice ensures that the mental environment within which we plant the seeds of meditation is pure and level — not like stony ground.
All Buddhas appear in the form of Vajrasattva to purify the minds of living beings. For this reason the practice of meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva is superior to other purification practices. By relying upon Vajrasattva practice, we become happier and begin to experience ever purer states of mind such as love, compassion, and wisdom.
Using Vajrasattva’s mantra, we concentrate on removing the negative karma in our mind by applying the Four Powers:

Reliance on the Compassion, Wisdom, and Power of Enlightened Beings
Regret for Engaging in Harm and Negativity
The Virtuous Opponent Force of the Mantra of Purification
The Promise to Refrain from Negative Habits of Body, Speech, and Mind

Each meditation session lasts 90 minutes and includes some instruction on the practice, as well as preparatory prayers and time for mantra recitation. Saturday sessions will be guided. Sunday sessions will be self-guided for those who are familiar with the practice.
You are welcome to join us for the entire retreat, or to drop in for any session you have time for. Any meditation retreat becomes more qualified and beneficial if sequential sessions are attended.
An introduction to the practice will be presented by our Resident teacher, Keli Vaughan, on Friday, December 20 at 7pm. This will help beginners and experienced meditators prepare for the retreat.

Retreat Schedule:
Friday
Introduction to Purification Practice 7:00-8:30pm
Saturday (guided)
Session 1 9:00-10:30am
Session 2 11:00am-12:30pm
Session 3 2:00-3:30pm
Session 4 4:00-5:00pm Heart Jewel
Sunday (self-guided)
Session 1 2:00-3:30pm
Session 2 4:00-5:30pm
$15 for each day’s program.
$40 for whole retreat.
Free for monthly members.

NYE Meditation
2019-12-31 18:30 - 19:45 | Mahakankala Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1825 State Street Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
“Only by creating peace within our own mind and helping others to do the same can we hope to achieve peace in this world.”
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Please consider joining us during the early part of your New Year’s Eve. Together we can create a healthy world with a shift in the way we think and perceive. We make that shift through contemplation, prayer, and meditation.
Bring a friend! Celebrate our collective wish to remove suffering from our world. The evening’s program will include a guided meditation and prayers to Avalokiteshvara, Buddha of Compassion.
This event is free of charge, but donations are always welcome.

Concentration Retreat Intro
2020-01-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Mahakankala Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1825 State Street Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
In this introduction to the practice of retreat we will review setting retreat boundaries and the levels of concentration we can accomplish through continual familiarity with one meditation object.
During the silent retreat that follows, the center will be open for meditators who wish to deepen their practice of concentration in four sessions. Silence will be observed within the center during retreat.
Each session will begin with the preparatory practices of prayers, up to visualizing receiving blessings from Buddha Shakyamuni and all the Enlightened Beings.
The remainder of the session will be in silence with no concluding prayers. Timed chimes will alert participants to each session’s end.
GUIDELINES FOR THIS 2-DAY RETREAT

Please come prepared with your meditation object. When training in developing concentration we practice meditating on the same object in all sessions. Examples of meditation objects: Equanimity, Death and Impermanence, Renunciation, Compassion, Taking, Giving, Emptiness of the Body
Please arrive early so you can start prayers on time. Coming late will disrupt others’ session.
Once the session starts, please be prepared not to leave your cushion or chair. This determination will support your practice as well as prevent disturbing each other’s practice.

Cost to attend whole retreat including introductory talk – $40.
Introductory talk on Friday – $10.
Each stand-alone session – $5.
Thank you for supporting Meditation in Santa Barbara!

Silent Concentration Retreat
2020-01-04 10:30 - 18:30, 2020-01-05 13:45 - 16:45 | Mahakankala Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1825 State Street Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
The center will be open for meditators who wish to deepen their practice of concentration in four sessions. Silence will be observed within the center during retreat.
Each session will begin with the preparatory practices of prayers, up to visualizing receiving blessings from Buddha Shakyamuni and all the Enlightened Beings.
The remainder of the session will be in silence with no concluding prayers. Timed chimes will alert participants to each session’s end.
SCHEDULE
Saturday:
Session 1 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Session 2 1:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Session 3 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Session 4 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm
Sunday:
Session 5 1:45-3:00pm
Session 6 3:30-4:45pm
GUIDELINES

Please come prepared with your meditation object. When training in developing concentration we practice meditating on the same object in all sessions. Examples of meditation objects: Equanimity, Death and Impermanence, Renunciation, Compassion, Taking, Giving, Emptiness of the Body
Please arrive early so you can start prayers on time. Coming late will disrupt others’ session.
Once the session starts, please be prepared not to leave your cushion or chair. This determination will support your practice as well as prevent disturbing each other’s practice.

Cost to attend whole retreat (including Friday introduction) $40, or $5 per session.
Thank you for supporting Meditation in Santa Barbara!

The Practice of Powa
2020-01-07 18:00 - 19:15 | Mahakankala Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1825 State Street Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
A Brief Teaching on Transference of Consciousness with Prayers
Through practicing transference of consciousness — known as ‘powa’ — with faith, compassion, and concentration, we can transfer the consciousness of those recently deceased to a higher rebirth or to the Pure Land of a Buddha.
The Powa Ceremony can be done either by a group of practitioners or individually on behalf of one or more deceased persons, or countless deceased beings. By engaging in this practice we also create a great collection of virtue, which will also lead us into the pathway to a Buddha’s Pure Land.
Our Resident Teacher, Kadam Keli Vaughan will give a brief introduction to the meaning of this practice before we engage in Powa as a group. Prayers are in English and we have copies for use and for purchase for your personal practice.
Donations for teachings accepted.

Guided Meditation Retreat (SB)
2020-01-19 09:00 - 15:30 | Mahakankala Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1825 State Street Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
The Four Noble Truths
In Buddha’s first Dharma teaching he said,
“You should know sufferings.
You should abandon origins.
You should practice paths.
You should attain cessations.”
Spend a day contemplating and meditating on Dharma. The schedule is built to provide walking breaks, tea breaks, and a lunch break.
$30 for day/ $10 per Session/ Free for Members of MBC
Session 1 9:00am-10:00am — What We Should Know
Session 2 10:30-11:30am — What We Should Abandon
Session 3 1:00pm-2:00pm — What We Should Practice
Session 4 2:30-3:30pm — What We Should Attain
All sessions will be guided by Resident Teacher, Kadam Keli Vaughan.

Detox the Mind w/ Gen Rigpa (Thousand Oaks)
2020-01-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Fred Kavli Theatre – B of A Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks,, CA, 91362, United States
Location:
THE THOUSAND OAKS CIVIC ARTS PLAZA
2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Time:
Saturday, January 25th
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Cost:
Starting at $30
Who is Gen Kelsang Rigpa?
Gen Kelsang Rigpa is an American Buddhist monk, the Western US National Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition, and resident teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center in Hollywood, CA. Gen Rigpa has been studying and practicing Buddhism for almost two decades. He teaches classes, workshops, and leads retreats all over the country.

Please click HERE for info and registration!

Long Protector Puja
2020-04-27 17:00 - 20:30 | Mahakankala Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1825 State Street Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
This extensive sadhanaâ€”ritual prayers for spiritual attainmentsâ€”is called â€œKangsoâ€ in Tibetan, which means â€œFulfilling and Restoring Ritual.â€
Usually performed once a month in Dharma Centers in our tradition, it is used for fulfilling our heart commitment to practice Lamrim, Lojong, and Mahamudra, for restoring any degenerate or broken commitments we may have incurred, and to rely on the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden, regarding him as inseparable from our Spiritual Guide and Buddha.
All chanted prayers are free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Prayer booklets in English are provided for use during the puja.

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Wednesday Evening Meditation Class via Zoom
2020-05-06 18:30 - 19:30, 2020-05-13 18:30 - 19:30 | 1825 State Street Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
Please send us your email through our Contact form if you would like to receive and invitation to join this class online.
When the otherwise incessant flow of our distracting thoughts is calmed through concentrating on the breath, our mind becomes unusually lucid and clear. We can practice remaining with this state of mental calm for a while in meditation.
Each class begins with a guided breathing meditation and culminates with a second meditation based upon the evening’s topic.
Drop in to any or all classes in this course. Perfect for beginners or those with meditation experience.

Class Fee $10

Thursday Evening Meditation Class via Zoom
2020-05-07 18:30 - 19:30, 2020-05-14 18:30 - 19:30 | 1825 State Street Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
Please send us your email through our Contact form if you would like to receive and invitation to join this class online.

This meditation class series explores ways of thinking about other people that will uplift our mind. By carrying these ideas into our daily life, we can maintain a light, joyful attitude towards others, whatever life throws our way.
Guided by Buddha’s Lojong teachings, we will learn how to identify obstacles in our mind that lead us away from peace — and how to oppose these inner obstacles by improving our capacity to love others.

Each class begins with a guided breathing meditation and culminates with a second meditation based upon the evening’s topic. Drop in to any or all classes in this course. Perfect for beginners or those with meditation experience. Open to everyone.
