Gampopa Center

03/26/2026

Medan, Mani House, November 24, 2023, Lama Phurbu Tashi Rinpoche

Humanity First

It could have been done in the past. It may not be done in the future. That means we have to do it now. Let’s not put our countries, religions, races, or gender first. We should put our humanity first, and everything else is secondary. Look into the past—humans have fought and been brutal to each other. They always had reasons, believing that killing each other was the solution. But it has always been the wrong reason, creating more problems or different versions of the same problems. Let’s not continue this way—the failed ways of the past. Humanity first does not mean you have to sacrifice yourself for others or do a lot of charity work. It simply means we do not create problems for others because of these secondary matters or differences. Because the number one thing, the most basic thing, is that we are a human family. This is not something we have to learn or believe—it is a reality.

09/04/2025

✨Lama Phurbu Tashi Rinpoche✨

07/29/2025

“The Buddha presented unique and rare teachings, the only path that leads to the truth, and realizing the truth leads to liberation. These teachings are found only in Buddhism. We follow them because they represent a unique philosophy that frees us from samsaric sufferings and dualistic delusions. These include the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, Prajnaparamita, the philosophy of emptiness and interdependent origination, bodhicitta, Buddha-nature, and so on. The Buddha also explained nirvana in terms of the three kayas. It is because of these unique teachings that we follow the Buddha.

However, if we think that some teachings are useful while others are not—for example, if we only follow the Four Noble Truths and ignore later teachings because someone said Buddha only taught the Four Noble Truths, then we are diminishing the Buddha. The whole purpose of following the Buddha is because of his unique teachings. If we say the most profound and important parts of the Buddha’s teachings are not the Buddha’s teachings, it makes people wonder: then why would I follow Buddha? Likewise, if we think that the Four Noble Truths and discipline are not important, that is also not valid, as these form the foundation of all later teachings.”

Lama Phurbu Tashi Rinpoche, July 27, 2025, Medan, Indonesia

07/26/2025

“You may have been meditating in your own way, following some idea you have in your mind, or listening to different random sources. Even though you are coming to class, maybe you haven’t listened to the instructions carefully.
The authentic Buddhist techniques we use here — like focusing on the breath or on the nature of your mind, simply sitting with our clarity, awareness, unfabricated mind, and effortless way — (taught by Mahasiddhas and Kagyu gurus) are meant to achieve the realization of Prajnaparamita, or to realize the nature of mind, our own primordial nondual nature. They are not just for relaxation, stress relief, or to feel good. That’s good too, but that’s not the goal.
It’s like the sun. Because everything exists, it is because of the sun — the plants, all life on earth. Even at night, the sun is still there. In Medan, it’s still hot even at night. Though we cannot see the sun at night, its power remains. We are in the dark, yet the sun’s presence continues.
In the daytime, the sun’s power is felt directly. It feels different. The nature of our mind is like this — we don’t really understand it, our true nature. But even if we don’t fully understand, through meditation we turn in that direction — towards our non-dual nature, our true nature.
That nature is very powerful — it holds all kinds of power. Powers like clairvoyance, peace, and healing — these are small, not so important. Even people who don’t know about the nature of mind, by focusing on the breath, for instance, can achieve clairvoyance, samadhi, or healing.
But our purpose is to realize the nature of mind — to realize Prajnaparamita, the perfection of wisdom. That is like seeing the real sun. If that happens, that is the limitless source of power to achieve two benefits: liberation for oneself and liberating countless other sentient beings from samsaric suffering. You don’t have to do much — just sit in meditation. Through that, you receive great benefits. I’m sure this way you will experience great blessings.” Lama Phurbu Tashi Rinpoche, July 25, 2025. Medan, Indonesia.

07/18/2025

Reminder: Celebrate Tara at the Gampopa Center! -

07/13/2025

Celebrate Tara at Gampopa Center -

06/23/2025

Dear Dharma Community,

We are excited to share that planning is underway for our ✨2025 Butter Lamps Pilgrimage — now entering its 9th year! This annual journey continues to be a deeply meaningful and transformative experience for all who participate.

If you’re interested in joining or would like more details, please contact Karen:

📲 WhatsApp 4105331411

📧[email protected]

We warmly welcome your presence on this sacred path.

With blessings,
Gampopa Center volunteers

06/17/2025

Join us in this celebration of Tara — revered in Tibetan Buddhism as the Mother of all the Buddhas, the swift and fearless liberator from all fears and obstacles, and the compassionate protector of all sentient beings. Within the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition, particularly in the Kagyu view, she is honored as the embodiment of Prajñāpāramitā on the relative level, and Prajñāpāramitā itself on the absolute level — the very essence of awakened wisdom.
Your support will help fund the acquisition of a precious statue of Tara from Nepal — a sacred offering to the Gampopa Center and the Annapolis community in Maryland, to serve as a source of blessings, inspiration, and spiritual benefit for years and generations to come.
Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-tara-at-the-gampopa-center-tickets-1413876836679?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

06/12/2025

✨You're Invited!

05/30/2025