There are many different methods used in Tibetan Buddhist practice to achieve the ultimate aim of Buddhahood for all sentient beings. Our group practice incorporates many of these methods. Most of our group practices last for 1-2 hours, and consist largely of chanting and silent meditation. We chant the prayers in Tibetan first so that the integrity of the teachings and prayers are maintained in t
he language that they were originally taught in. They are chanted then in English so that the instructions in the prayers and our own aspirations and intentions are made firm in what is, for most of us, our first language. The group practice also includes what is usually 10-30 minutes of silent meditation wherein the practitioner is either resting in the ultimate state of mind or incorporating visualizations into the meditation. Depending on the Tibetan calendar and the needs of the Sangha different sadhanas are practiced at different times. A sadhana is a meditaiton practice that uses specific prayers, mantras, and visualizations to connect with the goodness of a certain buddha and with our own basic goodness. These sadhanas always begin and end with a short short practice dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, with prayers for the enlightenment of all beings. Our Tuesday Practice consists of recitation of the Heart Sutra and 100 Syllable Vajrasattva mantra, and silent meditation. Prajnaparamita is the wisdom that realizes directly phenomena as they are. It is the profound essence of the Mahayana and the very basis of practice in the Vajrayana. The Heart Sutra was among the first of the Prajnaparamita teachings to be translated from the Sanskrit. It is considered to contain in its few lines the essence, or condensed meaning, of the entire Prajnaparamita. The Chicago PBC also holds regular practice (known as "Sangha Sunday") on the first Sunday of every month at differing locations throughout Chicagoland. These practices are often a bit longer than Tuesday nights and afterwards we have a very nice potluck dinner (we are all good cooks!). To attend please call or email us for locations and times.
