Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of our most Frquently Asked Questions. Just click on the answer button to reveal the answer to the question.

What is Meditation  [Answer]

To meditate means to familiarise our mind constantly and thoroughly with a virtuous object such as an attitude of unconditional love, for example.   Meditation overcomes all inner problems such as those created by anger, jealousy and desirous attachment. Meditation controls our mind and brings inner peace; it enables us to cultivate virtuous intentions that lead us to perform good actions; and it eliminates non-virtuous intentions that lead us to perform bad actions.   To practise meditation we first need to learn the teachings by listening to and reading correct instructions, then we contemplate the teachings that we have understood. Finally we concentrate on these meanings to familiarise ourselves with states of mind that bring inner peace, happiness and freedom from problems.

What Happens in a Class? [Answer]

Usually the class begins with a short prayer to Buddha Shakyamuni to request inspiration followed by guided breathing meditation. No unusual clothing is required, and seating is on chairs in clean quiet rooms hired especially for the purpose.   There is then a 40-45 minute teaching on the chosen topic of the evening, principally to explain an object of meditation. All the teachings are based on Venerable Geshe Kelsang's books and instructions.   The teachers have transmissions and blessings of the instructions through attending the Foundation Programme and putting them into practice. After the teaching there will be a guided meditation based on some of the topics covered, followed by friendly and informal discussion within the group. People are encouraged to take part but if they wish they can just listen. The more that people in the class ask questions and discuss, however then the more everyone gets out of the lesson. There is a facility fee of £4.50 for classes. This is to cover the hire of venues, publicity and to pay for traveling costs. No teacher or class assistant receives any payment for giving these classes.

Evening Foundation Programme
What Happens in a Class?  [Answer]

The class begins with prayers for meditation on the 'Stages of the Path to Enlightenment' entitled 'Essence of Good Fortune' and a guided meditation.   There will then be a teaching from the book lasting about 45 minutes. The teacher will transmit the essential meaning of the text and explain any points of misunderstanding or difficulty. The emphasis is on identifying objects of meditation and understanding how to apply these instructions to our daily life. The more that people ask questions and discuss, then the more everyone gets out of the lesson. After teaching there will be 20 minutes for students to discuss in pairs. They begin by helping each other to review the main parts from memory, afterwards they check the book to make sure that they have remembered them correctly. They then discuss the various points to overcome any doubts or misunderstandings and arrive at a clear understanding of the meaning.   They also identify and suggest the meditation for the next class. At the end of the class the Teacher and students dedicate the virtue that they have created to the welfare of all living beings by reciting the dedication prayers.   Every fourth session is group discussion; two students review the pages covered in the previous three sessions and then all students discuss any questions they have.   At the end of each section of the book, students' learning will be assessed by written examination.

Saturday Foundation Programme
What Happens in a Class? [Answer]

Session one is 9.30am – 11.30am Second session is 12.30pm – 2.00pm   The class begins with prayers for meditation on the 'Stages of the Path to Enlightenment' entitled 'Essence of Good Fortune' an a guided meditation. There will then be a teaching from the book lasting about 45 minutes. The teacher will transmit the essential meaning of the text and explain any points of misunderstanding or difficulty. The emphasis is on identifying objects of meditation and understanding how to apply these instructions to our daily life. The more that people ask questions and discuss, then the more everyone gets out of the lesson. After teaching there will be 20 minutes for students to discuss in pairs. They begin by helping each other to review the main parts from memory, afterwards they check the book to make sure that they have remembered them correctly. They then discuss the various points to overcome any doubts or misunderstandings and arrive at a clear understanding of the meaning. They also identify and suggest the meditation for the next class.   At the end of the class the Teacher and students dedicate the virtue that they have created to the welfare of all living beings by reciting the dedication prayers.   We then have a lunch break of an hour and come back for a second session of meditation, teaching and discussion.   Every fourth session is a group discussion; two students review the pages covered in the previous three sessions then all students discuss any questions they have.   At the end of each section of the book, students learning will be assessed by written examination.

What is a Tsog Offering Puja [Answer]

Tsog refers to an assembly of Heroes and Heroines.  A Tsog offering is an offering made by an assembly of Heroes and Heroines.  When we make a Tsog Offering we regard all present as such an assembly.  A Hero is a male tantric deity and a Heroine is a female tantric deity.  A Tsog offering is principally made to an assembly of holy beings which include Gurus, Buddha's, Heroes, Heroines and Bodhisattvas. (We may also include all sentient beings).  We also offer a portion of the Tsog to spirits (beings who rely upon food or drink that has already been tasted and offered by spiritual practitioners).   Why should I come to one?   In various books by Geshe-la, he mentions the following benefits:   We fulfil our FP commitment to attend at least one Tsog Puja per month We restore our broken commitments (Great Treasury of Merit page 148)   We delight the Heroes and Heroines   We receive special blessings from our spiritual guide   In Guide to Dakini Land Geshe la says on page 185 the tsog offering is very important to practitioners of Highest Yoga Tantra for renewing commitments and averting obstacles.  It is a special method through which we come under the special care and guidance of the Dakas and Dakinis who bestow completion stage realizations.  On page 188 it is said that tsog offering is the principal method to attain both outer and inner Pure Dakini Land.  Practitioners who sincerely practise tsog offering twice each month will definitely be reborn in Pure Dakini Land.  The main function of the dharma protector is to avert inner and outer obstacles and arrange all necessary conditions.   There are four occasions for performing the tsog offering:   Wishfulfilling Jewel  (Saturdays)   Lama Chöpa (Offering to the Spiritual Guide) Usually 10th and 25th of each month   Kangso (usually 29th of each month)   Vajrayogini Self-initiation (Only those who have completed counting retreat).  These are usually held each month on a Sunday morning   See our monthly calendar for exact times of these Pujas.