For spiritual practiitioners, going for refuge to the Three Jewels, Buddha, Dharma and Sangha is the gateway for entering Buddhism. We recognize that we need help from the Three Jewels in order to make swift progress towards the real peace and happiness we seek. By going for refuge we can eventually accomplish full enlightenment and help others in the same way.

10:30am - 11:45am First Retreat Session
12:45pm - 2pm Second retreat session
3pm - 4:30pm Third retreat session

$25 / 3 sessions. $10 per session.

Seniors/students $5/session. $15 / 3 sessions.

Members Free

Celebrate with us this special Holy Day called Buddha’s Return from Heaven Day. September 22 marks the celebration of Buddha’s return from heaven! On this day we celebrate Buddha’s return from the desire god realm called Land of the Thirty-three Heavens, so-called because it has thirty-three different types of god. Traditionally this day also marks the day Buddha transported himself to the Land of the Thirty-three Heavens to visit his mother, who had taken rebirth there after she died. Buddha deeply wanted to repay his mother’s kindness by teaching her Dharma. He stayed for three months teaching Dharma and then returned on this day.
This day is therefore very special. It is said that if we engage in any kind of virtuous action on this day it becomes especially powerful and our merit greatly increases. For example, if we offer one single light offering this action is multiplied to become millions of light offerings. Kadampa centers around the world organise special activities including courses, meditations and prayers on this day. Join us here in Austin as we engage in prayers and dedications to strengthen our connection with Buddha Shakyamuni and celebrate this holy day together.

Join us for Offering to the Spiritual Guide prayers at 6:30pm. Online chanted prayers link. Everyone welcome!

The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment meditations (or Lamrim in Tibetan) are a condensation of all Buddha's teachings that is easy to understand and put into practice, enabling us to gain deep meditative insights of every step of our journey to the supreme permanent peace of mind that is enlightenment. Through employing the very special practical presentation of these meditations by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche in his book The Mirror of Dharma with Additions, we will definitely accomplish the real meaning of our precious human life.

This morning workshop invites us to discover the beauty and symbolism woven throughout Buddhist art. In the first session, we’ll contemplate the deeper meaning behind sacred images of the Buddhas. In the second, we’ll explore the rich significance of the Eight Auspicious Symbols—timeless expressions of wisdom and good fortune.

Join us for one or both sessions.
$20 per person/$10 each session/ free for members

Everyone welcome!

This Saturday morning practice involves extensive prayers to our Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden. A Dharma Protector is an emanation of a Buddha or Bodhisattva whose main functions are to avert the inner and outer obstacles that prevent practitioners from attaining spiritual realizations and to arrange all the necessary conditions for their practice.

This puja lasts for 3 1/2 hrs and will be dedicated to the swift and successful construction of our new space in the Mueller neighborhood. Please joins us for some or all of the prayers.

Held at:
Vessel Offsite
7101 Easy Wind Drive
Unit 3108
Austin, Texas 78752