New and Improved website

Please visit our new website!

http://www.eastwestcultureproject.org/

Welcome

Buddhism to us is the opportunity to learn everything about ourselves and the world through an ancient method, the Buddha's teachings. We live in and embrace the 21st century, and so we recognize that true teachings must be adjusted to fit with the times. We wholeheartedly study from an unbroken lineage of teachings that trace back to Shakyamuni Buddha himself, and integrate the natural spontaneity of our lives into our experience here.

We are a diverse group. We are teachers, students, artists, writers, dancers, designers, doctors, yoga teachers, parents, social workers, and many more from over a dozen countries. What brings us together is our belief in the possibility to transform our lives and those around us for the better. That, with practice and study, we can shift from the uncertainty and instability of ordinary existence to the diamond-like understanding of our true nature.

With a feeling reminiscent of ancient spiritual sites such as Varanasi in India, profound inspiration and connection occurs when you arrive at the Tsalpa Kagyu Center. Upon entering, you walk down the long hall of lineage holders and slowly everything that has been consuming you that day falls away. Under the constellation of mandalas, what you were using your energy on can now be transformed into healing practices for the body and mind. The collective energy of all the practitioners from the beginning until now are like a tidal wave of positive strength that inspires you to let go, reflect and practice for the benefit of yourself and all those around you.

The warmth and diversity of our community provides a richness and foundation for sharing and practicing. Before/after class, the front greeting rooms are often filled with students sipping traditional tea, sharing healthy meals and their experiences. Others are found chilling in the library, absorbed in the biographies of those who have become before us.

We have frequent and precious opportunities to personally interact with Rinpoche, receiving teachings and advice about our lives and minds. Rinpoche teaches classes multiple times a week and directly takes questions from students on a daily basis. His wit, warmth and personable approach makes him accessible to all. Classes with Rinpoche are in Chinese with direct translation into English. Rinpoche has translated countless texts from Tibetan into Chinese, many of which are now available in English.