Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

• The Power of Compassion - In Gratitude for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Mission

  • When
    18 May 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    DGCEC and via Zoom

  Register

  Sunday, May 18, 2025

  3:00 – 4:30pm, at DGCEC, In-Person and via Zoom

  You are invited to join us to honor His Holiness’ great kindness through nine decades of compassion commitment, to reflect on vital projects that have grown from his 2013 visit, and to recommit to compassionate living.

  This event at DGCEC’s is part of a world-wide “Year of Compassion” celebration. Thupten Jinpa, long time translator for His Holiness, will speak about the international significance of His Holiness’ four principal commitments. Well respected speakers will address the expansion of compassion locally and in the United States as we also mark the 12^th anniversary of “Engaging Compassion” when His Holiness blessed DGCEC and spoke to 17,000 people in Louisville.

  FREE EVENT but Please Register. DrepungGomangUSA.org or 502-614-5616.

  
  

  Show details
• Engaging Nonviolence

  • Start
    22 May 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    26 Jun 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    via Zoom

  Register

  An introduction to the skills and tools that change our lives and the world with Brian Martin and Anne Walter

  6 Thursdays, May 22 to June 26, 2025, 5:00-7:00pm, via Zoom

  Curious about nonviolence? Find out what it is and what it can do for you. From practical skills to useful tools, this 6-week course explores how nonviolence can help you in personal relationships, conflicts in community, and social change. Nonviolence is a way of life, a set of principles, a collection of practices for navigating conflict, and a toolbox for making change. In this course, we will introduce and explore them all. Engaging Nonviolence is an introductory class in Pace e Bene’s core course series, designed to lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of nonviolence as a philosophy and practice.

  Join Anne and Brian, certified facilitators of this Pace e Bene program, for this series of participatory sessions featuring stories, discussions, exercises, and reflections in large and small groups. You will leave feeling inspired and empowered to create change within yourself, foster healthy relationships, and contribute to a more just and peaceful world. This course offers a unique blend of theory and practice, providing you with the tools to navigate conflict effectively and integrate nonviolence into your everyday life.

  Requirements: Participants are encouraged (but not required) to purchase the Engaging Nonviolence Study Manual. A copy can be purchased in DGCEC’s Tibetan Marketplace, from PaceeBene.org or through another bookseller. Participants will be expected to complete weekly readings/viewings and come prepared for group discussions.

  This is a pilot class at DGCEC with Brian and Anne co-facilitating. Cost on a sliding scale: please pay what you are able:  $20, $50, $80. Register HERE or 502-614-5616.

  
  

  Brian Martin is a retired Registered Nurse and holds a doctorate in higher education and adult learning. He lives with two dogs, a cat, and goldfish. He believes that nonviolence is compassion in action.

  Seeking to be a bridge-builder between cultures, religious traditions and communities, Anne Walter has served in interfaith, social justice and peace-focused ministry for over 35 years. She is the Director of Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion, providing compassion education as a Dharma Center and as an inclusive Compassion Education Center. Anne is committed to expanding compassion and the practice of nonviolence.

  
  

  Show details
• The Power of the Present Moment: The Four Pillars of Mindfulness Meditation

  • Start
    22 May 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • End
    12 Jun 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM
  • Location
    DGCEC

  Register

  with Jenny Bell

  4 Thursdays, May 22 to June 12, 6:00 – 7:30pm

  In-Person at DGCEC

  Join Jenny for this grounded, hands on course based on the most contemporary neuroscience research melded with 2,500 year old ancient wisdom. This transformative course uses clear language and step by step guidance to show you how to practice mindfulness and access peace, power, freedom in the midst of your busy life. It is based on the four foundations of mindfulness and is bookended with the latest discoveries and knowledge about the human brain from the fields of neuroscience and modern psychology.

  Sign up and explore the how and why of

  • the theory, practical aspects and scientifically proven benefits of mindfulness and mindfulness meditation
  • working with thoughts and feelings
  • generating a sense of safety and belonging in the body
  • applying the attitudinal qualities of mindfulness to your life
  • using mindful gauges and somatic awareness to work with experience

  This course employs trauma sensitive mindfulness skills, modifications and tools for those with a highly active stress response. Grow your window of tolerance and resourcing.

  Open for beginners wishing to start a new meditation practice or for those seasoned practitioners who feel they have hit a plateau. Learn safe and practical methods to demystify mindfulness and reignite your sitting practice. Come witness the power of the present moment in your life!

  Cost on a sliding scale – please pay what you are able:  $85, $105 or $125. Register at DrepungGomangUSA.org or 502-614-5616.  Some partial scholarships may be available: DrepungGomangCompassion@gmail.com. 

  Jenny Bell is a poet, aspiring heart healer and earth artist. She is a Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness instructor offering classes and retreats throughout our community. Her offerings are born where spirituality + creativity intersect. She is a compassionist by heart ~ a stone mason by trade. Most days you will find her in the wilderness creating nature mandalas.

  Show details
• Green Tara Meditation Mini-Retreat

  • When
    24 May 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    DGCEC or via Zoom

  Register

  with Geshe Kalsang Rapgyal

  Saturday, May 24, 2025

  10:00am – 3:00pm, via Zoom or In-Person

  In this mini-retreat Geshela offers four sessions that includes teaching, visualization practice and meditation with breaks between them.

  Tara is the most beloved of all the Tibetan feminine meditation deities. She represents fearlessness, the swift ability to save beings from danger, and protection from suffering. In the beautiful myth of her creation, Tara is said to have sprung from the tears of Chenrezig, the great bodhisattva of compassion. So great was the scope of suffering he saw around him that Chenrezig shed tears in despair at not being able to help everyone, and from the lake of tears that grew at his feet sprang Tara in two forms: White Tara and Green Tara. With their help, we believe Chenrezig's wish to liberate all beings from suffering can be fulfilled. Tara is also a bodhisattva, someone who has vowed to attain enlightenment for the sake of liberating all beings, but she took a special vow: to attain enlightenment in a female body and so always to be reborn as a woman until this was fulfilled. Tara's vow has, consequently, given hope and inspiration to countless generations of women.
  
  Green Tara is perceived as giving powerful help to remove obstacles. These obstacles may be external or within our own mind - anything that causes us suffering or prevents us from being happy. People pray to Tara for help with worldly problems as well as for help with progress along the spiritual path. Images portray her as quick and fearless in her activity, for example, her outstretched right leg shows her readiness to spring into action whenever she is needed and she is often described as youthful, playful and dynamic. Green Tara is particularly associated with the quality of fearlessness and her special role lies in helping beings to overcome all kinds of fear and the suffering associated with fear.

  A simple lunch will be provided.

  Registration Required or by calling 502-614-5616.  Cost on a Sliding Scale: $40, $50 or $60.

  Please email us at DrepungGomangCompassion@gmail.com for a scholarship if needed.

  
  

  Show details
• Buddhist Psychology and the Nature of the Mind

  • Start
    25 May 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    27 Jul 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    DGCEC

  Register

  with Geshe Rapgyal

  9 Sundays, May 25 to July 27, 2025, 1:00 – 3:00pm Eastern Time, In-Person and via Zoom

  Explore the mind, guided by the great Nalanda Buddhist Tradition. This special Dharma offering is in response to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision and effort to share this ancient tradition in accessible language. During this nine week class Geshe Rapgyal will introduce the nature of the mind and its typology, the distinction between sensory and primary mind, mental factors and their processes of perceptions, and mind training through meditation.

  The content of the class is based on Science and Philosophy in the Indian Buddhist Classics, Vol 2: The Mind (Conceived and introduced by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, edited by Thupten Jinpa; Wisdom Publications, 2020). This text is required for participation and can be purchased for a discount through DGCEC’s Tibetan Marketplace.

  Geshe Lharampa Kalsang Rapgyal has served as the Spiritual Teacher and Executive Director of DGCEC since 2010. He holds the highest degree in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and offers regular Buddhist teachings for our community.

  About the Text, from Wisdom Publications: “Readers are first introduced to Buddhist conceptions of mind and consciousness and then led through traditional presentations of mental phenomena to reveal a Buddhist vision of the inner world with fascinating implications for the contemporary disciplines of cognitive science, psychology, emotion research, and philosophy of mind. … To present these specific ideas and their rationale, the volume weaves together passages from the works of great Buddhist thinkers like Asaṅga, Vasubandhu, Nāgārjuna, Dignāga, and Dharmakīrti. His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s introduction outlines scientific and philosophical thinking in the history of the Buddhist tradition. To provide additional context for Western readers, each of the six major topics is introduced with an essay by John D. Dunne, distinguished professor of Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practice at the University of Wisconsin. These essays connect the traditional material to contemporary debates and Western parallels, and provide helpful suggestions for further reading.”

  All students are welcome. In gratitude and support of a dharma center from which to teach, we ask for a fee. Please choose an amount fits your budget from this sliding scale: $125, $160, $195, or $300 Sponsor Rate. To inquire about a scholarship, please email Anne at DrepungGomangCompassion@gmail.com.

  Show details
• Setting Your Intention on the First Day of Saka Dawa Month

  • When
    28 May 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Location
    DGCEC or via Zoom

  Register

  

  Wednesday, May 28, 8:00am, In-Person or via Zoom

  Join us to set your intention and be part of Bodhichitta-Mind Practice.    

  Please register here.

  "Buddha Shakyamuni’s Life and the Practice of Bodhichitta Mind" an invitation to practice from Geshe Kalsang Rapgyal
  

  For the followers of Buddhism, Saka Dawa (Thursday, May 9 – Thursday, June 6) is a month both holy and auspicious. This month consists of three special occasions: the conception of Buddha Shakyamuni, his attaining of enlightenment, and his passing away. Because of this reason, Buddhist monasteries, centers and individual followers offer auspicious actions including engaging in their daily virtuous practices such as recitations of daily prayers, mediation and so on. Especially on the fifteenth day of the month – which is the full moon on which Buddha attained enlightenment – there are many good traditions for observing the day such as events reflecting on the great qualities of Buddha’s body, speech and mind, as well as engaging more deeply in profound practices and generating virtuous deeds.

  The essential practice of Buddhism is abstaining from harming others, the practices of compassion and loving-kindness, and meditation on the view of dependent origination. Buddha mentioned this in his direct discourse (sutra):     

  Do not commit any unwholesome action, cultivate a wealth of virtuous action, tame one’s mind completely — This is the teaching of the Buddhas.

  The Great Master Shantideva explains how to train our minds in this teaching.

  One should first earnestly meditate on the equality of oneself and others in this way: All equally experience suffering and happiness, and I must protect them as I do myself.

  Practicing and reflecting on the Four Immeasurables is also helpful.

  May all beings have happiness and the cause of happiness,

  May all beings be free from suffering and the cause of suffering,

  May all beings never lose the happiness beyond all suffering,

  May all beings abide in equanimity, free from attachment and aversion.

  Therefore, I would like to request that our dharma friends of DGCEC reflect on these words, make your best effort in the daily practices of body, speech and mind through your recitations, meditation and dedication practices throughout this month, and do your best to participate in events at the center. - Geshe Rapgyal

  Show details
• Tibetan Momo Dinner and Movie Night

  • When
    30 May 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    DGCEC

  Register

  Friday, May 30: 5:30pm - Momo Dinner* with Free Movie at 6:00pm  

  Featuring: "Expelled from the Top: A Story of Tibetan Refugees"

  They were left without homes and caught between worlds. Tibet's heartbreak is far from over. After 70 years, Tibetan refugees still struggle to find justice and resolution. We follow Sonam Choeden, a Tibetan refugee, devoted mother separated from her three small children, Tibetan-Canadian entrepreneur, president of the Rotary Club Toronto-Forest Hill, and an honest and hard-working woman, on her emotional journey back to her roots in India. Featuring The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, this documentary offers a candid insight into the history and culture of a nation in exile whose fate has found such a deep echo in the world. (One hour documentary; 2021)      

  Tibetan Momo Dinner and Movie

  *Eat in dinner includes veggie momos (veg only in honor of Saka Dawa Month), salad, other tasties, shared community and the movie. Veggie momos (potato, carrot, chives) are vegan. Cost: $25, $30 or $35

  REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Here or 502-614-5616.

  Your registration helps support the compassion mission of DGCEC and will make you happy.

  Show details
• Active Bystander Training

  • When
    31 May 2025
  •  
    2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    DGCEC

  Register

  

  Facilitated by Nonviolent Owensboro

  Saturday, May 31, 2:30 – 4:30pm, In-Person
  

  Have you found yourself in a situation where someone was being harassed, verbally mistreated, or discriminated against – a time when you felt concerned but unsure about the right thing to do? Join us for this hands-on training in which you will learn useful skills for recognizing then safely and nonviolently intervening when witnessing harmful or inappropriate behavior.

  Be empowered to act as an ally and to promote a nonviolent, caring, and more inclusive environment for everyone.

  Free Training, but Registration Required HERE.

  Nonviolent Owensboro is part of the national Nonviolent Cities Project of Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service. Learn more at nonviolentowensboro.org. DGCEC is delighted to partner with Nonviolent Owensboro friends for this workshop.

  
  

  Show details
• Community Celebration of the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni

  • When
    08 Jun 2025
  •  
    4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    DGCEC or via Zoom

  Register

  

  Community Celebration of the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni  

  Sunday, June 8, 4:30 – 5:30pm, In-Person or via Zoom

  This important Tibetan Buddhist festival day, Saka Dawa (the 15th day of the fourth month on the full moon), is one of the four great holy days of the Tibetan calendar. It marks, in a single day, three sacred deeds of the historical Buddha, Buddha Shakyamuni: his Commemoration of the Conception, Enlightenment and Parinirvana (passing away).

  Practitioners understand that any actions during Saka Dawa month (May 28 to June 25 this year and especially on June 11) – deeds both auspicious and harmful – are multiplied in their strength. Therefore, this is a very powerful time to practice and increase one’s commitment to the path of wisdom and compassion.

  Register Here or call 502-614-5616

  
  

  Show details
• Bodhichitta Mind Practice on Saka Dawa Day

  • When
    11 Jun 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Location
    DGCEC or via Zoom

  Register

  Wednesday, June 11, 8:00am, In-Person or via Zoom

  Join us setting your intention for nonharm, compassion and generating your best self  - on this auspicious day. As a way to more deeply enter into this holy day, Geshe Rapgyal will offer the Eight Mahayana Precepts 24-Hour Vow and the Bodhisattva Vow for all who are interested.

  Registration is Required Here or by calling 502-614-5616.

  
  

  Saka Dawa Month 2025:  Wednesday, May 28 – Wednesday, June 25

  Buddha Shakyamuni’s Life and the Practice of Bodhichitta Mind an invitation to practice from Geshe Kalsang Rapgyal

  For the followers of Buddhism, Saka Dawa is a month both holy and auspicious. This month consists of three special occasions: the conception of Buddha Shakyamuni, his attaining of enlightenment, and his passing away. Because of this reason, Buddhist monasteries, centers and individual followers offer auspicious actions including engaging in their daily virtuous practices such as recitations of daily prayers, mediation and so on. Especially on the fifteenth day of the month – which is the full moon on which Buddha attained enlightenment – there are many good traditions for observing the day such as events reflecting on the great qualities of Buddha’s body, speech and mind, as well as engaging more deeply in profound practices and generating virtuous deeds.

  The essential practice of Buddhism is abstaining from harming others, the practices of compassion and loving-kindness, and meditation on the view of dependent origination. Buddha mentioned this in his direct discourse (sutra):   Do not commit any unwholesome action, cultivate a wealth of virtuous action, tame one’s mind completely — This is the teaching of the Buddhas.

  The Great Master Shantideva explains how to train our minds in this teaching: One should first earnestly meditate on the equality of oneself and others in this way: All equally experience suffering and happiness, and I must protect them as I do myself.

  Practicing and reflecting on the Four Immeasurables is also helpful.

  May all beings have happiness and the cause of happiness,

  May all beings be free from suffering and the cause of suffering,

  May all beings never lose the happiness beyond all suffering,

  May all beings abide in equanimity, free from attachment and aversion.

  Therefore, I would like to request that our dharma friends of DGCEC reflect on these words, make your best effort in the daily practices of body, speech and mind through your recitations, meditation and dedication practices throughout this month, and do your best to participate in events at the center.

                    - Geshe Kalsang Rapgyal, DGCEC’s Executive Director and Spiritual Teacher

  Show details