Contact:  Sloane Haywood (520)883-3017 or Mike Keller or (520)299-6008
Email: shaywood@desertmuseum.org or Mike@dawachodrak.com


Tucsonans Celebrate International Buddhist Day
Buddhist Groups Invite All to Attend

Tucson, Arizona — Three Tucson Buddhist groups open their doors to all in celebration of International Buddhist Day on Friday, March 21.  Open houses, meditation, meditation instruction, teachings, and an open mic are all part of the local observance of  International Buddhist Day, which recognizes the teachings of the Buddha and provides an opportunity for all to learn about the practice of Buddhism.

Dharmakirti College begins Buddhist Day with a Meditation Hour from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Little Chapel of All Nations on the University of Arizona campus, followed from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., for those interested, by recitation of prayers from the Khaton Prayerbook, including the Heart Sutra, along with practices including Manjushri and Rigpa Guru Yoga. Meditation instruction will be provided.

From 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. at 1871 North King Street, Drikung Namgyal Ling, Drikung Kagyu Buddhist Center of Tucson, will offer Lama Chopa Practice and Teachings.  Led by Traga Rinpoche, this practice works towards transforming one's body, speech, and mind into the pure enlightened state.  A weekend teaching on the Life and Teachings of Lord Jigten Sumgon, the original head of the lineage (1143-1217) will take place at the same venue from 9am - 5pm, March 22/23.

From 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., the Tucson Shambhala Center offers meditation practice and instruction, a reception, and an open mic at 3270 North Tucson Boulevard.  All are invited to use the open mic to share inspirational readings, songs, poems, stories, and more.

All Tucsonans — adults, and children, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike — are invited to participate in the celebration.  For addresses, directions, and links to participating groups, please visit http://tucson.shambhala.org/buddhistday.php.

Dharmakirti College (dharmakirti.org) is a Vajrayana Buddhist organization that offers comprehensive and systematic programs of study and practice guided by qualified masters in the tradition and facilitated by ordained Western practitioners, both locally in Tucson and on the Internet, to help ordinary beings attain enlightenment in this lifetime.

Drikung Namgyal Ling Buddhist Center (drikungkagyutucson.org) brings experienced and qualified teachers to the community, provides one to three-day teachings, weekly meditation practices, and sponsors retreats and other events, helping practitioners clear away difficulties in listening, contemplation, and meditation.

The Tucson Shambhala Center (tucson.shambhala.org) provides weekly meditation practices, offers meditation classes and instruction, and sponsors a curriculum of workshops that help students develop a personal meditation practice in order to engage more fully and compassionately in the world.



Contact:  Sloane Haywood or Mike Keller
Telephone: (520)883-3017 or (520)299-6008
Email: shaywood@desertmuseum.org or Mike@dawachodrak.com

Mike@dawachodrak.com