OTHER FACTS

TIBETAN BUDDHIST TERMS

Consult the Glossary for terms frequently used in Tibetan Buddhism.

LINKS OF INTEREST

The Center invites links into this web site. The following links from this site will be of value to Sangha members and others:

Snow Lion Publications was established in 1980 in Ithaca, New York and is devoted to the preservation of Tibetan Buddhism and culture.

Wisdom Publications is dedicated to making available authentic Buddhist works for the benefit of all.

The Infoweb for Vajrayana/Dzogchen site presents an international directory of Vajrayana/Dzogchen centers, including our Center here in New Haven.

A photo presentation of Scenes of Tibetan life is offered at this Sangha member's site.

CENTER LIBRARY

The library contains a very fine and varied collection of Buddhist literature as a resource for practitioners. The Center library will gratefully accept donations of books on Buddhism, new or used.
Feel free to browse in the Library. However, books are available on loan to practitioners by permission only, after they have been committed to consistent practice and regular weekly visits to the Center over a six month period.

CENTER STORE

Our small store is in operation for practitioners to buy certain items. We have available a selection of incense, small gift items, and herbal massage oil.

Also available for purchase at the Center are a variety of important books for the study of Tibetan Buddhism. These include many on the list of recommended reading below.
 

RECOMMENDED READING

Each major teaching at the Center has specific books associated with it as a support for that practice. These are organized by teaching as shown below. Some of these books are available for purchase at the Center Store.

REFUGE TEACHING

---The Four Noble Truths by Geshe Tashi Tsering

--- Life of the Buddha and the Four Noble Truths by Thrangu Rinpoche, Namo Buddha Publications, Boulder, Colorado.

--- Entering The Path – Outer and Inner by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Siddhi Publications, Vancouver, Canada.

--- Perfect Conduct by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, Wisdom Publications, Boston, MA.

--- The Twelve Links of Interdependent Origination by Thrangu Rinpoche, Namo Buddha Publications, Boulder, Colorado.

--- The Decision to Become a Buddhist; article by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Shambhala Sun, May 2001.

SHAMATHA TEACHING

--- The Bridge of Quiescence Experiencing Tibetan Buddhist Meditation by
B. Alan Wallace, Open Court Publishing Company, Chicago, IL.

--- The Gem Ornament of Manifold Oral Instructions Which Benefits Each and
Everyone Appropriately by H.E. Kalu Rinpoche, Snow Lion Publications, Ithaca, NY.

--- Foundations of Tibetan Buddhism by H.E. Kalu Rinpoche, Snow Lion Publications, Ithaca, NY.

--- Luminous Mind The Way of the Buddha by H.E. Kalu Rinpoche, Wisdom Publications, Boston, MA.

--- A Guide to Shamatha Meditation by Thrangu Rinpoche, Namo Buddha Publications, Boulder, CO.

--- Practice of Tranquility and Insight by Thrangu Rinpoche, Namo Buddha Publications, Boulder, CO.

NGONDRO TEACHING

---A Cascading Waterfall of Nectar by Thinley Norbu Rinpoche.

--- The Excellent Path To Enlightenment by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Snow Lion Publications, Ithaca, NY.

--- The Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche, Shambhala Publications, Boston, MA.

--- Ngondro Commentary by Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, Padma Publishing, Junction City, CA.

--- Guru Yoga by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Snow Lion Publications, Ithaca, NY.

--- The Torch Of Certainty by Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, Shambhala Publications, Boston, MA.

--- Buddhist Symbols by Dagyab Rinpoche, Wisdom Publications, Boston, MA.


BODHISATTVA TEACHING

--- The Six Perfections by Geshe Sonam Rinchen and Ruth Sonam. Snow Lion Publications, Ithaca, NY.

--- The Bodhisattva Vow by Geshe Sonam Rinchen, translated and edited by Ruth Sonam. Snow Lion Publications, Ithaca, NY.

--- The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva by Geshe Sonam Rinchen, translated and edited by Ruth Sonam. Snow Lion Publications, Ithaca, NY.

--- Vast as the Heavens Deep as the Sea by Khunu Rinpoche, Wisdom Publications, Boston, MA.

FUND RAISING

NON-PROFIT STATUS

The Center For Dzogchen Studies is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit organization to which all donations are tax deductible. Annual financial audits are available for your inspection.

MONTHLY DONATIONS

The funding stream for the Center for Dzogchen Studies derives from the generosity of practitioners and friends. The personal contributions of individuals are a primary source of income and demonstrate a commitment to help keep the Center as the New Haven area's access to the teachings and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Center must rely upon the consistency of contributions from month to month of whatever amount. Such consistency enables the Center to plan its finances and continue to operate. If you do not already do so, please consider a regular commitment as your form of support.

DESIGNATED DONATIONS

Donations designated for a specific use are also greatly appreciated. Periodic fund raising efforts are announced in our newsletters.

NAMING THE CENTER FOR DZOGCHEN
STUDIES AS A BENEFICIARY

The Center for Dzogchen Studies can be named as a beneficiary of your will, life insurance policy or retirement plan. This is a way to make a lasting contribution in your name.

DONATING APPRECIATED SECURITIES

Appreciated securities are any mutual funds, stocks or bonds that have increased in value since you purchased them. When you sell appreciated securities, you owe capital gains tax. However, if you donate them to the Center there is a special benefit as you can take their full current value as a tax deduction and pay no capital gains tax. The Center then benefits as it can hold or sell the securities without paying any tax.

RETREATS

Retreats are provided as a way for practitioners to deepen their insight. They are an excellent opportunity to have questions answered as they arise throughout the day. At the Center for Dzogchen Studies, these retreats are integral to receiving additional teachings.

Through the practices and retreats offered at the Center, everyone has the opportunity to build a solid foundation. Without this base, one Tibetan Commentary states, " it would be like pouring sweet nectar into a vase with a hole in the bottom."

Retreats are also a direct way that you can make a difference in the maintenance and well-being of the Center. The modest fees charged for the retreats helps the Center to keep its doors open so as to benefit countless beings with a continual flow of wisdom practices. Those of you interested in a retreat should discuss retreat opportunities with Lama Padma Karma.

Full time Retreat Programs are also available.