Twenty Years of Service in the Louisville Community
What is the connection between the high plateaus of Tibet, nearly ten thousand miles away, and the Ohio River Valley? Why did Tibetan Buddhist monks take up residence in Louisville?
Twenty years ago, three Louisvillians met a traveling group of Tibetan monks visiting the United States from Drepung Gomang Monastery in India. These three women envisioned Louisville as a hospitable home for a Tibetan Buddhist education center.
When Catherine McCliment, Carol Stewart, and Amy Peterson incorporated Drepung Gomang Institute on October 1, 2001 they did not yet have a location or funds. However they had a compelling experience of the compassion and loving-kindness that these Tibetan Buddhist monks shared so freely - which was enough to energize their efforts.
Twenty years later a passion for sharing universal human values and compassion teachings from both a Buddhist perspective and from an inclusive non-religious perspective continues to propel DGCEC’s service in our community.
Join us over these next months as we share some of DGCEC’s passion, wisdom and engagement in our region. Each "Keeping Louisville Compassionate" email will open a window into an aspect or offering DGCEC open-heartedly shares with you.
Dedication Prayer, March 31, 2020 concluding a 12-day intensive ritual and the creation of a Medicine Buddha Sacred Sand Mandala. These prayers were offered to ease the suffering of COVID-19 crisis around the globe, and were followed by prayers for all those who have died from the virus.
Upcoming Events
Saka Dawa Day: Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Commemoration of the Conception, Enlightenment and Parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni
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, the occurrence of the three sacred deeds of the historical Buddha, Buddha Shakyamuni: his conception, enlightenment and passing away (parinirvana).
Practitioners understand that any actions during Saka Dawa – 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 and to study.
DGCEC invites you to register for one or both of these auspicious gatherings:
Bodhichitta / Awakened Mind Practice
Wednesday, May 26, 8:00am, via Zoom. REGISTER HERE, at DrepungGomangUSA.org, or call 502-614-5616 to receive the Zoom Link.
Guru Puja Practice, Great Appreciation Prayer of the Buddha of Compassion and Offering of the Heart Sutra for World Peace
Wednesday, May 26, 5:00 – 6:00pm, via Zoom. REGISTER HERE, at DrepungGomangUSA.org, or call 502-614-5616 to receive the Zoom Link.
DGCEC Continues Prayers for All Who are Suffering in this Pandemic
Geshe Rapgyal and Geshe Gedun hold in special prayer all who are ill, all mourning the death of loved-ones, all health care workers and support workers, and first responders who risk their lives to assist others at this time. We remember also all who stand for peace and nonviolence, with special attention to all suffering from racial injustice. Available on Facebook LIVE.
Weekdays, 10am: Medicine Buddha Ritual and Mantras, Green Tara Mantras and Tea Puja
Please note that these rituals are ONLINE only. For the most recent ritual, CLICK HERE. The center is not open to visitors, members or friends for the safety of all.
Featured Dharma Offerings: During the Pandemic all offerings are on Facebook or through Zoom
Wednesday - Meditation
Community meditation with chanting and prayers
All Welcome!
with the Monks of DGCEC
Wednesdays 7 - 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday - Buddhist Teachings
All Welcome
with Geshe Rapgyal
Saturday 3:30 - 5 pm
Sunday 10 - Noon
Special Dharma Classes
Special Tibetan Buddhist Dharma Classes
All Welcome
with Geshe Rapgyal
Registration Required
Sacred Arts Tour - Events
Find out more about house blessings, sand mandalas, and cultural performances
Click for the 2019/20 Tour Schedule
Monthly - Green Tara Sadhana
Prayers and Offerings to Green Tara
All Welcome!
with DGCEC Monks
Saturday 10 - noon
Deity Meditation Retreat
Different Deity practice each month
Saturday 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Check for Dates
Featured Compassion Education Center Offerings
Compassion Cultivation Training
Cutting edge training backed by Stanford research, and the Dalai Lama
with Anne Walter
Wednesday - Noontime Meditation
Led by various leaders and in various meditation styles
Drop in
All Welcome!
Wednesdays 12:10 - 12:50 pm
Friday - Early Morning Meditation
Start the day with an "Awakening Meditation" session
Drop in
All Welcome!
with Peter Buecker, MD
Fridays 7:30 - 8 am
Sacred Arts Tour - Events
Find out more about house blessings, sand mandalas, and cultural performances
Click for their 2019/20 Tour Schedule
Louisville's Arms of Compassion
Stand in solidarity with family and friends of those who have been murdered recently.
All Welcome!
Call DGCEC Office for Dates
Fridays 12:00 - 12:30 pm
Giving - How To Support Us
Discover the many ways in which your support can help us grow compassion in the world
This Week at DGCEC
