Sacred Symbols Across Traditions: Where Buddhist & Christian Symbolism Meet
with Geshe Legtsok

Fri Dec 4, 6:30-8pm EST ONLINE

Throughout history, spiritual traditions have used symbols and rituals to express profound truths about wisdom, compassion, unity, and spiritual awakening. Although Buddhism and Christianity may seem different, some of their sacred symbols point toward surprisingly similar ideas.

Drawing on Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces, this class will explore the symbolism of the union of masculine and feminine energies as a path toward wholeness and enlightenment. We’ll also look at the deeper meanings behind the Buddhist symbols of the jewel in the lotus and the vajra and bell, and consider their parallels with the Christian consecration of bread and wine.

Rather than suggesting that all religions are the same, we’ll explore how different traditions use sacred imagery to express shared spiritual themes. Along the way, we’ll consider what these symbols can teach us about wisdom, compassion, the union of opposites, and the deeper possibilities of spiritual practice.

Other Teachings with Geshe Legtsok

The Art of Not Taking It Personally with Geshe Legtsok

Tue Dec 1, 6:30-8pm EST ONLINE

This practical class explores how to navigate difficult people without losing inner peace, using patience, kindness, perspective, and healthy boundaries to respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally. To register, click here.

Staying Compassionate in a Troubled World 

Wed Dec 2, 6:30-8pm EST ONLINE

This class will explore how perspective helps us navigate global challenges while maintaining compassion, hope, kindness, and meaningful engagement without becoming overwhelmed. To register, click here.

Important Note

This is an online-only event that is administered using Zoom.

After registering, the system automatically sends a confirmation email (if opted in) and/or a receipt email that contains the Zoom meeting link and/or other instructions. Some email domains like Yahoo, AOL are rejecting the auto emails. If you don’t immediately receive the system email(s) or you have any other questions, please contact us at registration@shantidevanyc.org. 

Registration/ Schedule

Suggested: $20 per session
Other offering options: free, $5, $10, $30

The suggested amount supports teacher offerings, rent, and other center expenses -and most importantly, it keeps teachings freely available to everyone, with session recordings shared on the center’s Recorded Teachings page and YouTube channel. Shantideva member benefits will apply automatically if you have a membership in MindBody.
 

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Shantideva Center may publish recorded sessions in the public domain (e.g., on YouTube). By registering for this event, you are agreeing to give your consent to this process. Please be conscious of any personal information you share. Recordings are typically made to spotlight only on the teacher or facilitator so participants are usually not visible.

Register

Time zone: US Eastern Standard Time (GMT/UTC-5)

For questions regarding registration, please email registration@shantidevanyc.org for assistance.

Recordings

Available soon.

Dana for the Teacher

Shantideva Center makes offerings to our teachers and facilitators using the funds collected through registration. You can give additional support to the teacher or facilitator and create a stronger karmic connection by offering dana. Please make sure to select the teacher’s or facilitator’s name in the dropdown menu. Dana offered is passed entirely to them, but please note that it is not tax-deductible.

About the Teacher

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok has been ordained as a Buddhist monk since 2001 and is the first American to complete the twenty-year Geshe Studies Program in classic Indian Buddhist treatises and their Tibetan commentaries at Sera Jey Monastic University in South India, following the tradition of ancient Nalanda University. In 2025, he completed the traditional study of tantra at Gyudmed Tantric Monastery.

With over two decades of study and practice under the guidance of great masters, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Geshe Legtsok brings profound insights into the application of Buddhist teachings. Born in Virginia, USA in 1973, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College in 1995. His quest to answer the question, “What makes for the most happy and meaningful life,” led him to major in philosophy, eventually guiding him to study meditation and philosophy with teachers among the exiled Tibetan communities in India and Nepal since 1999.

Dedicated to studying and teaching Buddhist philosophy, Geshe Legtsok seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with modern-day relevance. His teachings emphasize understanding and transforming the mind through practice, and he is committed to helping others navigate the spiritual path with clarity and patience.