Dharma Office Hours
with Geshe Sherab
Tue Oct 24, 5–6pm EDT ONLINE
Each Dharma student enters the spiritual path in their own unique way. The first step may have been taken weeks or decades ago. The seed may have been planted while reading a book on Buddhism, sharing a conversation with a friend or family member, or feeling an inexplicable connection with a holy place or spiritual teacher. Our spiritual paths are as unique as our own minds are.
But it would be mistaken to consider the path a solitary one. The Buddha taught to his friend and attendant Ananda that friendship forms the basis for the whole of spiritual life. As we have come to rely on the Buddha and his teachings to develop our minds and expand our hearts, we see others sharing the same enthusiasm for these methods and come to rely on their steady presence too.
In the Buddhist tradition, teachers are special kinds of spiritual friends, or kalyanamitras, who play a significant role in inspiring, encouraging, and challenging us in our practices. All present understanding of the Dharma has been passed from teacher to student throughout the ages, forming an unbroken lineage that leads directly to the living Buddha himself.
In praise of this amazing network of spectacular minds, Shantideva Center presents a rare opportunity to meet with our skilled teachers directly in a 25-minute one-on-one personal meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to foster a space for Dharma practitioners to bring questions specific to developing Dharma practice. For the session on Tue Oct 24, 2 students will have an opportunity to meet with Geshe Sherab.
Stay tuned for information on registration and times for Dharma Office Hours with teachers such as Guy Newland, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Tashi Tsering, Venerable Amy Miller, Venerable Lozang Yönten, Venerable Robina Courtin, Gen Don Handrick, and more!
Guidelines:
- Bring your most pressing questions to ask. Keep them simple, direct, and about your own spiritual experiences or Dharma challenges.
- Be respectful. This program is only possible through the generosity of our teachers, who are committed to sharing the benefit borne of their own dedicated practice.
- Be brave. It can be intimidating to share your challenges with your practice, but don’t pass on this rare opportunity to make focused spiritual progress with the consultation of a Dharma specialist!
To read more advice on finding the right questions to ask spiritual teachers, click here.
As a thanks to our members for their invaluable and precious support, the first week of registration is reserved exclusively for supporting members of Shantideva Center, after which registration will be open to all. Registration for all time slots will be confirmed on a first-come basis.
Shantideva Center will make an offering to the teacher (dana) for their generosity in sharing the Dharma in this one-on-one program. Students are welcome to make a donation to support Shantideva Center for all its activities.
Important Note
This is an online-only event that is administered using Zoom.
After registering, the system automatically sends a confirmation and/or a receipt email that contains the Zoom meeting link and/or other instructions. If you don’t immediately receive the system email(s) or you have any other questions, please contact us at registration@shantidevanyc.org.
*Zoom is an interactive video-conferencing tool that allows participants to see one another and ask questions. You will need a computer, a tablet or a smartphone with the Zoom application to attend. If you are using Zoom for the first time, please login earlier to allow any necessary installations on your device.
Registration / Schedule
Open donation: free, $5, $10, $21, $35, $50, $108
Your generosity makes it possible for us to share the Dharma and continue working together for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Time zone: US Eastern Daylight Time (GMT/UTC-4)
For questions regarding registration, please email registration@shantidevanyc.org for assistance.
Additional Materials
Dana for the Teacher
About the Teacher
Geshe Thubten Sherab was born in 1967 in a small village in the province of Manang, the western part of Nepal, to a Kagyu-Nyingma family. He entered Kopan Monastery at the age of nine and completed his geshe studies at Sera Jey monastery in South India, followed by a year at Gyumed Tantric College. He then completed retreat and teaching assignments in the United States and Asia. Geshe Sherab served as headmaster of Kopan Monastery’s school for four years, overseeing debate training and tantric training activities. Geshe-la taught and helped in the FPMT International Office for two and a half years in Taos, New Mexico (2001–03) and also served as director of the FPMT board for a few years. For the last few years, Geshe-la has been traveling and teaching at FPMT centers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia, and Europe, while also serving as resident teacher at Thubten Norbu Ling in Santa Fe, New Mexico.