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ANNUAL REVIEW
2013
SHANTIDEVA
Meditation Center
F P M T
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N Y C
“WHAT ELSE IN THE WORLD
IS THERE TO DO THAT IS MORE
IMPORTANT THAN HELPING OTHERS?”
- LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE
OUR MISSION AND GOALS
Shantideva Meditation Center is dedicated to cultivating wisdom and
compassion through the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded as a
study group in 2004, and incorporated as a nonprofit religious organization in
2012, we are associated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the
Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), which follows the Buddhist tradition of Lama
Tsongkhapa of Tibet as taught by our founder, Lama Thubten Yeshe and
Spiritual Director, Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche.
Our community of students and practitioners come together to engage in
activities that deepen our understanding of Buddhism, cultivate inner peace and
compassion, and transform our minds and hearts so that we might reach our
highest potential for the benefit of others. We aspire to establish an FPMT center
that is a wish-fulfilling jewel for the New York City area and all beings
everywhere.
Programs and activities are focused around the following aspirations:
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•
•
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To bring the Dharma to many students by hosting qualified teachers who
present Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and its integration
within our daily lives.
To provide opportunities for experienced students as well as those new to
Buddhism, to study, learn, and practice together.
To cultivate and practice skillful means by working harmoniously in a
supportive environment and expanding our ability to offer compassion and
service to others.
To collaborate with other Dharma groups and organizations in New York
City and within the international FPMT community to expand our reach
and impact.
To strategically develop a firm infrastructure – sacred space, resources,
and people – to sustain programs and enable the center to flourish for
years to come.
“I truly appreciate Shantideva Meditation’s comprehensive spiritual
program. There’s something for everyone, and so many ways to be
fully engaged and involved. They have provided me with countless
opportunities to accumulate merit, and a solid foundation on which to
stabilize my practice.”
2013 SRPIRITUAL PROGRAM
In 2013, Shantideva Meditation offered students various methods and
opportunities to pursue the Buddhist path, including study of Buddhist philosophy
and psychology, meditation, ritual practice, service, and the support of a
harmonious community of practitioners, following the vision and advice of
Spiritual Director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Teachings and Retreats on Tibetan Buddhist
Philosophy, Psychology and Practice
Shantideva Meditation Center presents a series of
informed and inspirational public talks, in-depth teachings,
and weekend retreats with visiting FPMT teachers. Most of
these teachings explore Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and
psychology and its integration and practice within our daily lives. Topics come
from the teachings in the lam-rim (the graduated path to enlightenment), and
explore fundamental principles and methods for attaining realizations.
“I am amazed by the depth of clarity, dedication and compassion that
our teachers have offered us. I have learned so much from them and
am excited to continue studying and practicing. They make me feel as
if I can actually tame my mind and succeed on the path to
enlightenment.”
In February 2013, Ven. Fedor Stracke returned to Shantideva Meditation Center
to host A Drop from the Ocean of Mind and Mental Factors, a topic from FPMT’s
Basic Program, designed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche for students committed to
more in-depth study and practice. These teachings focused on identifying the
mental afflictions and their antidotes. General features of mind and mental
factors were discussed, and then specifically which mental factors must be
abandoned and which should be adopted and developed in order to attain
enlightenment.
Ven. Fedor Stracke, A Drop from the Ocean of Mind and Mental Factors, February 2013
During March and April 2013, Geshe Choewang Dakpa Rinpoche led a 4-week
series, Understanding Essential Buddhist Prayers in Tibetan. During this series,
students learned and practiced the vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation of
essential prayers such as refuge and bodhichitta and the seven limb prayer in
Tibetan language. In June 2013, he returned to lead a teaching on the Four
Noble Truths over a vegetarian pot-luck brunch.
!
Geshe Choewang Dakpa Rinpoche with students, Four Noble Truths Brunch, June 2013
!
In June 2013, Ven. Amy Miller returned to Shantideva Meditation Center to host
Transforming Problems into Happiness. During this retreat, Ven. Amy presented
an overview of Tibetan Buddhist approaches to mind training (or "lo-jong"),
transforming adversities into opportunities for greater resilience, love, and
compassion. Attendees practiced tong-len, a simple yet powerful meditation of
giving and taking used to alleviate difficult situations in our daily lives.
Ven. Amy Miller with students, Transforming Problems into Happiness, June 2013
!
In July 2013, Ven. Fedor Stracke returned to lead Buddha Nature – the
Potential of the Mind. Ven. Fedor offered meditation, lecture and discussion
regarding the fundamental nature of mind and how to remove the obscurations of
ignorance.
Ven. Fedor Stracke, Buddha Nature – the Potential of the Mind, July 2013
In September and October 2013, Geshe Kelsang Wangmo led two teachings,
What is the Self (co-sponsored with Tibet House) and The Heart Sutra: the
Profound Union of Wisdom and Compassion. For the former, Geshe Wangmo
discussed some of the principal reasons and debates presented in the Buddhist
scriptures that are concerned with understanding reality. In the latter, Geshe
Wangmo discussed the Heart Sutra in relation to the profound wisdom of
emptiness and its implicit meaning pertaining to compassion and the progressive
stages to enlightenment.
!
Geshe Kelsang Wangmo, The Heart Sutra: the Profound Union of Wisdom and Compassion,
October 2013
!
During October 2013, Ven. Lhundup Nyingje hosted Journey to Freedom: The
Meaning of Retreat, where she offered teachings on cultivating happiness by
contributing our unique talents to others, the power of cherishing others, and
developing bodhicitta and an open heart. She also led guided meditations on
generating love, purifying and healing with light, and connecting with enlightened
beings.
Ven. Lhundup Nyingje, Journey to Freedom: the Meaning of Retreat, October 2013
!
Last but not least, in December 2013, Ven. Robina Courtin led teachings on
Karma and Emptiness: How to Loosen the Grip of Ego and Gain Wisdom By
Understanding Karma, a Tasty Example of Dependent Arising. Ven. Robina
shared teachings on karma, purification, the ten non-virtues, dependent arising,
how to let go of ego-grasping, and emptiness, while answering various questions
from students. In Living the Dharma: Refuge in the Three Jewels, Ven. Robina
also offered refuge vows to 20 new practitioners and helped many others renew
their vows. She also offered teachings and guided students in the Medicine
Buddha puja, while offering a teaching on Bodhicitta during our Holiday Party.
Ven. Robina Courtin with students, Karma and Emptiness, December 2013
Discovering Buddhism Study Group
Discovering Buddhism is the program that gives students a
foundation in Buddhist philosophy and practice, aimed at
providing students with a solid footing in the practice of
Mahayana Buddhism. Shantideva Meditation has worked
with a version of the 14-part FPMT Discovering Buddhism
curriculum that includes reading and studying the Buddha’s teachings,
presentation of major points by the facilitator, discussion among peers, and
guided meditations.
In 2013, the Discovering Buddhism study group series met several times a year
and studied the topics Death and Rebirth, All About Karma, Refuge in the Three
Jewels, and Samsara and Nirvana. This study group was facilitated by Gustavo
!
Cutz and featured guest teacher Ven. Fedor Stracke, presenting via Skype or in
person for one session for most modules.
Students from the Death and Rebirth module of the Discovering Buddhism Study Group,
March 2013
“The Discovering Buddhism study group has been a wonderful
resource, providing me with a clearer perspective on many Dharma
subjects. Our facilitator is very knowledgeable, kind, and thoughtful in
his explanations.”
Meditation in Our Tradition
Meditation in Our Tradition, suitable for students of all levels,
offers meditation instruction, group practice, and
opportunities to ask questions in a supportive, contemplative
environment. Classes include an explanation and practice of
Tibetan Buddhist meditation techniques (calm abiding,
vipassana, visualization, and analytical meditation).
In 2013, Shantideva Meditation Center offered classes in March and July-August,
led by George Michael Cuesta, Ph.D.
!
Practice Program
Shantideva Meditation recognizes that in order to progress
on the path, we need to practice purification and
accumulate merit. Lama Zopa Rinpoche recommends that
centers practice the Medicine Buddha and Tara pujas each
month and that Lama Chopa (Guru Puja) with Tsog be
offered twice a month, ideally on auspicious days in the Tibetan calendar.
In 2013, Shantideva Meditation Center continued to offer two pujas per month.
Lama Chopa with Tsog was offered every month, with Green Tara and Medicine
Buddha offered on alternate months. These pujas were led by George Michael
Cuesta and Jennifer Kim.
Shantideva Meditation altar for Lama Chop with Tsog
On Lama Tsongkhapa Day in December 2013, we joined with Jewel Heart and
other Dharma centers to offer a Lama Chopa puja and Tsog to celebrate the
anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan
Buddhism. The festive and social gathering offered a beautiful opportunity for our
communities to come together honoring our lineage of gurus.
Shantideva Meditation students also participated in reading sutras from afar. For
Losar and the 15 Days of Miracles, 15 students recited the Arya Sanghata Sutra,
!
and one member hosted a small group recitation in her home. For Saka Dawa,
commemorating Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana, students
recited the Sutra of Golden Light from afar.
Compassion in Action
Initiated in 2013, Compassion in Action, in collaboration
with New York Cares, offers opportunities for students to
volunteer for social service organizations as a group.
Through hands-on, shared experiences in helping,
Shantideva Meditation students develop greater capacity
for compassion and generosity.
In July 2013, at the Riverside Park Conservancy Playground, volunteers assisted
with weeding and watering the new flowering perennial plant installation to help
the new transplants survive the summer months. This project was part of
Shantideva Meditation Center’s participation in Compassion Day, organized by
FPMT in honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday.
Compassion in Acction volunteers at Riverside Park, July 2013
In November 2013, at NY Common Pantry, volunteers helped sort, package, and
distribute culturally appropriate and nutritionally balanced food packages to 500
families.
!
“Just seeing the Shantideva Meditation Center members helping others
with warm heartedness really gave me the motivation to not just
provide the service but do so mindfully with compassion. Thanks
Shantideva."
Special Community Events
In addition to the above regular programs, Shantideva
Meditation also organized special events to foster a greater
sense of community and enhance their Dharma
experiences.
In October 2013, Carmen Mensink from our sister FPMT
center in Amsterdam led a presentation about the history and meaning of the
eight auspicious symbols, and guided students in drawing the parasol or lotus
according to the Tibetan tradition.
During the same month,
around 40 friends of
Shantideva Meditation
Center and the broader
FPMT community met for a
tea and sweets gathering
after teachings from His
Holiness the Dalai Lama.
In addition, we gathered after
Lama Chopa to celebrate
and rejoice in the flourishing
of the Dharma and our
community under the
leadership and service of
outgoing Director, Mary
Esbjornson, over the past
several years.
In December 2013,
Shantideva Meditation
Center hosted our Holiday
Party with Guest of Honor,
Ven. Robina Courtin, where
attendees enjoyed food and
drink, received a teaching on
Tea and Sweets community gathering following
HH Dalai Lama’s teachings, October 2013
!
Bodhicitta by Ven. Robina and participated in trivia games and a give-away
drawing of gifts offered by the community.
Holiday Party, December 2014
!
“I have found Shantideva Meditation’s founding members and
students extremely welcoming and free of judgment.”
OUR COMMUNITY
Shantideva Meditation activities are coordinated and led by lay Buddhist
practitioners who volunteer their time and skills as an offering of service to their
spiritual gurus and to those who might benefit from our programs. Students come
from all walks of life, ages, and levels of aspiration on the Dharma path. Many
are new to Buddhism, others have been studying and practicing for years and
have received the teachings and blessings of our spiritual director and other
realized teachers.
Organizational and program activities are governed by our Board of Directors,
and other management team members work with the Board to coordinate various
activities.
At Shantideva Meditation, we aspire to create a work and community
environment that reflects the Buddha’s teachings, bringing the practice of
mindfulness and the Six Paramitas: generosity, ethical discipline, patience,
joyous effort, concentration, and wisdom to all activities of daily life.
Over the past several years, wonderful volunteers have come forward to offer
service, primarily around programs with FPMT visiting teacher retreats or public
talks. We are grateful for the thousands of collective hours that have been
contributed and the many ways that students are able to apply Buddhist practices
through the process of working together.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to practice generosity and service
as a volunteer. I feel connected to the Dharma through interactions
with Shantideva Meditation’s students and more experienced
practitioners. They inspire me, and I now consider Shantideva
Meditation my spiritual home.”
OUR PRACTICE AND RETREAT SPACE
Shantideva Meditation currently presents public talks, retreats, and other
activities at Tibet House, Robert F. Thurman’s gallery and library space in
Union Square. Teachers enjoy the space for its shrine room, presence of holy
objects and art, and connection to the Tibetan community. We also hold events
at the beautiful gompa of Jewel Heart Center, Gelek Rimpoche’s sacred space
in Tribeca. Some events have also been held at private venues. Eventually, we
hope to secure resources for our own meeting and meditation space, but for now,
the collaboration with other groups provides a wonderful synergy within the
broader community and helps us to identify new students and expand our
constituency base.
Special thanks to Ganden Thurman, Director of Tibet House, and their staff
members for their support. Thank you also to Gelek Rimpoche and Saara
Cohen for allowing us use of the beautiful facilities at Jewel Heart.
Tibet House Gallery
FOUNDATION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE
MAHAYANA TRADITION (FPMT)
The Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana
Tradition is an international, non-profit organization founded in
1975 by Lama Thubten Yeshe (1935-84), a Tibetan Buddhist
monk. The Foundation is devoted to the transmission of the
Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through
teaching, meditation, and community service.
FPMT provides integrated education through which people’s minds and hearts
can be transformed into their highest potential for the benefit of others, inspired
by an attitude of universal responsibility. FPMT is committed to creating
harmonious environments and helping all beings develop their full potential of
infinite wisdom and compassion. The organization is based on the Buddhist
tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa of Tibet as taught to us by FPMT’s Founder, Lama
Thubten Yeshe and Spiritual Director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
FPMT Spiritual Director Lama Zopa Rinpoche (left) and Founder Lama Thubten Yeshe.
Photo Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.
FPMT’s International Office, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, coordinates
communication between Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the organization, and
provides support and services to FPMT’s 161 centers, projects, and services in
41 countries worldwide.
Shantideva Meditation Center is incorporated as a nonprofit religious
organization in New York and is legally affiliated with FPMT. We are in the
process of applying for our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS. As an
FPMT affiliate center, we are responsible for our own governance and finances
as well as for developing strategic program and fund development plans that
respond to the unique needs and potential of our community.
2013 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
2013 Income
Visiting Teacher Event Donations
General Operating Donations
Class Donations and Puja Sponsorships
Merit Box Donations and Dharma Materials Sales
Total Income
$17,056.79
$13,421.46
$4,021.00
$910.37
$35,409.62
2013 Expenses
Program Expenses (Visiting Teachers, Program Materials,
Hospitality, Rent and Transportation)
Volunteer Stipends and Professional Services
Communications and Administration
FPMT Donations and Offerings
Total Expenses
$21,971.52
$12,405.00
$4,741.02
$1,702.25
$40,819.79
SHANTIDEVA MEDITATION CENTER VOLUNTEER STAFF
2013 Board of Directors, Officers, and Management
Team
Director and President of Board
Mary Esbjornson: January – October 2013
Jennifer Kim: November 2013 – Present
Spiritual Program Coordinators:
George Michael Cuesta, Ph.D.: January 2013 – December 2013
(also served as Secretary)
Jennifer Kim: January 2013 – December 2013
(Arnaud Berger: January 2014 – Present)
Treasurer:
Tricia Clark: February 2013 – December 2013
(Ven. Lhundub Chodron: January 2014 – Present)
Management Team Member:
Gustavo Cutz: January 2013 – Present
Communications Manager:
Tara Baltazar: January 2013 – Present
2013 Event Managers and Associates
Administration:
Multimedia:
Lunch and Hospitality:
Sacred Space Set-Up:
Compassion in Action:
Tricia Clark and Meg Sweetland-Baker
Allan Tarantino
Ann Marie Witzel
Lauren Coleman and Bonnie Costa
Bonnie Costa
2013 Event Volunteers
Rosy Alessandro, Sandra Benedict, Augusto Giacoman, Cynthia
Golembeski, Charlotte Lowson, Jennifer MacLeod Kelley, Mercedeh
Mirshamsi, Jon Owen, Lana Popovic, Stephen Redenti, Jessica Robinson,
Marcia Rosales, Jacqueline Rossi, Ruby Sanchez, Teddy Sczudlo,
Barbara Standley, Deborah Stevenson, Danielle Walker, Jesse Willard
Pro Bono Legal Counsel
Frank Patton
Peter deL. Swords
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SHANTIDEVA MEDITATION CENTER OFFERS
HEARTFELT THANKS TO THE GENEROUS AND KIND
BENEFACTORS AND VOLUNTEERS OF 2013.
“By studying and offering service to the centers you are fulfilling the
guru’s wishes and advice all the time … In this way, our lives are full of
unbelievable opportunities for happiness, including enlightenment.
There is so much to enjoy and no time for depression.
– Lama Zopa Rinpoche
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FOR AS LONG AS SPACE REMAINS,
FOR AS LONG AS SENTIENT BEINGS REMAIN,
UNTIL THEN MAY I TOO REMAIN.
TO DISPEL THE MISERIES OF THE WORLD.
- MASTER SHANTIDEVA