Welcome to Lama Lena's Community!
Whether you’re new to meditation or just new around here, below you’ll find some resources to get you started.
General Dharma
Want to learn about Buddhism and Meditation? There is no "right" place to start - begin with whatever interests you and keep going! Here are some things you can try:
- Watch videos in the Teachings for New Students category
- Attend a live Q&A session via Facebook or YouTube and submit your questions in the comments.
- Watch past Q&A sessions
- Supplement talks with the Recommended Reading list below
Dzogchen
Dzogchen teachings must come from a qualified teacher. Dzogchen is considered a direct and advanced path of meditation, so there are some risks in practicing by yourself. Please read about those risks here before beginning.
Teachings can be given in person, live video, or via recorded intro sessions:
- What is Dzogchen?: An Introduction
- The Three Words of Garab Dorje - a 3-day retreat
- The Flight of the Garuda - a year-long teaching series
- Inner Mind Rushen Weekend Retreat - Sign up for an online retreat offered several times a year
After you've watched an online teaching, you can join the monthly "Beginner Trekchö" teaching group with Lama Lena.
RECOMMENDED READING
Dharma books are an excellent way to kickstart your journey and learn about the history, terminology, concepts, and key players in the Buddhist tradition. The list below is curated by Lama Lena, with favorites from her collection. But keep in mind that books alone aren’t enough. The oral transmission of teachings by a qualified teacher helps you to progress in your practice. So in addition to reading, make sure to attend teachings online and in person, not just from Lama Lena, but from other teachers as well – whatever interests you!
For Dzogchen: make sure to attend pointing out instructions BEFORE reading books on the subject. Lama Lena gives this in almost every online teaching!
For Tantra: Lama Lena asks that you spend time developing a foundational understanding of tantra, guru yoga, and samaya before attending tantric initiations (“wangs”) to avoid making commitments you don’t fully understand. You can learn via the books below and from recorded teachings on this site.
BOOKS ON TIBETAN BUDDHISM
- When the Chocolate Runs Out by Lama Thubten Yeshe
- Magic and Mystery in Tibet by Alexandra David-Neel
- Introduction to Tantra by Lama Thubten Yeshe
- The Secret Oral Teachings in Tibetan Buddhist Sects by Alexandra David-Neel
BOOKS ON THE MAHASIDDHAS
- Buddha’s Lions: The Lives of the Eighty-Four Siddhas by James b. Robinson
- Masters of Enchantment: The Lives & Legends of the Mahasiddhas by Keith Dowman
Lama Lena says: These two both give a good idea of the multiplicity of paths. They’re both based off of the same root text, with different translations and illustrations.
TRADITIONAL INTRODUCTION TEXTS
- Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche
Lama Lena says: “This is a classic, a bit thick reading, but great basic text for the Traditional path. Gives you all the traditional analogies you’ll need to really understand when they are referred to in more advanced and practice-specific texts.”
From there… branch out into whatever topic catches your interest. Ask Lama Lena or your sangha members (in the forum or on facebook) for more recommendations!
Join a Teaching Group
Once you've begun a daily practice, you can join one of the monthly Teaching Groups that Lama Lena hosts on Zoom. These practice-specific groups give practitioners the opportunity to interact directly with Lama Lena, ask questions, and discuss with fellow practitioners.
CHOOSING A GROUP: You can only join ONE group. Choose the group that corresponds most closely to your main practice. If you need help choosing, either write to Lama Lena or join the most relevant group and ask for guidance there. Lama Lena will help you sort it out.
FREQUENCY: Groups will rotate, occurring once every 4 weeks. Please check the calendar.
REGISTER: Please register using THIS FORM
Join the Sangha Forum
We have an active and supportive community forum full of practitioners at all levels and from all around the world. It's a supportive space where people are generous with their questions, comments and conversation! Request to join HERE
What is Dzogchen?: An Introduction
The internet is abuzz with curiosity and confusion about the practice of Dzogchen. In this public teaching, Lama Lena will discuss what Dzogchen is and how to practice it.
Working with Thoughts
Getting distracted, annoyed, and disheartened by constant mental chatter? Watch Lama Lena’s 2-part public teaching on how to work with troublesome thoughts!
How to do Guru Yoga: A Guided Practice
Lama Lena gives a concise guided visualization of the practice of Guru Yoga
What is Guru Yoga: Samaya & the Student-Teacher Relationship
In Vajrayana Buddhism, the relationship between the guru and the student is at the core of every practice. In order
Bodhicitta & The Meaning of the Bodhisattva Vows
In this talk, Lama Lena discusses the true meaning of Bodhicitta and what it means to take the Bodhisattva vows. She touches on the practices of 1000-Armed Chenrezig, Karmamudra, and answers questions from students online.
This public teaching was offered in advance of a zoom ceremony for those who wished to take the Bodhisattva Vows.
A Talk on Taking Refuge Vows
Lama Lena explains the meaning and importance of refuge in the Buddhist tradition, from a Dzogchen perspective. This public teaching
How to Set Up a Tibetan Buddhist Altar
In Vajrayana Buddhism, the altar acts as a focal point for the skillful means of practice. The relics, images, and
The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind
The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind form the foundation of Ngöndro, the preliminary practices, and the whole Vajrayana path.
Dzogchen for All Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced
Dzogchen is about perceiving the mind directly, right here, right now. In this trilogy of videos, filmed over 3 days
How to set up a Traditional Tibetan Buddhist Altar
Lama Lena gives clear, concise instructions on how to set up and maintain a traditional Tibetan-style Buddhist altar in your
The Meaning of Refuge in the Buddhist Tradition
In this short teaching, Lama Lena clearly explains the true meaning of Outer, Inner, Secret, and Ultimate refuge in the
Introduction to Dzogchen Meditation
Dzogchen is an extraordinary set of teachings, consisting of pointing out instructions and meditation practices that facilitate the realization of our own innate, luminous awareness. The instructions point to the primordial, open and natural state of the mind.