About The Center

The Guhyasamaja Center is a community of spiritual friends in Fairfax, VA, west of Washington, DC. The center is dedicated to the practice of Tibetan Buddhism. It was established in 1991 under the spiritual direction of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche as part of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), an international non-profit organization founded in 1975 by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Much has changed since those early days! FPMT has grown considerably. Today, our center is one of more than 160 FPMT centers worldwide! And did you know, what's known today as The Guhyasamaja Center actually started as a small FPMT study group consisting of just a handful of members? For many years, classes were held in private homes and small rented spaces. After a while it became clear — the center needed a larger, more permanent location for its growing base of devoted students and members. With the support of generous benefactors, in 2013 the center managed to secure a mortgage on its meditation hall located at 10875 Main St. STE 108, Fairfax, VA.

What We Do

The Guhyasamaja Center is committed to helping all beings fulfill their highest potential — boundless wisdom and compassion inspired by an attitude of universal responsibility. Our primary focus is the exploration of the mind — how to understand and work with our mind to overcome inner causes of suffering and dissatisfaction (such as hatred, greed, and ignorance) while cultivating inner causes of happiness (such as love, compassion, patience, and wisdom).
Whether you are new to Buddhism or a long-time practitioner, the center provides classes from FPMT's carefully designed curriculum and other opportunities to learn and practice, suitable for all levels of interest and experience. Please visit our Classes & Events page for details.

Our Lineage and Teachers

The center follows the Tibetan Gelug tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa, the same lineage as His Holiness The Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso. All center classes are taught by qualified instructors with diverse backgrounds and years of experience. For more information about our lineage and teachers, please visit our Teachers page.

Who We Are

The center's class participants, members, and volunteers are people just like you — searching for happiness and freedom from suffering. All our welcome! The Guhyasamaja Center is guided by a Board of Directors who volunteer their time to help ensure that all our activities are in harmony with our Spiritual Director Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche's vision for the center. Day-to-day operations are run by a Management Committee and other volunteers.

Supporting the Center

The center offers its classes, services, and most other events free of charge but encourages donations. For details on how you can support the center and support the Buddha's teachings of love, compassion and wisdom in our community and around the world, please visit our Practicing Generosity pages.