Foundational Program Classes
and Basic Practices

Explore the Fundamentals of Buddhism

The Bodhisattva's 6 Steps to Enlightenment

In this 3 part series we will explore what is called the 6 Perfections. These are the main practices for a budding bodhisattva. These teachings will provide us with methods to increase our capacity to benefit others as we have a limitless potential to do good and establish greater meaning in our lives. Each class will include guided meditations, a teaching and time for Q & A. This series is appropriate for everyone new or experienced.

Each dharma talk is self contained and is suitable for all levels of spiritual development. Each session will include prayers, guided meditations, teaching and Q & A.

We ask people to show up 10-15 minutes before to ensure that no one is disturbed with late comers as we begin promptly with prayers and guided meditation. You are welcome to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and snacks before or after each session.

Teacher: Venerable Lobsang Damchoe

Dates: Select Sundays 7/12, 7/19 & 7/26 10AM-11:30AM

Location: Hybrid - In person at Guhyasamaja Buddhist Center 10875 Main St #108 Fairfax Va 22030 and via Zoom see below for link.

Contact spc for any questions

Suggested donation: $15/class for non members and $10/class for members. No one is turned away due to a lack of funds. Please donate online.

Check calendar to confirm

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88927004132?pwd=dRubWLMGFWR0ePBB3jbNxS4UQG7fng.1

Meeting ID: 889 2700 4132
Passcode: 648973

One tap mobile
+16465588656,,88927004132#,,,,*648973# US (New York)
+16469313860,,88927004132#,,,,*648973# US

Introduction to Discovering Buddhism

Discovering Buddhism is a study program with lectures, discussions, retreats and required readings. Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche created this program to enable students to not only dive into Buddhist Concepts and Psychology but also to deepen their experience of the dharma. In this introduction Venerable Damchoe will discuss the details of how this program is set up and what one can expect to learn. Students can take one module at a time or all 14 modules for certification. Please check the website for further details.

If you are contemplating taking this course it is recommended that you attend the Introduction to learn more about the course, which will start Tuesday, Sept 15, 7-8:30PM on Zoom.

Teacher: Venerable Lobsang Damchoe

Dates and Time: Sunday August 2nd 10- 11:30 AM

Location: Zoom only

Donations welcome. ‍ ‍Donate online.

Contact spc@guhyasamaja.org for any questions.

Please check the calendar to confirm

Zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86065447631?pwd=8V5Uo5061zgzjzkrRUJwGQVsDejpl

Meeting ID: 860 6544 7631
Passcode: 734965

One tap mobile
+13052241968,,86065447631#,,,,*734965# US
+13092053325,,86065447631#,,,,*734965# US

Coming This Fall - The Exceptional FPMT Course on Discovering Buddhism.

Join Ven. Damchoe on ZOOM Tuesday nights from 7-8:30 starting Sept 15, 2026. Registration will be required for each module. More info coming soon.

Registration will open in August, please check back here to register.

To learn more about the FPMT Discovering Buddhism course, click here.

Compassion without the Heavy Load

True compassion doesn’t mean carrying the weight of the world or losing ourselves in others’ pain. Often, what we call compassion is tangled up with beliefs—subtle distortions in how we view ourselves, others, and the nature of the experience itself.

Shakyamuni Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths, beginning with the truth of suffering. In this 3 part series we will explore the four key misconceptions that cloud our understanding of suffering and result in compassion that feels heavy.

Seeing permanence in the impermanent — believing things will last forever when they are constantly changing
Seeing satisfaction in the unsatisfactory — expecting lasting happiness from things that cannot truly fulfill
Seeing self in the selfless — identifying with what has no fixed, independent identity
Seeing purity in the impure — assuming things are flawless when they are mixed with discomfort and decay

These misconceptions quietly shape how we respond to suffering—both our own and others’. By recognizing and releasing them, we open the door to a compassion that is grounded, wise, and sustainable.

These dharma talks are suitable for all levels of spiritual development. Each session will include prayers, guided meditations, a teaching and time for Q & A. Please show up 10-15 minutes before as we begin promptly at 10 AM with prayers and guided meditation. This will ensure that no one is disturbed by late comers. You are welcome to enjoy refreshments and snacks before and after class.

Teacher: Venerable Lobsang Damchoe

Dates and Time: Select Sundays 10AM - 11:30 AM June 7th, 14th & 21st.

Location: Hybrid: In person at Guhyasamaja Buddhist Center, 10875 Main St #108, Fairfax, Va 22030 and via Zoom. See link below.

Suggested Donation: $15/class for non - members, $10/class for members. No one is turned away due to a lack of funds.