What to expect at Aro gTér events

Aro gTér lineage public events include talks, evening classes, weekend retreats, weekly meditation groups, empowerments and refuge ceremonies. Look at the events page to find events near you.

Most events have no prerequisites. You do not need any experience with Buddhism or meditation to attend. With the exception of empowerments and refuge ceremonies, there are no religious commitments involved, so you need not be a Buddhist to participate. Everyone is welcome.

For most events, you do not need to book in advance. The event description will say if you do need to.

Our events are led by Aro gTér lamas or other ordained teachers. On the web page for an event, you can click on the name of the teacher to see a biography.

In general, casual attire is appropriate for Aro gTér events. For empowerments and refuge ceremonies, we recommend that you dress more elegantly – as these are special occasions. Some classes and retreats teach physical exercises for which loose, comfortable clothes are best. (Participation in these exercises is optional.) Ordained Aro gTér teachers—both men and women—wear long white skirts, which are traditional Tibetan religious clothes. You will also see people wearing striped red shawls that signify that they are apprentices.

At many events the group sings in unison. (Click here to hear examples and for an explanation.) Song texts are provided. You need not join in singing unless or until you are comfortable doing so.

There is nothing in particular that you need to bring to events. You may want paper and a pen to take notes. Many events feature a shop where you can buy relevant books, CDs, Tibetan musical instruments, and arts & crafts.

Many of the event descriptions mention books that are relevant. Your experience of the event will be enhanced if you read the book ahead of time and come with questions based on it – but this is by no means necessary.

Talks

Talks range from less than an hour to several hours. They may be free or have a small fee to cover our costs. Questions are always welcome during and after talks.

Classes

Classes are usually organised into short series of weekly evening meetings. It is best to take part in an entire series, but it is often possible to attend individual classes. Classes often include: a short talk containing both practical teachings and an explanation of particular meditation methods; time to practice the techniques; and a period for questions and answers.

Retreats

Aro gTér Lamas lead day-long and two-day-long weekend programmes at a retreat centre or hired venue. These may be residential or day programs. They may cover topics such as embracing intense emotions, or practicing within romantic relationships. Each retreat may feature talks, interactive question-and-answer sessions, and instruction in specific meditation methods related to the topic.

Meditation groups

Aro gTér lineage meditation groups meet most weeks in many locations. (They may skip some weeks; contact the organiser of your local group or check the event calendar.) Often they meet in the teacher’s home. There is usually no charge for meditation groups, though any donations are welcome and will support the lineage and its work to establish the gö kar chang lo’i dé in the West.

Empowerments

Empowerments are ceremonies which enable you to engage in particular meditation practices. They may be given as part of other programmes (such as weekend retreats), or as stand-alone events. An explanation of the empowerment is given before it commences.

In other Tibetan traditions, empowerments sometimes involve extensive commitments. Aro gTér tradition empowerments ask only that you attempt to be kind and open in everyday life. If you are a student of a non-Aro-gTér religious teacher, we also ask that you discuss the empowerment with your teacher before and after attending, to make sure that it does not conflict with your current path.

Refuge ceremony

The refuge ceremony is a formal acknowledgement that you have become a Buddhist. This is not a matter of institutional affiliation, or of belonging to a group. Refuge means that you have recognised the fundamental principles of Buddhism as an accurate reflection of reality and that you intend to live according to them. Refuge is only meaningful if you understand those principles and have experienced their application in your life. You should discuss whether you are ready for this commitment with your teacher beforehand.

You may attend a refuge ceremony as a guest, without taking refuge yourself.

When you first take refuge, you are given a new, Tibetan name. The name is indicative of a new identity as a Buddhist. Some people choose to use their refuge name in everyday life; many do not.

One takes refuge in Buddhism, not in a particular school, lineage, or teacher. Taking refuge at an Aro gTér ceremony does not imply any continuing commitment to the Aro gTér.