COMMUNITY
Buddhist Monastery Settles into Historic Indianapolis
By Dr . Kimberly Martin
The Herron-Morton Place historic district has always been a unique and diverse neighborhood . The diversity will continue to expand with the foundation of Dagom Geden Kunkyob Ling Buddhist Monastery . This center for Dharma will open In January of 2017 , under the direction of Venerable Lobzang Dorje .
I met Dorje several years ago . The day was a typical day , with my usual drive down Pennsylvania Street . However , as I looked to my left , I saw a very unusual sight , a Tibetan monk watering his yard . I made a slight detour , stopped my car and introduced myself as a lay Buddhist practitioner . We exchanged pleasantries and talked briefly about our journeys to Buddhism . I took a picture to share with others and was back on my way . Years would pass before I would reconnect with Dorje . When we did reconnect , I would discover that he was in the process of building a Buddhist center and creating a monastery on his property .
Dorje hopes to provide the Indianapolis community with an additional center where individuals can meditate , study and practice Buddhism . The biggest asset Dorje affords is an opportunity to study with a fully ordained American monk who has lived the Western experience , understands the Western mind , but also understands Buddhism according to the Gelugpa Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism . He views the center as a place for inclusion , reflecting the values and predilection of American culture , and where one can learn and practice the teachings of the Buddha . When classes begin in January 2017 , offerings will include dharma talks , workshops and systematic teachings from the Lamrim ( Tibetan Buddhist text on the complete path to enlightenment ). The initial classes offered will be geared for those with limited or no exposure to Buddhism . Through participation in class , individual will develop a strong foundation in Buddhist practices .
Buddhist studies require commitment and dedication . Viewing the study of Buddhism as teachings which are designed to transform the mind , Dorje hopes that individuals will commit themselves to self-study and practice . He hopes that participants will be able to expand the Buddhist practice to more than simply sitting on their meditation cushions . While so many people often view the study of Buddhism as peaceful and meditative , Dorje adds that , the practice can be disruptive and challenging . Real progress and realizations require hard work . He describes the process as one which can bring unconscious aspects of self to the surface and these instances required the the individual to have great courage and face demons and assume individual responsibility . While this may sound scary or intimidating , Dorje adds that the community of Buddhist practitioners ( The Sangha ) is always available in providing support during the process of liberation and enlightenment .
10 INDIANA & YOGA MAGAZINE ISSUE 2