In short: Tibetan Buddhist centres welcome beginners to open evenings and introductory courses. Expect a colourful shrine room, a short guided meditation, chanting or mantra recitation, and a teaching from a lama or senior student. Take off your shoes, sit on a cushion or chair, and follow what others do; nobody expects you to know the customs.
What is a first evening like?
A typical evening starts with a short prayer or chant, followed by a guided meditation, often on the breath or on loving-kindness. Then comes a teaching on a topic such as compassion, impermanence or working with the mind, with time for questions. Texts are usually printed in English, with the Tibetan alongside.
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The shrine room
- Images: the Buddha at the centre, often with bodhisattvas such as Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) and Tara, and photos of the lineage teachers.
- Offerings: rows of water bowls, candles, flowers and incense.
- Thangkas: painted scrolls of buddhas and deities used in visualisation practice.
Etiquette
- Take off your shoes before the shrine room.
- Do not point your feet at the shrine or the teacher; sit cross-legged or on a chair.
- Many people stand when the teacher enters and bow or prostrate three times; you may simply stand.
- Do not step over texts or place them on the floor.
- Walk clockwise around stupas and shrines.
What does it cost?
Open evenings are often free or by donation. Courses and weekend retreats usually charge, with reductions for people on low incomes. A separate offering (dana) to the teacher is common and voluntary.
How is it different from other traditions?
Tibetan Buddhism, also called Vajrayana, builds on Mahayana teachings and adds visualisation, mantra and a close relationship with a teacher. There is more ritual and study than in insight or Zen practice. Read the three schools of Buddhism.
Find a centre: Tibetan Buddhist centres · all centres worldwide.
Questions people ask
Can anyone go to a Tibetan Buddhist centre?
Yes. Most centres in the West run open evenings and introductory courses for beginners of any background.
Do I have to do prostrations?
No. Prostrations are a sign of respect and a practice in themselves, but guests are never required to do them. Sitting quietly is fine.
What are the main Tibetan Buddhist schools?
Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug. Western centres often belong to a network, such as FPMT (Gelug), Rigpa (Nyingma) or Kagyu Samye Ling.