Palchen Study Group

We are a Tibetan Buddhist meditation and study group located in Battle Creek, Michigan. We practice within the Barway Dorje treasure lineage and the oral lineages known as the Dakpo Kagyu. These lineages authentically transmit the profound teachings and unsurpassed blessings of Vajrayana Buddhism. Palchen Study Groups are informal groups of students that have formed in connection with Kunzang Palchen Ling to pursue their study and practice of vajrayana Buddhism under the spiritual direction of Bardor Tulku Rinpoche. With Rinpoche’s blessing, we have been meeting and practicing together since April 2009. In May 2011, we began using the name Palchen Study Group Battle Creek. We believe in a non-sectarian approach to Buddhism and respect all religious traditions. Palchen means “Great Splendor” in Tibetan. Bardor Tulku Rinpoche is recognized as the third incarnation of Terchen Barway Dorje—the incarnation of Nupchen Sangye Yeshe, one of the five principle disciples of Guru Rinpoche. Bardor Rinpoche is founder and spiritual head of Kunzang Palchen Ling (KPL) in Red Hook, NY, and for 30 years was instrumental in helping establish Karma Triyana Dharmachakra in Woodstock, NY. Rinpoche now spends his time working to firmly establish Kunzang Palchen Ling for the benefit of all beings—especially students in the We regularly host qualified Buddhist teachers who give teachings, lead retreats, and conduct ceremonies. Meditation buddhaundertree2004BThe practice of meditation is simply resting the mind in the present moment of experience. If we are not captured by our thoughts, we can discover tranquility within our mind and gain insight into who we truly are. If we stay fully present in the here and now — and relax — we can open to the incredible goodness and spaciousness that is our true heart, our true home. Meditation is fostering a familiarity with our minds — becoming familiar with a way of being that is free of anxiety and personal storylines. In practicing meditation, we simply place our awareness on our normal breathing — the in-and-out breaths — and as thoughts arise and pass away we simply let them be. When we become distracted, we gently bring our awareness back to the breath. Many different things, besides the breath, can be used as objects for meditation. We can use any physical sensations that we may have. We can use sights, such as gazing at a flower or a sacred picture. We can use sounds, such as natural occurring sounds or sounds that we produce. We can use smells; we can use tastes; we can use anything really. We can also meditate without using an object of meditation. To do this, we just let our awareness rest in the freshness of the present moment. Call Matt 269.275.0090 for more information.