South Carolina Dharma Group
A Center for the Study and Practice of Tibetan Buddhism
INPSIRED BY HIS HOLINESS,
THE 14TH DALAI LAMA
LED BY SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
GESHE DAKPA TOPGYAL
JOIN US IN LEARNING TIBETAN BUDDHISM IN THE GELUGPA TRADITION
Whether you are new to Buddhism or coming from another Buddhist tradition, learn more on our Information for Newcomers page and sign up for our email list on our Connect With Us page to receive announcements of online events.
What We Do
Online Dharma Discussion and Meditation
On Thursday evenings via Zoom, we discuss various Buddhist texts, 6-6:30 PM EST, and we meditate 6:30-7 PM EST. If you would like information about joining us, please contact us at scdharma@gmail.com or 803-467-7759.
Group Meditation
We re-opened in May 2022 for group meditation on Sundays at 9:15 AM. If you are new to our center, you can read more about our group. If you want to learn about meditation, see Meditation Basics and Teachings for guidance.
Teachings
Our spiritual director, periodic resident teachers, and visiting teachers provide authentic Buddhist teachings at the dharma center throughout the year. The teachings are free and open to all.
Retreats
If safe and healthy enough, twice a year, along with the Charleston Tibetan Society, we hold retreats at the Radiant Mind Retreat Center in St. George, South Carolina. The retreat center is halfway between Columbia and Charleston. We have online retreats via Zoom, but may soon return to in person retreats.
Upcoming Events
SAGA DAWA MAY 19-JUNE 18, CELEBRATION JUNE 4
Saga Dawa is a holy month for Buddhists around the world. It is the month in which Shakyamuni Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and passed into Nirvana. These 3 sacred events occurred on the full moon of the same month and are considered to be the 3 most sacred events of the historical Buddha's life on Mother Earth.
SAGA DAWA MAY 19-JUNE 18, CELEBRATION JUNE 4
Saga Dawa is a holy month for Buddhists around the world. It is the month in which Shakyamuni Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and passed into Nirvana. These 3 sacred events occurred on the full moon of the same month and are considered to be the 3 most sacred events of the historical Buddha's life on Mother Earth.
Saga Dawa starts from the new moon this Friday, May 19, then increasing until culminating on the full moon on Saturday, June 4, then waning back to the new moon on Sunday, June 18.
SCDG will have prayers and release animals at 11:30 on Sunday, June 4, at the Dharma Center, followed by a meal at 2 Gingers (Dutch treat). Please join us.
Geshe Dakpa Topgyal's Introduction to Saga Dawa
Online Dharma Discussion
Thursday, June 1,
6:00-6:30 PM (Eastern Daylight Time)
Topic: Purification and Vajrasattva practice
We are meeting online weekly on Thursdays for a Dharma discussion via Zoom. Contact us at scdharma@gmail.com if you would like to be part of the discussion.
Meditation at Dharma Center in person
Sunday, June 4,
9:15 AM (Eastern Daylight Time)
We will meet for prayers and 15 minutes of meditation in the Dharma Center. Afterwards people are welcome to stay and listen to Geshe Dakpa Topgyal teach about meditation via Zoom. This Sunday, June 4, is Saga Dawa Duchen, the celebration of Shakyamuni Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing into Parinirvana. At 11:30, after the teaching, we will say Saga Dawa prayers, release animals that would have been harmed, and go to lunch (dutch treat) at 2 Gingers, the South Indian restaurant in Boozer Shopping Center.
Online Dharma Discussion
Thursday, June 8,
6:00-6:30 PM (Eastern Daylight Time)
Topic: TBD
We are meeting online weekly on Thursdays for a Dharma discussion via Zoom. Contact us at scdharma@gmail.com if you would like to be part of the discussion.
Meditation at Dharma Center in person
Sunday, June 11,
9:15-10 AM (Eastern Daylight Time)
We will meet for prayers and 15 minutes of meditation in the Dharma Center. Afterwards people are welcome to stay and listen to Geshe Dakpa Topgyal teach about meditation via Zoom.