WLV Buddhist center still thriving




SPIRITUAL PLACE—The Tushita Kadampa Buddhist Center opened in Westlake Village in 2011.

SPIRITUAL PLACE—The Tushita Kadampa Buddhist Center opened in Westlake Village in 2011.

The Tushita Kadampa Buddhist Center will celebrate its second anniversary on Sat., March 23 at 910 Hampshire Road, Ste. I, in the Water Court, Westlake Village.

Following is the schedule for the day. The public can attend as many activities as desired at no cost.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Free workshop on the healing power of meditation led by resident teacher Rebecca Gauthier,

1:45 to 2:30 p.m.: Tour of main meditation room

3 to 3:45 p.m.: The life of Buddha Tushita Kadampa celebrating two-year anniversary

4 to 4:30 p.m.: Magic show for children

5 to 6 p.m.: Wish-fulfilling jewel with Tsog chanted meditation

6:30 p.m.: Vegetarian potluck dinner

The center has been part of the community for five years, relocating to Westlake after outgrowing its previous location in Thousand Oaks after three years.

The local center is one of 1,100 worldwide founded by the Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, a meditation master and internationally known Buddhist teacher.

He emphasizes the importance of meditation and how to apply it in daily life, the need to be truly happy and how to cultivate a good heart to help others.

The center offers 10 different classes every week, including Prayers for World Peace on Sundays, where families can come together and meditate. Special classes are available for teens and children.

The center is also sponsoring a food drive for Manna, the local food bank. The community is asked to bring canned and dry goods to donate to those in need.