Hayagriva Dharma Center hosts series

Hayagriva Dharma Center in Hilo will offer an eight-day program with guest instructor Pailin Young of San Jose, Calif., beginning Tuesday, Jan. 17. Young is the translator, principal attendant and teaching assistant for Lama Namnang Mingjo Dorje Rinpoche, lineage holder of the Nagavararaja Buddhist Lineage from China.

The Nagavararaja lineage emphasizes having good understanding of Buddhist principles from the Foundational and Mahayana paths, and uses both sutra and vajrayana Buddhist methods to help students progress along their spiritual paths.

There will be seven sessions, including classes in the foundations of Buddhism, the Dharma, as well as classes on special Buddhist practices from both Tibetan and Nagavararaja lineages. These practices help to remove internal and external obstacles to students’ practices and increase positive qualities. This results in less stress, increased happiness and improves the ability to benefit others.

Classes are open to both new and experienced students.

Those new to Buddhism are especially encouraged to attend the four classes on Buddhist principles on Jan. 17, 20, 21 and 22.

“Understanding Buddhist philosophy will enhance your understanding of Buddhist practices such as meditation,” explained spokeswoman Kathy Ohara. There are two classes on practices from the Nagavararaja lineage: The Dakini Purification (Jan. 18) and White Lotus Meditation (Jan. 24).

Here is the complete schedule:

— Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Exploration of the Positive Power of the Mind and Cause and Effect;

— Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Dakini Purification Practice; 8 to 9 p.m.: Vajrayogini Tsog Offering Practice;

— Friday, Jan. 20, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Overcoming Negative Emotions and Cultivating Their Antidotes;

— Saturday, Jan. 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Discovering the Function of Mind and Transforming It into Wisdom;

— Sunday, Jan. 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Introducing the Essential Aspects of Buddhist Cultivation Path;

— Monday, Jan. 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Buddhist Offering Practices to Generate Positive Karma (Merits), and

— Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: White Lotus Meditation, with instruction on the basic and longer versions.

Hayagriva Dharma Center is at 586 Kanoelehua Ave., No. 4, in Hilo.

All classes are free, although donations for Young will be accepted.

The sessions are open to all levels, and new students are encouraged to attend. Drop-ins are welcomed.

For more information on each class, please visit www.hayagrivahilo.org or call Ohara at 936-0302.