The Pluralism Project at Harvard UniversityCenter Profile
Jewel Heart Cleveland (2006)
Tibetan Buddhism (Buddhism)
Websites:
About
Welcome to Jewel Heart Cleveland’s homepage!
Our Tremont center offers experiential classes, workshops, teachings, and special events relating to Gelek Rimpoche’s authentic and accessible Buddhist teachings, as well as enjoyable social and cultural events that nurture our spiritual community. All classes include training in both analytic and concentrated meditation. On most Sunday mornings, we have an informal free dharma talk with guided meditation, followed by tea, coffee, cookies, and fellowship.
The Cleveland Chapter of Jewel Heart began in the late 1980′s, meeting in members’ homes and rented spaces. Since our move to Tremont in 2001, we have greatly expanded our schedule of classes and events. Our center includes a small store with books and other dharma items that is open during scheduled events, as well as a lending library with books, tapes and DVDs available to all.
Description
Research conducted by affiliates at Kent State University led by Dr. David W. Odell-Scott and Dr. Surinder M. Bhardwaj in 1999.
Activities and Schedule
The center holds Buddhist teachings, discussion, biweekly study and practice groups as well as social and cultural events. They celebrate a number of festivals including Je Tsong Khapa Day which attracts about 50 participants and Saga Dawa with about 20 participants. The center also holds potlucks, cultural lectures and weekend retreats. There are no formal activities for children at this point. A national newsletter, From the Heart is published.
History
The center was founded by Gelek Rinpoche, one of the few Tibetan teachers of his generation who is fluent in English. Early on worship took place in various member's homes. The center is plagued with the problem of fund raising and they are currently looking for a permanent site for the center.
Description
Meetings take place in a room at the Christ Episcopal Church. Discussion or practice groups meet at the church or in people's homes. Other similar centers in Northern Ohio include Cleveland Buddhist Temple and Great Lakes Buddhist Council keep a list of Buddhist Centers in the area.
Date Center Founded
1989
Religious Leader and Title
Gelek Rinpoche, Spiritual Director
Membership
About 50-60 attend meetings, 350 on mailing list.
Ethnic Composition
All or nearly all, except Rinpoche, are American Born. Rinpoche was born in Tibet, and is now an American Citizen.
Affiliation with Other Communities/Organizations
A branch of Jewel Heart, located in Ann Arbor Michigan. Jewel heart has chapters in the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Singapore.