The Center- Florida Tibetan Buddhist Center

The Center

A preliminary design shows the central building which includes the main practice hall, practice and shrine rooms, library, dining facilities, and visitors’ guest rooms.

Florida Tibetan Buddhist Center is blessed with a resident lama (teacher) and many visiting Tibetan masters who will come to share their knowledge and wisdom.

This private spring-fed pond is the view from the Stupa site.

There will be a main hall for teaching and practice, short-term and long-term retreat facilities for practitioners and guest rooms for visitors, as well as homes for members who wish to live at the Center. Plans include a tall Stupa to circumambulate, a Peace Garden for contemplation and rest, boardwalks through the cypress trees on the water, a dock and boat boarding area for canoes and kayaks to explore the lake, and a screened Meditation Pavilion on the water.

At a minimum, half of the land (fifty-one acres) will be dedicated to open space for organic gardening and conservation, providing a wildlife habitat and a spectacular backyard for the Center, with many soft trails for walking and exploring.

Shrine Room – To house spiritual instruction as well as dance, art, music, theater, lectures, and workshops. Group retreat activities where teachers and instructors focus on specific practices for a number of days or weeks can also be accommodated.

Private Lama House – To house the teachers and lamas that come from all over the world and to provide a part time residence for His Holiness the Karmapa.

Stupa – A traditional architectural construction that represents the mind of the Buddha. Tibetan word is Chorten. It is in western terms a religious monument or statue with precious objects placed inside. Practitioners walk around it in a clockwise direction while meditating or reciting prayers.

Kitchen & Dining Hall – For preparing meals for teachers, retreatants, program attendees and community events.

Meditation Pavilion - A screened Meditation Pavilion nestled between the cypress trees on the water will bring nature and contemplation together

Gallery & Dharma Store – Artistic expression of Tibetan culture will be featured in the gallery celebrating both global and local artists of various media. A store with books and items promoting spiritual practice and global ecology and environmental harmony will also be open to the public.

Retreat Spaces – Facilities will be available for individual retreats led by qualified retreat masters and guides. Typically such retreats are used for extended periods of time for contemplative meditation and practice which requires isolation and quiet peaceful accommodations.

Elder Enclave – The passing of life is of special significance in Buddhist teachings. Ways in which one prepares for death and approaches realization in the transition are some of the most powerful and important practices from the ancient teachings. Also, at the Center the wisdom of those who have been on this earth the longest will be honored and shared. It is envisioned that elder community homes will be collaborative living facilities including group cooking, gardening, and other activities.

Tibetan Medicine & Alternative HealthCare – Eastern medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy and more will be encouraged and practiced at the Center.

Nature Trails and Lake Access – Trails which provide access to a spring fed pond, majestic oaks and natural settings as well as boardwalks along some of the most beautiful cypress lined lake frontage in the world will lead to a dock on the lake, with canoes and kayaks available. Wildlife abounds, peace permeates and the mind relaxes.

OSPREY COVE AT LAKE SANTA FE GAINESVILLE • FLORIDA
HOME THE CENTER THE LAND THE LAKE HOMESITES HIS HOLINESS KARMAPA KARMA KAGYU AFFILIATES WHO WE ARE PHOTO GALLERY MAKE DONATION CONTACT US	The Center A preliminary design shows the central building which includes the main practice hall, practice and shrine rooms, library, dining facilities, and visitors’ guest rooms. Florida Tibetan Buddhist Center is blessed with a resident lama (teacher) and many visiting Tibetan masters who will come to share their knowledge and wisdom. This private spring-fed pond is the view from the Stupa site. There will be a main hall for teaching and practice, short-term and long-term retreat facilities for practitioners and guest rooms for visitors, as well as homes for members who wish to live at the Center. Plans include a tall Stupa to circumambulate, a Peace Garden for contemplation and rest, boardwalks through the cypress trees on the water, a dock and boat boarding area for canoes and kayaks to explore the lake, and a screened Meditation Pavilion on the water. At a minimum, half of the land (fifty-one acres) will be dedicated to open space for organic gardening and conservation, providing a wildlife habitat and a spectacular backyard for the Center, with many soft trails for walking and exploring. Shrine Room – To house spiritual instruction as well as dance, art, music, theater, lectures, and workshops. Group retreat activities where teachers and instructors focus on specific practices for a number of days or weeks can also be accommodated. Private Lama House – To house the teachers and lamas that come from all over the world and to provide a part time residence for His Holiness the Karmapa. Stupa – A traditional architectural construction that represents the mind of the Buddha. Tibetan word is Chorten. It is in western terms a religious monument or statue with precious objects placed inside. Practitioners walk around it in a clockwise direction while meditating or reciting prayers. Kitchen & Dining Hall – For preparing meals for teachers, retreatants, program attendees and community events. Meditation Pavilion - A screened Meditation Pavilion nestled between the cypress trees on the water will bring nature and contemplation together Gallery & Dharma Store – Artistic expression of Tibetan culture will be featured in the gallery celebrating both global and local artists of various media. A store with books and items promoting spiritual practice and global ecology and environmental harmony will also be open to the public. Retreat Spaces – Facilities will be available for individual retreats led by qualified retreat masters and guides. Typically such retreats are used for extended periods of time for contemplative meditation and practice which requires isolation and quiet peaceful accommodations. Elder Enclave – The passing of life is of special significance in Buddhist teachings. Ways in which one prepares for death and approaches realization in the transition are some of the most powerful and important practices from the ancient teachings. Also, at the Center the wisdom of those who have been on this earth the longest will be honored and shared. It is envisioned that elder community homes will be collaborative living facilities including group cooking, gardening, and other activities. Tibetan Medicine & Alternative HealthCare – Eastern medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy and more will be encouraged and practiced at the Center. Nature Trails and Lake Access – Trails which provide access to a spring fed pond, majestic oaks and natural settings as well as boardwalks along some of the most beautiful cypress lined lake frontage in the world will lead to a dock on the lake, with canoes and kayaks available. Wildlife abounds, peace permeates and the mind relaxes.	Mission: To preserve, present and practice Tibetan Buddhist teachings, culture, arts and medicine in a setting of peace and beauty.