Q: I’m relatively new to Buddhism, where and how do I start?

Buddhism is so vast that there is no one answer that is best for everyone. There are many ways to begin exploring Buddhist teachings. You can explore this site to learn about the teachings and meditations available at Emaho and to find Rinpoche’s clips on YouTube.  

Studying under a qualified teacher is a rare opportunity. We are fortunate to have that opportunity available at Emaho. In addition to public talks and teaching by ZaChoeje Rinpoche, Emaho Foundation also offers weekly guided meditations every Wednesday night. Please check our calendar of events for the schedule. 

Any book by the Dalai Lama is an excellent place to start studying the Dharma. See our book club page to explore the readings we have been studying over the past years. 

Q: I want to attend the teachings but I can’t afford the suggested donations.  What can I do?

Since the time of Buddha, it has been traditional that the teachings be offered freely to anyone who is genuinely interested in improving his or her life through spiritual growth. The Dharma — the teachings of the Buddha — cannot be reduced to a value expressed in monetary terms. In that spirit, it is the tradition at Emaho that one is ever turned away for lack of funds.

The donations requested at Emaho Center are purely voluntary, and are intended for the purpose of supporting our teachers and the activities of the Center. Without support from those who come to hear the talks, Rinpoche would not be able to maintain his teaching schedule in the Valley, and Emaho would not be able to provide a space for the workshops, meditations, and discussion groups that currently help so many people. The Dharma will flourish in the West only if we, who benefit from the teachings, practice generosity and support the Dharma in all the ways we are able to do so, within our means.

Q: How do I get on Emaho’s email list?

Just sign up on our website! Every page has a link inviting you to "Subscribe to the Emaho Newsletter." Sign up and you will receive weekly updates of our activities. You can be assured that we will never use your email address for any purpose other than our own communication, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Q: How can I meet Rinpoche? How can I make an appointment to speak with him privately?

Rinpoche welcomes anyone who would like to talk to him privately. His appointments are coordinated via request. Just email mail@emahofoundation.org and ask to set up an appointment with Rinpoche.

Q: What is an Empowerment?

An empowerment is an initiation ceremony given by a qualified Master that gives a student permission to practice a particular tantric deity practice.

Q: What is the meaning of the Deity meditations and who can participate?

Tantric deities represent our inner enlightened qualities that are manifested in our mind as a specific deity.  A deity is not outside our existence.  These deities are not living somewhere outside of us but are based on the inner enlightened qualities that are innate qualities in all sentient beings that have always existed with us and always will.  Deity meditation practice connects us with our clear, pure, true nature of ourselves.

Q: What are Rinpoche’s other activities besides being spiritual director of Emaho Foundation?

ZaChoeje Rinpoche teaches his dharma students around the globe.  Rinpoche travels to Yakima, Washington, New Zealand, and Japan to teach at the invitation of his students.  Rinpoche also has many responsibilities in India and maintains contact with several monasteries there.   Rinpoche has traveled to the Tehor region of Tibet (the home of his previous incarnations) and hopes to return as often as every year.  Rinpoche also attends Buddhist conferences and is invited to teach at other spiritual centers on occasion.    

Q: What are the standards of conduct when in a temple?

Even though we may be new to many of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, we try to preserve them the best we can. It is traditional to enter the temple discreetly, remove one's shoes and hat, and make some gesture of appreciation to the images and symbols of the sacred space. This helps us set the proper motivation and remind us of our potential for spiritual practice. It is traditional to rise and/or prostrate to the teacher at the commencement of an event. During the teachings it is traditional to face the altar and the teacher and to refrain from showing the soles of one's feet towards the altar.

Q: How can I volunteer to help with Center activities?

Volunteer activities range from helping out with special events to assisting with audio/video recordings to Center clean up. You can learn more on our Volunteer page.