Tara Buddhist Center follows the Tibetan Gelug tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa — the same lineage as His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. This tradition emphasizes the study of the mind, the cultivation of compassion, and the pursuit of wisdom as a path to genuine happiness.
The Gelug school, sometimes called the "Yellow Hat" tradition, traces its roots to the great Tibetan master Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), whose teachings on ethics, concentration, and wisdom continue to inspire practitioners around the world.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has long taught that the essence of Buddhism is compassion. At Tara Buddhist Center, we draw inspiration from his message that generosity and kindness are not merely ideals but practical expressions of a wise and open heart.
"Generosity is the expression of compassion. It is an essential practice for those who seek to live with an open heart." — His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
These teachings remind us that happiness and suffering depend on the mind, and that peace is found not in external circumstances but within. This perspective shapes every aspect of life and practice at the center.
Working with our emotions is a central practice on the Buddhist path, one that invites us to turn inward and examine the habitual patterns that shape our experience. Rather than suppressing difficult feelings or being swept away by them, we learn to observe them with curiosity and compassion. This gentle investigation reveals that emotions are not fixed or solid; they arise, linger for a time, and then dissolve back into the mind. By understanding their nature, we create space to respond wisely rather than react impulsively. Over time, this training cultivates a steady, warmhearted presence that benefits not only ourselves but everyone we encounter.
The teachings on mind training, or lojong, offer practical methods for transforming challenging emotions into allies on the path. When we feel anger, jealousy, or fear, we can use these moments as opportunities to deepen our understanding of how the mind works. Each emotional experience becomes a classroom where we learn to let go of self-centered habits and open to a broader perspective. This is not about becoming emotionless but about relating to our feelings with intelligence and kindness. As we practice, we discover that even the most turbulent emotions can be gateways to greater compassion, patience, and genuine peace of mind.
At Tara Buddhist Center, we explore these teachings in a welcoming environment where everyone is invited to look inward with honesty and warmth. Whether you are new to meditation or have been practicing for years, working with emotions is a universal aspect of the human journey. The center's emphasis on study, reflection, and meditation provides a supportive framework for this inner work. Through guided instruction and shared practice, we learn to befriend our minds and hearts, transforming confusion into clarity and isolation into connection. This path leads not to perfection but to a more authentic, compassionate way of being in the world.
Yangsi Rinpoche, Geshe Lharampa, serves as Spiritual Director of Tara Buddhist Center. Recognized at age six as the reincarnation of Geshe Ngawang Gendun, he trained in the traditional monastic system for over 25 years and graduated with the highest degree of Geshe Lharampa from Sera in 1995.
His guidance connects the Nashville community directly to the living Gelug tradition and the compassionate vision embodied by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Tara Buddhist Center was founded on February 22, 2019 by Paloma Garcia to bring the dharma to Nashville. Since then, the center has hosted talks and gatherings that explore the depth of the Gelug tradition — from working with emotions to the relationship between Buddhism and contemporary life.
We invite you to learn more about our Buddhist teachings and explore our events calendar for opportunities to engage with this rich spiritual heritage.