The Power of Gratitude - Geshe Thubten Sherab
Evening talk
We are delighted to invite you to a public talk on Gratitude by Geshe Thubten Sherab, a senior Tibetan Buddhist teacher trained at Sera Je Monastic University. Geshe la is an FPMT Touring Teacher, as well as a resident teacher at our sister center Thubten Norbu Ling in New Mexico, USA. As Geshe la will start a long personal retreat after his current European tour, this evening is a great opportunity to connect with him.
What is gratitude, really?
In Tibetan Buddhism, gratitude is far more than a polite feeling of thanks — it is a way of seeing. It begins with recognizing kindness: noticing how much of our life, from the food we eat to the language we speak, depends on the effort and care of countless others, most of whom we will never meet. This recognition naturally softens the heart and opens it toward compassion.
Gratitude in this tradition is closely tied to the understanding of interdependence — the insight that nothing exists on its own, and that our wellbeing is woven together with the wellbeing of others. When we truly see this, gratitude stops being an occasional emotion and becomes a steady way of relating to the world.
Why does this matter today?
In a world that often pulls us toward comparison, dissatisfaction, and a sense of not having enough, gratitude is a powerful antidote. It is said to be one of the most direct paths to genuine contentment — not because we ignore life's difficulties, but because we learn to notice what sustains us even in the midst of them.
Cultivating gratitude also has a ripple effect: a grateful mind is less prone to anger, resentment, and isolation, and more inclined toward generosity and connection. In this sense, gratitude is not only a personal practice, but a quiet contribution to a kinder, more peaceful world.
All are welcome, regardless of background or experience with Buddhism.
About Geshe Sherab
Geshe Thubten Sherab was born in a small village in the the western part of Nepal. He entered Kopan Monastery at the age of nine and completed his Geshe studies at the famous Sera Je monastery in South India, followed by a year at Gyumed Tantric College.
Since then, Geshe Sherab served the Foundation for Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) in several roles, including Headmaster of Kopan Monastery’s school, Director of the FPMT Board and Headmaster of the Kopan Monastery. Currently Geshe Sherab is the resident teacher in the Thubten Norbu Ling FPMT Center in New Mexico, USA and also spends much of his time touring the world and teaching.
Geshe la has a unique gift of presenting often complex Buddhist topics in a simple, warm and accessible manner and teaches in English. He has much experience with Western students, which helps him to explain Dharma to us in a practical and applicable way
Practical information
Day & timing: Wednesday 26 August, from 19.00-21.00 hours
Location: Onsite at our Maitreya Center in Amsterdam and online via Zoom.
Language: English
Study materials & recordings: The talk will be recorded (audio and video) and provided to you.
Last-minute registration: Please also send an email to amsterdam@maitreya.nl, to ensure we can send you the necessary Zoomlink in time to join the class.
Suggested donation
Dāna (generosity) is one of the cornerstones of the Buddhist path. By virtue of their generosity, the Buddha and the ordained sangha offer us the teachings, and in exchange, the lay community supports Dharma centers and the monastic community. This interdependence is essential for us to share the Dharma and continue our work to benefit all sentient beings. With your donation we support our teachers in their livelihood and we uphold our Dharma center, which is managed entirely by volunteers.
The suggested donation is € 20. For students and people with low income, the suggested donation is €10. Please send us an email if you'd like to make use of this option.
Please keep in mind that the donation amount should never be an obstacle to your access to the Dharma. Please contact us if it might be an obstacle for you.
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