Tibetan Buddhism - Nyingma Institute Classes

DHS202 Transmitting Insight; Penetrating Illusion
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:15-7:45
(March 25 - May 29)

Through studying the Abhidharma and Mind Training (Lojong) texts, students will prepare to 'watch the watcher' - to become aware of how the senses operate and interpret experience in each arising moment. This awareness creates the possibility for new knowledge and personal transformation.
Students are encouraged to attend the associated workshops, "Turning the Mind to the Dharma" on April 4-5 and "Training for Freedom" on May 9-10. Prerequisite: DHS201 or consent of the instructors.
Cost: $340.
Instructors: Sylvia Gretchen and Jack Petranker.

DHS 211 Buddhist Studies Tutorial
Tuesdays, 8 - 9:30 PM
(March 25 - May 27)

This course introduces key Buddhist teachings through a careful and multi-layered study of traditional texts.
Cost: $170.
Instructor: Barr Rosenberg.

Nyingma Psychology and Practices offer unique insight into the human situation
and innovative ways to ease emotional discomfort

NPS101 Healing Mind
Mondays, 8 - 9:30 PM
(March 24 - May 26)

The final quarter of this 5-month course is designed to increase self-understanding and to heal mind through experiential investigation into its structures and functions. Topics include: transforming tension, self-image, and reclaiming the heart.
Cost: $220, which includes the workshop "The Self-Image" on April 19.
Instructors: Sylvia Gretchen and Erika Rosenberg.
New students may join with the consent of the instructors

NPR101 The Practice of Mantra
Wednesdays, 8 - 9:30 PM
(March 26 - May 28)

Mantras are deeply symbolic words that activate qualities of wisdom, compassion, and healing when they are chanted with a quiet mind and an open heart. This class gives students an opportunity to learn traditional mantras and short prayers
Cost: $170.
Instructors: Rosalyn White and Mark Henderson

The practice of Nyingma meditation leads to serenity and insight.
Courses provide instruction in meditation techniques and support for daily practice.

MED103 Beginning Meditation: Calm and Clear
Morning Session: Wednesdays, 10:00 - 11:30 AM (March 26 - May 28)
Evening Session: Thursdays, 6:15 - 7:45 PM (March 27 - May 29)
Clear, simple instructions for beginning or revitalizing a meditation practice. Each week will focus on a different part of the process that leads to tranquility and insight and overcomes resistance. Class discussion and a private instruction session help students build and sustain an individual practice.
Cost: $170, which includes a half-hour private tutorial with one of the instructors at a time to be arranged.
Instructors: Jared Baird and Olivia Hurd (evenings);
Robin Caton (mornings).
For beginners and for those wishing to review basic techniques.

MED203 Intermediate Meditation: Meditation to Open the Heart
Thursdays, 8 - 9:30 PM
(March 27 - May 29)
Students develop a joyful sense of contentment and balance as they open the heart through a series of silent and guided meditations. Prerequisite: one year of meditation experience
Cost: $170.
Instructors: Hugh Joswick and Santosh Philip.

MED303 Advanced Meditation: Mother of the Buddhas
Mondays, 6:15 - 7:45 PM
(March 24 - May 26)
Continuing contemplation of the Prajnaparamita Sutras, known as the "Mother of the Buddhas." As is said in these teachings: "Like drops of dew touched by the rays of the sun, all our theorizing vanishes once we meet her."
Based on the Prajnaparamita teachings of the Buddha
Prerequisite: three years of meditation experience and consent of the instructor.
Cost: $79 per month,
which includes the workshop, "Cutting Off Negative Thoughts," on April 26.
Instructor: Sylvia Gretchen.

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The gentle movement, massage, and breathing practices of Kum Nye
promote physical and emotional health
as they bridge the gap between the material and the spiritual

KNR102 Beginning Kum Nye: Working with Lower Body Energy
Wednesdays, 6:15 - 7:45 PM
(March 26 - May 28)
Bringing awareness to the lower part of the body counteracts being 'stuck' in our heads, and brings us in touch with the vitality of our full embodiment. Find refreshing balance for the whole body by energizing the belly, hips, legs, and spine through a wide variety of gentle Kum Nye exercises.
Cost: $170.
Instructor: Jack van der Meulen.

KNR202 Intermediate Kum Nye: Balancing and Integrating Body and Mind
Wednesdays, 8 - 9:30 PM
(March 26 - May 28)
Kum Nye exercises are introduced that allow feelings and sensations to flow more freely within and between body and mind. Students reach a more natural state of balance. Prerequisite: one year of Kum Nye practice.
Cost: $170.
Instructors: Donna Morton and Santosh Philip.

KNR301 Advanced Kum Nye
Mondays, 8 - 9:30 PM
(March 24 - May 26)
Advanced Kum Nye movement, breath, and visualization practices from Tarthang Tulku's Joy of Being are the core of this class. Exercises will be tailored to engage and challenge the advanced student.
Prerequisite: two years of Kum Nye practice.
Cost: $170.
Instructors: Santosh Philip and Donna Morton.

KNR107 Sunday Morning Kum Nye
Sundays, 10 AM - Noon (every Sunday)
Re-awaken a spirit of ease and appreciation through gentle Tibetan yoga practices that relax body, breath, and mind. A range of Kum Nye movement, massage, and breathing exercises is given in each session.
Cost: $10 per session.
Instructors: Jack van der Meulen, Santosh Philip, and the Kum Nye staff.
This drop-in class is for all levels of students.

Central to the very heart of reality, a beautiful vision is available - when we can 'see' without adopting limiting positions.
This vision concerns Space, which is primordially peaceful, open.
In its openness, it is an open-ended accommodating of various views,
all welling up, floating, gathering within Space.
- Tarthang Tulku, Time, Space, and Knowledge.

TSK103 Inviting Knowledge
Tuesdays, 6:15 - 7:45 PM
(March 25 - May 27)

When we embody knowledge within our lives we bring clarity, nuance and confidence to every experience and we are free to be more creative and responsive. The activation of knowledge is the guiding intention of this course.
Cost: $170.
Instructors: Ken McKeon and Tom Morse

When the depth of our intelligence and caring shines through our work,
life becomes enriched and balanced. – Tarthang Tulku, Mastering Successful Work.

SKM102 Achieving All Goals
Mondays, 6:15 - 7:45 PM
(March 24 - May 26)

This class teaches students how to use the pressures and challenges of work as a powerful spiritual practice. Consistent with the highest Buddhist teachings, the obstacles of daily life are transformed into opportunities for change, growth, and accomplishment.
Based on Skillful Means and Mastering Successful Work.
Cost: $170.
Instructors: Tom Mead and Jack Petranker.

Developing a reading knowledge of classical Tibetan
gives access to a vast literature, largely unavailable in Western languages.

TIB103 Beginning Tibetan, Level III
Thursdays, 8 - 9:30 PM
(March 27 - May 29)

Using examples and short selections from texts,
students continue working with grammar and syntax.
Prerequisite: TIB102 or consent of the instructor.
Cost: $170.
Instructor: Tibetan teaching staff.

TIB203 Intermediate Tibetan, Level III
Fridays, 6:15 - 7:45 PM
(March 28 - May 30)

Selected readings from Tibetan Buddhist texts.
Prerequisite: TIB202 or consent of the instructor.
Cost: $170.
Instructor: Tibetan teaching staff.

TIB301 Tibetan Tutorial
Fridays, 4:30 - 5:45 PM
(March 28 - May 30)
Continued reading and translation of Tibetan texts.
Prerequisite: consent of the instructors.
Cost: $170.
Instructors: Barr Rosenberg and Sylvia Gretchen.


Courses meet for ten weeks unless otherwise noted. All classes are ten weeks unless otherwise noted Call (510) 843-6812 to register	All books mentioned in these course descriptions may be purchased from the Nyingma Institute bookstore or purchased online from the Dharma Publishing Website. For Continuing Education Credit Classes see Continuing Legal Education Program - MCLEP certified workshops for lawyers and MFT &LCSW Workshops -CEU credits for health care workers