Celebrating our 35th Anniversary |
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Courses meet for ten weeks |
All books mentioned in these course descriptions For Continuing Education Credit Classes see |
New! September Courses Like a stream of nectar, the transmission of wisdom in the Tibetan tradition flows from the time of the Buddha. September 1-26, 2008 |
DHS204 Four Foundations of Mindfulness Mindfulness wakes us up to the true nature of existence. In this course we steadily contemplate the body, feelings, mind, and the outer world, establishing a basis for the growth of wisdom. We follow a path that has reliably led to realization for over two millennia. |
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The practice of Nyingma meditation leads to serenity and insight.
Courses provide instruction in meditation techniques and support for daily practice.
MED205 Knowing Mind Differently |
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Nyingma Psychology and Practices offer unique insight into the human situation
and innovative ways to ease emotional discomfort.
NPS107 Transforming Fear When we study fear calmly, we make a remarkable discovery: fear is a creation of our minds. Tarthang Tulku, Openness Mind. Fear shadows the best moments of our lives: fear of loss, fear of change, fear of not being worthy. Even when we understand and accept the reasons for fear, the feeling of fear may grip us tightly. We learn to loosen fear’s hold through contemplating how fear manifests within the body, breath, and mind. Cost: $68. Instructor: Sylvia Gretchen. Based on Tarthang Tulku’s Nyingma Psychology teachings, this course is suitable for anyone willing to sensitively engage the mind through meditative analysis. It is not suitable for those feeling overwhelmed or paralyzed by fear. |
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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.
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KNR103 Beginning Kum Nye: Releasing Tension and Restoring Balance KNR203 Intermediate Kum Nye: Stimulating Inner Energy |
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Developing a reading knowledge of classical Tibetan
gives access to a vast literature, largely unavailable in Western languages.
TIB104 Beginning Tibetan, Level V
Thursdays, 8 - 9:30 PM (September 4-25)
Students continue working with grammar and syntax.
Prerequisite: TIB104 or consent of the instructor.
Cost: $68.
Instructor: Tibetan teaching staff.
TIB205 Intermediate Tibetan, Level V
Fridays, 6:15 - 7:45 PM (September 5-26)
Selected readings from Tibetan Buddhist texts.
Prerequisite: TIB203 or consent of the instructor.
Cost: $68.
Instructor: Mark Henderson.
TIB301 Tibetan Tutorial
Fridays, 4:30 - 5:45 PM (September 5-26)
Continued reading and translation of Tibetan texts.
Prerequisite: consent of the instructors.
Cost: $68.
Instructors: Barr Rosenberg and Sylvia Gretchen.
New!
Fall 2008 Courses
September 29-December 5, 2008
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Just as alchemy transmutes base metals into precious gold, the Dharma helps us to refine the elements of ordinary experience into qualities that foster enlightenment.
Tarthang Tulku, founder of the Nyingma Institute
DHS205 Compassion in Action What does it mean to live a life dedicated to compassion and wisdom? We look to the ways of life that the Buddha established and read biographies of great masters, men and women from India and Tibet. We also continue to cultivate our own inner capabilities for compassionate wisdom and deepen our knowledge of cause and effect. Taking steps in the direction of the path, our entire orientation begins to shift from being centered on our own benefit to being centered on the benefit of others. |
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DHS211 Buddhist Studies Tutorial: Sustaining Bodhicitta We study the perfections of giving, ethical discipline, and patience in Shantideva’s Introduction to the Bodhisattva Way (Bodhicharyavatara). Cost: $170. Includes the “Melting Emotional Responses in Compassionate Knowledge,” workshop on November 15. Instructor: Barr Rosenberg. Open to all students with a sincere interest in the Buddha’s teachings. |
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The practice of Nyingma meditation leads to serenity and insight.
Courses provide instruction in meditation techniques and support for daily practice.
Cost: $170 (mornings); $153 (evenings). Instructors: Robin Caton (mornings); Jared Baird and Olivia Hurd (evenings). For beginners and those wishing to review basic techniques. No class November 27, Thanksgiving Day. MED201 Intermediate Meditation: Sustaining Meditation Cost: $170 (mornings); $153 (evenings). Instructors: Jack Petranker (mornings); Hugh Joswick (evenings). Prerequisite: one year of meditation experience. No class November 27, Thanksgiving Day.
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Nyingma Psychology and Practices offer unique insight into the human situation
and innovative ways to ease emotional discomfort.
NPS106 Nyingma Gateway: Love of Knowledge Cost: $170. Instructors: Sylvia Gretchen, Jack Petranker, and Bob Byrne. |
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Our emotions show us where to direct our attention: rather than obscuring the path, they can clarify and sharpen it. Tarthang Tulku, Openness Mind. Cost: $170. Instructor: Erika Rosenberg. No previous experience with meditation is required. NPR102 Devotional Chanting with Sacred Art Cost: $170. Instructors: Rosalyn White and Mark Henderson. Open to all students.
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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.
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KNR205 Intermediate Kum Nye: Transforming Inner Energy Cost: $170. Instructor: Donna Morton. Prerequisite: one year of Kum Nye practice. KNR301 Advanced Kum Nye Cost: $170. Instructor: Santosh Philip. Prerequisite: two years of Kum Nye practice. |
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Developing a reading knowledge of classical Tibetan
gives access to a vast literature, largely unavailable in Western languages.
TIB101 Beginning Tibetan, Level I
Thursdays, 8—9:30 PM (October 2—December 4)
The alphabet is introduced along with pronunciation, basic grammar, and vocabulary.
Cost: $170. Instructor: Tibetan teaching staff.
TIB201 Intermediate Tibetan, Level I
Fridays, 6:15—7:45 PM (October 3—December 5)
Readings from the Diamond Sutra introduce students to the style of Buddhist Sutras, translated from Sanskrit into Tibetan.
Cost: $170. Instructor: Mark Henderson. Prerequisite: TIB101-105 or consent of the instructor.
Fridays, 4:30-5:45 PM (October 3-December 5)
Continued reading and translation of Tibetan texts.
Cost: $170. Instructors: Barr Rosenberg and Sylvia Gretchen. Prerequisite: consent of the instructors.
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.
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TSK101 Experiencing the Dynamic of Time At the edge of the future, time sparkles; in the richness of feeling and energy, time glows. Practices focus on finding these places and allowing them to expand and deepen. Students discover time coursing through the body and mind: a dimension wholly inseparable from their own being. Cost: $170. Instructors: Ken McKeon and Tom Morse. Based on the Time, Space, and Knowledge vision. Open to all students. |
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Summer Classes
June 9 - August 15, 2008
These are classes currently underway at the Nyingma Institute.
Note: It is still possible to drop in on any session of
KNR103: Beginning Kum Nye: Releasing Tension and Restoring Balance
(Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45 PM, June 11- August 13).
An individual class session of Beginning Kum Nye costs $17.
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DHS203 Who Owns Mind?
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:15-7:45
(June 10 - August 14)We sensitively explore consciousness, looking for the source of thoughts, feelings, impulses, and actions. We search for an independent 'self' who controls and owns the mind and experience. Following an ancient analysis from the time of the Buddha, we glimpse how mind, free of the confines of 'self,' might function. Our primary practices are mindfulness in all things and the four immeasurable states (love, compassion, joy, and equanimity).
Prerequisite: DHS202 or consent of the instructors.
Cost: $340.
Instructors: Sylvia Gretchen and Jack Petranker.
Students are encouraged to attend the associated workshops, "Question of Identity: Ten Kinds of Self" on June 27-28, and "Four Immeasurable States of Being" on August 8-9.
DHS 211 Buddhist Studies Tutorial:
Entering the Bodhisattva Way
Tuesdays, 8 - 9:30 PM
(June 10 - August 12)Based on the classic Buddhist text, Introduction to the Bodhisattva Way of Life
(Bodhicharyavatara), this course offers a clear and far-reaching guide for
entering a life of compassion and wisdom.
Open to all students with a sincere interest in the Buddha's teachings.
Cost: $170.
Instructor: Barr Rosenberg.
Nyingma Psychology and Practices offer unique insight into the human situation
and innovative ways to ease emotional discomfort
NPS102 Transforming Negative Emotions
Mondays, 8 - 9:30 PM (June 9 - August 11)Introspective practices and insights from the Buddhist tradition can transform the destructive power of everyday negative emotions. Based on Tarthang Tulku's Openness Mind, this course gives specific antidotes for anger, fear, anxiety, and attachment.
For all levels of students
Cost: $170.
Instructor: Sylvia Gretchen.
NPS105 Heart Practices for Daily Life
Wednesdays, 8 - 9:30 PM
(June 11 - July 9)This five-week course is about how to keep the heart open in the midst of activity. Course presents awareness and movement exercises that help sustain emotional balance and ease. Discussion will highlight practical ways to bring compassionate values to work and family life.
For all levels of students
Cost: $85.
Instructors: Robin Caton and Santosh Philip.
The practice of Nyingma meditation leads to serenity and insight.
Courses provide instruction in meditation techniques and support for daily practice.
MED104 Beginning Meditation: Self-Observation
Morning Session: Wednesdays, 10:00 - 11:30 AM (June 11 - August 13)
Evening Session: Thursdays, 6:15 - 7:45 PM (June 12 - August 14)
The focus of this course is on observing the mind, emotions, and feelings. Basic meditation practices will show students how to stay mindful while maintaining relaxation. Through applying these practices wholesome self-discovery becomes a way of life.
For beginners and for those wishing to review basic techniques.
Cost: $170.
Instructors: Jack Petranker (mornings); Jared Baird (evenings).
MED204 Intermediate Meditation: Discovering Mind
Thursdays, 8 - 9:30 PM (June 12 - August 14)
The mind can be experienced as alive, sensitive, and brilliant. In this course, students will be led through contemplative practices that reveal deeper levels of mind than are ordinarily recognized.
Prerequisite: one year of meditation experience.
Cost: $170.
Instructor: Hugh Joswick.
MED304 Advanced Meditation: The Power of the Open Heart
Mondays, 6:15 - 7:45 PM
(June 9 - August 11)Meditation, prayer, and study focused on the awakened masters of the Nyingma lineage open the heart and renew our sense of purpose and clarity. Cultivating open-hearted devotion, we prepare ourselves to receive the blessings of the enlightened masters, bringing the Dharma to our lives and protecting it for the future.
Prerequisite: three years of meditation experience and consent of the instructor.
Cost: $79 per month, which includes the workshop, "Strengthening Devotion," on August 16.
Instructor: Sylvia Gretchen.
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
KNR103 Beginning Kum Nye: Releasing Tension and Restoring Balance
Wednesdays, 6:15 - 7:45 PM (June 11 - August 13)
Kum Nye movement and awareness exercises help release physical and emotional tension. Practices in this course will focus on giving students tools to restore balance to their lives and deepen their spiritual awareness.
Cost: $170.
Instructor: Jack van der Meulen.KNR203 Intermediate Kum Nye: Stimulating Inner Energy
Mondays, 8 - 9:30 PM (June 9 - August 11)
When inner energy is flowing smoothly, there is health and vitality. This course works with exercises that stimulate the free flow of inner energy.
Prerequisite: one year of Kum Nye practice. For intermediate and advanced students.
Cost: $170.
Instructor: Donna Morton
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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.
TSK104 TSK Right from the Start!
Tuesdays, 6:15 - 7:45 PM (June 10 - August 12)Knowledge as the interplay between the openness of space and the creativity of time is accessed through dialogue and contemplative exercise. This course awakens the discerning capacity of the mind.
Cost: $170.
Instructors: Ken McKeon and Tom Morse.
For all levels of students.
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Developing a reading knowledge of classical Tibetan
gives access to a vast literature, largely unavailable in Western languages.
TIB104 Beginning Tibetan, Level IV
Thursdays, 8 - 9:30 PM (June 12 - August 14)
Using examples and short selections from texts,
students continue working with grammar and syntax.
Prerequisite: TIB103 or consent of the instructor.
Cost: $170.
Instructor: Tibetan teaching staff.TIB204 Intermediate Tibetan, Level IV
Fridays, 6:15 - 7:45 PM (June 13 - August 15)
Selected readings from Tibetan Buddhist texts.
Prerequisite: TIB203 or consent of the instructor.
Cost: $170.
Instructor: Mark Henderson.TIB301 Tibetan Tutorial
Fridays, 4:30 - 5:45 PM (June 13 - August 15)
Continued reading and translation of Tibetan texts.
Prerequisite: consent of the instructors.
Cost: $170.
Instructors: Barr Rosenberg and Sylvia Gretchen.
All books mentioned in these course descriptions may be purchased at the Nyingma Institute bookstore or purchased online from the Dharma Publishing Website.
Preregistration: Please call (510) 843-6812 to preregister for programs. In order to ensure your place in retreats, classes, and workshops, send in a 20% deposit. Make checks payable to the Nyingma Institute.Payment Policy: Full payment for classes, workshops, and retreats is due prior to the first session.Refunds: If a class, workshop, or retreat is canceled by the Institute, a full refund will be made. If a student drops a class before the third session, a prorated refund will be made if requested. Attending Single Class Sessions: For a $17 fee, students may attend the first session of any evening class. Unless arranged in advance, students may not drop in after the first session.Nondiscriminatory policy: The Nyingma Institute welcomes students of any race, color, sex, national, and ethnic origin.It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational and admissions policies or any other programs that it administers.
Nyingma Institute
1815 Highland Place, Berkeley, CA 94709
phone: (510) 843-6812
fax: (510) 486-1679
e-mail: Nyingma-Institute@nyingma.org
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