Tibetan Nyingma Institute Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World

Nyingma Psychology Program

Description: This program focuses on how to use analysis and meditation to precisely determine mental and emotional states. With this knowledge, students learn to apply antidotes that transform negative states and discover how to act in ways that are genuinely positive.

Objective: Upon completion, students will understand how to determine the body/mind components of mental and emotional states, and how to apply antidotes to transform the negative aspects of emotions, concepts and feelings.

Length: Minimum 1 year; maximum 2 years.

Program Components: 5 classes, 4 workshops, 1 retreat.

Program Cost: $1,500. May be paid in quarterly ($375) or monthly ($125) installments.

In individual cases, to further a student’s educational goals, elective classes, workshops and retreats may be substituted for those on these lists with the written consent of both the Program Director and the Chief Academic Officer.

Two required classes (may be taken in any order):

NPS101 Healing Mind

SPRING 2011:  March 21-May23, Mondays, 8-9:30 PM and March 24-May 26, Thursdays, 1-2:30 PM
WINTER 2012: Mondays, 8-9:30 PM and Thursdays, 1-2:30 PM

Mind can reflect immense beauty, love, and clarity, but mind can also weave an intricate web of suffering. This course is designed to increase self-understanding and to heal mind through experiential investigation into its structures and functions. Topics include: emotions as hidden knowledge, conflict and self-image, and reclaiming the heart.

NPS102 Transforming Negative Emotions

SUMMER 2011: June 6-August 8, Mondays, 8-9:30 PM and June 9-August 11, Thursdays, 1-2:30 PM

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.

3 elective classes chosen from the following (students must choose two ten-week classes and one 4 or 5 week class:

NPS103 Working With Emotions

FALL 2011: October 3-December 5, Mondays (Time to be determined)

Emotions can be binding and painful, but they can also be great teachers. This class teaches meditation exercises for working with emotions in daily life. Learning to use mindfulness to appreciate the transient nature of emotions can free us from the tendency to cling to both pleasant and unpleasant experiences. We discover the key to transforming negative emotional energy.

NPS104 Gesture of Balance

TBA

Through analysis and meditation practice, this course explores the attitudes, actions, and introspective practices that can lead to a rich life in touch with deeper values. Topics covered include: opening the heart to feeling and compassion; relaxation; meditation; awareness; and trusting the inner teacher.

NPS105 Heart Practices for Daily Life

TBA

This five-week course is about how to keep the heart open in the midst of activity. Course presents awareness exercises that help sustain emotional balance and ease. Discussion will highlight practical ways to bring compassionate values to work and family life. (Counts as half a class.)

NPS106 Nyingma Gateway: Love of Knowledge

TBA

This course was designed by Tarthang Tulku to introduce a new way of understanding love and knowledge. Unique meditation, movement, and awareness practices blend with lecture and discussion and become a gateway to understanding the Tibetan Nyingma approach to life.

NPS107 Inner Psychology

SEPTEMBER 2011: August 29-September 19, Mondays, 8-9:30 PM

Mind rules our lives. But what is mind? Buddhist psychologists have studied this question for thousands of years. Drawing on their insights, this course examines mind, thought, and emotions and shows how impoverishing mental patterns can be transformed into liberating growth. Includes mindfulness and meditation practices. (Counts as half a class.)

NPS108 Special Topics in Nyingma Psychology

TBA

Topics include comparison between Eastern and Western psychological approaches, ways to maintain emotional health and balance, and developing positive mental states such as patience, joy, love, and compassion.

NPS201 Path of Self-Mastery

FALL 2011: October 6-December 8, Thursday, 10-11:30 AM

The human heart and mind have the power to recover integrity and depth. The path of self-mastery frees one from the self-imposed demons of emotionality. In this class, passages from the words of the Buddha illustrate and deepen the teachings and practices of Nyingma Psychology. Class may be repeated as content changes.

SKM101 Mastering Successful Work

TBA

Students learn how to develop a regular rhythm of awareness practices in all activities to increase relaxation and accomplishment. Class practices and discussion help students engage tasks in ways that make work more enjoyable and productive.

SKM102 Achieving All Goals

TBA

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.

SKM103 Skillful Means

FALL 2011: TBA

The Skillful Means approach to work integrates practical skills with positive attitudes. Work is transformed into a dynamic learning process that is not only pleasant and invigorating, but also gets the job done. This course teaches how to apply the Skillful Means approach to your work situation.

TSK101 Experiencing the Dynamic of Time

WINTER 2011: January 4-March 8, Tuesdays, 6:15-7:45 PM

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.

TSK102 Opening Space

WINTER 2011: TBA

Space is primordially peaceful and open. Its openness accommodates all views and all experience, gathering them together without denying their unique contributions. In this course students work with Tarthang Tulku’s book Time, Space, and Knowledge to expand their experience of space and spaciousness.

TSK103 Inviting Knowledge

SPRING 2011: March 22-May 24, Tuesdays, 6:15-7:45 PM

The presence of knowledge within our lives brings to experience light and clarity, nuance and confidence. Embodying knowledge, we are free to be creative and responsive. To realize this embodiment, we must first invite knowledge into our being. The activation of this step is the guiding intention of this course. The course entails practice, readings, and deep and honest inquiry.

TSK104 TSK Right from the Start!

SUMMER 2011: June 7-August 9, Tuesdays, 6:15-7:45 PM

Knowledge, as the interplay between the openness of space and the creativity of time, is accessed through dialogue and contemplative exercises. This course awakens the discerning capacity of the mind.

TSK108 Special Topics in Time, Space, and Knowledge

TBA

The static and rigid structures that seem to both express and dominate our lives can be loosened and transformed. Old patterns and old ways of being need not be. The TSK vision informs this search. Special topics in this vision include: mind and the origin of appearance, the path from ordinary to great time, the possibility of knowledge as commanding insight.

NPR103 Dream Yoga and Authentic Communication

SUMMER 2011: TBA

The practices of dream yoga can heighten awareness and enhance the ability to communicate more fully. Students receive instruction and practice in dream yoga; discussion focuses on ways to contact authentic ways of being. (Counts as half a class.)

NPR107 Tibetan Teachings on Death and Dying

FALL 2011: October 3-December 5, Mondays, 8-9:30 PM

The Tibetan Buddhist tradition gives detailed instructions on how to prepare for death. This class will present an overview of some of these teachings and descriptions of the “bardo,” the state between incarnations.

KOF101 Alternatives to Dissatisfaction

FALL 2011: October 4-December 6, Tuesdays, 8-9:30 PM

We can find a new way of being in the world, one that leads away from dissatisfaction and toward the knowledge we need to live a meaningful life. Based on Knowledge of Freedom.

KOF102 Awakening Knowledge

WINTER 2011: January 4-March 8, Tuesdays, 8-9:30 PM

Reaching out for fulfillment feeds endless longing. And inward grasping—even in the search for knowledge—yields nothing truly new. Trying too hard, and in the wrong way, we separate ourselves from our heart's delight. In this course students look at the process of self-deception; in doing so, they become undeceived.

KOF103 Penetrating the Dynamic of Pain

SPRING 2011: March 22-May 24, Tuesdays, 8-9:30 PM

If we allow ourselves the freedom to question and observe our experience, we discover new dimensions and approaches that will enrich our lives and prepare us for the changes to come. This course teaches students to use the mind as an “inner laboratory” where we can penetrate the dynamic of pain to reveal the endless riches of knowledge.

KOF104 Education for a New World

SEPTEMBER 2011: TBA

Our current times present us with an unprecedented number of questions, conflicts, and challenges. We can educate ourselves to bring new currents of insight to bear on these problems, nourishing our inner being and attuning ourselves to a fundamental sense of beauty and order. Based on Knowledge of Freedom.

KNR101 Beginning Kum Nye: Promoting Spaciousness

WINTER 2011: January 5-March 9, Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45 PM
WINTER 2012: Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45 PM

Kum Nye teaches us to live spaciously as it gently moves us beyond perceived limits and boundaries. Students open the senses and then navigate the space of sensations, emotions, and perceptions, moving toward an integration of body and mind.

KNR102 Beginning Kum Nye: Working with Lower Body Energy

SPRING 2011: March 23-May 25, Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45 PM

In this course, Kum Nye exercises will be presented that energize the belly, hips, legs, and spine. Bringing awareness to the lower part of the body in this way counteracts being ‘stuck’ in our heads and brings us in touch with the vitality of our full embodiment.

KNR103 Beginning Kum Nye: Releasing Tension and Restoring Balance

SUMMER 2011: June 8-August 10, Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45 PM

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.

KNR105 Beginning Kum Nye: Expanding Enjoyment and Ease

FALL 2011: October 5-December 7, Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45 PM

A series of Kum Nye practices that help to reduce physical and mental tension are combined with practices that expand the enjoyment of each of the senses.

Two required workshops: workshops begin at 10 AM and conclude at 4:45 PM unless otherwise noted.

NPS401 Transforming Negative Emotions

WINTER 2011: January 14
WINTER 2012: January 15

Potent meditations and analysis pacify unwanted emotions without suppressing them. First, students learn to balance and clear the mind; then they develop insight into how emotions arise. Finally, students learn techniques that help transform the negative aspect of emotional energy.

NPS405 The Self-Image

SPRING 2011: April 23
SPRING 2012: April 21

False expectations, judgments, and negative emotions are based on complex images that we hold of ourselves and the world. This workshop looks directly at how self-images develop and how students can free themselves from their compulsive power.

2 elective workshops chosen from the following:

NPS402 Overcoming Fear of Transformation

TBA

Practices and discussion in this workshop center on counteracting the fear and inertia that pull us back into habitual or negative patterns of thought and action. Teachings and exercises help harness the dynamic power of time to create positive change.

NPS403 Fear and Illusion

TBA

Fear can obstruct the best intentions and paralyze the ability to act. Using experiential exercises and discussion, students examine how fear takes hold and manifests within body and mind. Then they work with meditations that challenge fear’s hold.

NPS404 Topics in Transforming Emotions

TBA

Human emotions can be skillfully transformed through innovative Nyingma Psychology practices. This workshop focuses on topics that lead to emotional health.

NPS406 Activating Joyous Feeling

FALL 2012: October 15

Meditation, awareness, and movement practices awaken and expand joyous feelings. Students will learn exercises that distribute deep feelings of joy through both body and mind.

NPS407 Transforming Personal History

FALL 2011: November 5

Habits and patterns intertwined with painful past memories often prevent us from enjoying the freedom and beauty that the human body and mind offer. It is possible to skillfully touch these memories in a way that cuts through their power to restrict us. Practices from Knowledge of Freedom can help transform personal history from a source of pain into a wellspring of renewal.

NPS408 Compassion, Mindfulness, and Well-Being

TBA

Teachings that promote mindfulness and compassion can catalyze healing. Students learn awareness and compassion practices that teach them to better manage both physical and emotional challenges and to improve well-being.

NPS409 Attaining Inner Confidence

FALL 2011: December 10

An infinite source of well-being lies within body and mind. This workshop teaches students how to develop confidence to access and follow the knowledge in their hearts. Students learn ways to expand mindfulness and openness at all times.

NPS410 Clear Mind, Open Heart

TBA

There is a dynamic interplay between mind and heart. Practices and discussion in this workshop will help integrate head and heart knowledge, unlocking creativity and opening the heart.

NPS412 Emotions, Intelligence, and the Mind

TBA

In this workshop, students learn to look inward to discover the root of frustrations, failings, and even misfortunes within the mind. Meditations and analyses are introduced to penetrate emotionality, transforming inner and outer experience through a natural clarity and ease.

NPS411 Loving Yourself, Loving Others

SEPTEMBER 2011: October 1

In order to love others fully, we must also learn to love ourselves. Then we find an unending source of unconditioned love that we can freely share. This workshop presents classic Buddhist teachings that expand love and compassion beyond all boundaries.

NPS415 Essential Practices for Well-Being

TBA

Experiential practices, including meditation, imagery exercises, and Tibetan Yoga help calm body and mind, expand the senses, and open the heart. This workshop leads students through these practices in gentle but effective ways that require no previous experience with meditation. (Counts as 2 workshops.)

NPR401 Dream Lotus Evening

FALL 2011: October 14

This workshop offers instruction in dream yoga practice and in practices that relax tension in the throat area. An additional half-hour of instruction in the practice will be given to Program students. (Counts as half a workshop.)

NPR409 Transitions as Teachers

TBA

Times of transition present unique opportunities to make fundamental changes. Although they are universal, the most powerful transitions—death, illness, loss—are often deeply feared. This workshop presents ways to cultivate an awareness of both small and large transitions as positive and natural forces of creativity. Letting go of the fear of transformation, we discover within transition new beginnings and vast possibilities.

KNR403 Opening the Heart

WINTER 2011:February 12

WINTER 2012: TBA

The heart holds the key to leading a happy life in harmonious and loving accord with others. Kum Nye practices open the heart to deep levels of feeling and appreciation. This workshop includes exercises that loosen physical tension in the chest and upper back.

KNR404 Balancing Emotions through Tibetan Yoga

SPRING 2011: March 19

Kum Nye exercises relax and heal both body and mind. Movement, breathing, and awareness exercises transform tension and restore emotional balance, easing the stress of everyday life. Students will master exercises that can be used both in formal practice and in the midst of activities.

MED401 How to Meditate

2011: January 8; March 26, June 11; September 3; November 12 (all 10 AM-1PM)

This workshop is for beginning students and for anyone wanting to try meditation again. Sitting, walking, and breathing practices and simple Tibetan chanting will be introduced. (Counts as half a workshop.)

TSK403 Creativity and Consciousness

WINTER 2011: January 22

WINTER 2012: TBA

Understanding the link between creativity and consciousness allows us to bring the creative process more fully into our lives. In this workshop we will work with meditation, awareness, and movement practices that heighten awareness of what leads to creativity.

One elective retreat chosen from the following:
Note: the program cost includes a nonresidential retreat only; if you wish to attend the retreat residentially, there will be an additional fee for room and board.

NPS501 Transforming Negative Emotions

WINTER 2011: January 15

WINTER 2012: January 21

In this retreat we will explore and apply potent meditations with both experiential and analytical dimensions that pacify unwanted emotions without suppressing them. First, we balance and clear the mind; then we develop insight into how emotions arise; finally, we apply techniques that help transform the negative aspect of emotional energy.

NPS502 Cutting through Conditioning

TBA

Much of what we do is bound by conditioning: patterns of action imprinted within our body and mind. Once established, conditioned patterns operate automatically and obscure the fresh vitality –the wonder—of our experience. Through skillfully observing mental images, we can recognize and then release the layers of conditioning that have accumulated throughout our lives. Topics covered include: self-image; the cyclic nature of fascination and anxiety; and Abhidharma analysis of discerning mental events.

NPS503 Loving Yourself, Loving Others

We can find unconditioned love for ourselves and for others. Mantra, visualization, meditation, and movement exercises help develop and expand compassion and love beyond all boundaries. Practices and lecture are based on the traditional practice of the “four immeasurables” of love, compassion, joy, and equanimity.

NPS504 Touching Wonder and Facing Fear

TBA

Moments of deep inspiration teach us that there are wondrous dimensions to our bodies, minds, and the world around us. Yet, we also know that our capacity for the extraordinary is often dimmed by fears and conditioned responses. In this retreat, meditation and movement practices help wake students up to inner spontaneity. At the same time, awareness exercises focus on a new kind of emotional honesty: one that sees emotions as doorways through which we can pass freely. Fear is the gatekeeper that we must befriend and overcome.

NPS505 Reclaiming the Heart

TBA

When the heart is closed, concentration is fragmented and we are easily distracted. Frustration, irritation, and yearning can overwhelm inner peace and satisfaction. In this retreat, students listen attentively to the voices of the heart through consciously cultivating compassionate aspirations and awakening unconditioned love and joy. Touching deeper aspirations, they begin to develop genuine self-respect and separate themselves from judgment and conditioning.

NPS506 Self-Image: Observing, Recognizing, Releasing

TBA

We break free from the restrictive force of self-images through developing the ability to observe experience steadily. Then we can recognize how mental and emotional patterns are structured and more easily release what is negative. In this retreat, students master the process of observing, recognizing, and releasing, unlocking the secrets of how mind operates.

NPS507 Luminous Mind

TBA

The fullness of being, luminous and free, reveals itself through visualization and dream yoga practices. A mirror-like equanimity arises; all things, inner and outer, dance with a new sense of harmony and light.

KNR406 Joy and Spaciousness

SEPTEMBER 2011: September 9-11

Gentle Kum Nye movement and breathing practices enhance a sense of spaciousness and develop joyous feelings. Taught mostly outdoors, the beauty of nature will help foster and expand inner joy. (Counts as half a retreat.)

KNR502 Kum Nye: Breath, Energy, Feeling

TBA

In this Tibetan yoga retreat, students use breath and movement exercises to stimulate and direct the energy of body and mind, visualization practices to awaken and sustain inner vitality, and meditation practices to foster serenity.

KNR503 Kum Nye: Attuning to the Present Moment

TBA

This retreat makes use of the full range of Kum Nye exercises to help each retreatant integrate a rich array of positive feelings into body, senses, and mind.

KNR505 Tibetan Yoga for Healing and Energy

SUMMER 2011: June 20-25

Breath and movement exercises awaken an inner vitality that is directly linked to a natural healing process. Meditation and visualization practices deepen this process.

MED501 Silent Retreat

TBA and by special arrangement

This retreat’s practices are done in silence with suitable instructions for meditation and study given to each participant individually. The retreat is designed to allow participants to deepen their meditation practice in the protected environment of the Nyingma Institute.

MED503 Developing Clarity

SUMMER 2011: July 25-30

The focus of this meditation retreat is insight meditation (Vipassana). Analytic meditation will be introduced along with meditations to calm the stream of distracting thought.

MED506 Reflection and Insight

SUMMER 2011: June 27-July 2

This meditation and Nyingma Psychology retreat teaches students how to quiet the mind, release emotional tension and establish the conditions for insight to arise. Students work with both meditative practices and analysis to relax, reflect, and set aspirations for health and well-being.

TSK501 Time, Space, and Knowledge: Visionary Inquiry

TBA

In this retreat, students move toward the heart of Space and Time through experiential practices from the Time, Space, and Knowledge vision. Touching the “space” and “time” of inner experience reveals a realm of unimaginable spaciousness and limitless potential. This retreat is taught with a minimum of discussion, allowing the practices themselves to bring each participant into a felt relationship with Time and Space.

*In individual cases, to further a student’s educational goals, elective classes, workshops and retreats may be substituted for those on these lists with the consent of the Program Director or the Chief Academic Officer.