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Special Events

Meditation Garden Stupa at night.

The Buddha and His Teachings
May 5 - June 7

The Buddha taught that all beings possess the potential for enlightenment, and that, with the appropriate effort, anyone can become a fully awakened Buddha. If, however, the seed of enlightenment is to take root, the ground must be well prepared. Preparation includes study of the Buddha’s teachings and contemplation of the symbols that convey non-conceptual meaning directly to consciousness.

This May and through early June we are happy to present a series of talks and events that introduce and deepen knowledge of the Buddha and his teachings. These include the celebration of the Buddha’s birth and enlightenment and the opening of a new circumambulation path surrounding the golden Stupa that stands in the Institute's meditation garden. Other special events include evening meditation and chanting sessions held from 7-8:30 PM, Monday through Friday the week of June 3-7. All talks and events are free.

For a list of the talks, click here.

Friday, May 17, 8-9 PM: Buddha's Birth Celebration
"Prayer to Shakyamuni Buddha"

We begin our celebration of the birth of the Buddha with a reading of a short prayer to Shakyamuni Buddha. This is followed by chanting and meditation.


Saturday, May 25, 8-9:30 PM: Enlightenment Chant
Chanting and meditation to evoke the blessing of the Buddha on the anniversary of his enlightenment.


Sunday, May 26, 3-5 PM:
Special Event: Opening of the Stupa Circumambulation Path

For thousands of years Buddhist practitioners have created sacred monuments that are teachings in themselves—symbols of awakening. Prominent among them are Stupas, which are found throughout the Buddhist lands and are now appearing in Western lands.

3 PM: Slide Show on “The Stupa: Sacred Symbol of Enlightenment.” In this slide show you will see ancient and modern Stupas and learn about their sacred significance.
3:45: Tour of the Stupa circumambulation path with instructions for practice
4:30: Tea and light refreshments


Monday-Friday, June 3-7, 7-8:30 PM
Meditations on the Compassionate Buddha

Each weeknight evening in the first week of June a faculty or staff member will lead participants in a chant dedicated to the Buddha, followed by a silent meditation. The sessions will include instruction on a visualization practice that will further deepen the meditation.

 



FULL MOON CHANT
8-9:30 PM
Free

In many Buddhist lands, the full moon is a time to gather for prayer and meditation. We continue this tradition at the Nyingma Institute through holding a chanting ceremony on full moon nights. Join Nyingma students and friends in chanting the Vajra Guru Mantra interspersed with periods of meditation. The chant is held in one of our classrooms and is led by a faculty member, from 8 - 9:30 PM.

Upcoming Full Moon Chants 

  • Saturday, May 25 (This will be a special chanting to evoke the blessing of the Buddha on the anniversary of his enlightenment.)

 

 

NYINGMA INSTITUTE OPEN HOUSE 
Upcoming Dates: Sunday, June 9 & Sunday, September 1
3-5 PM.
Free

Quarterly open houses introduce Kum Nye, and meditation, and provide the opportunity to meet Institute faculty and staff. The open house program runs from 3-5 PM with light refreshments, followed by our regular Sunday chanting at 5 pm and talk at 6 PM. Come for some or all of the activities. All open house events are free.

  • Prayer wheel and meditation garden tour
  • Tibetan Relaxation (Kum Nye yoga) demonstration
  • Talk on the Nyingma Institute, its programs and activities
  • Class and program counseling
  • Reception with light refreshments