Early Fall Term (8 weeks)

August 23 – October 16, 2021.

Buddhist Studies (DHS)

Reading the Sutras: Following the Words of the Buddha (DHS101)
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, PT (August 25 – October 13)

Reading the Sutras is an ongoing course that examines essential sutras in the Buddhist tradition. We read the sutras not as historical texts but as a practical encounter with the teachings of the Buddha. Our goal is to develop a respect for the sutra tradition and to foster an internal examination of how these texts can speak to our twenty-first century experience.

This term we turn to The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar (Śrīmālādevīsiṃhanāda-sūtra)—a classic Mahayana text that depicts Queen Śrīmālā as a female bodhisattva who teaches the doctrine of the tathāgatagarbha and the single vehicle. It is notable for its treatment of women as fully capable of enlightenment and as worthy teachers of the Dharma. The sūtra raises many issues regarding Buddha-nature and our potential for full awakening. If time permits, we will explore other sūtras with female protagonists such as the Miraculous Play of Mañjuśrī (Mañjuśrīvikrīḍita), which develops the theme of emptiness and sameness of all phenomena.

Instructors: Pema Gellek and Hugh Joswick. Cost: $144. Prerequisites: Sincere interest in the Buddha’s teachings.
Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=1970617

Compassion in Action Part I: The Bodhisattva in History (DHS205.a)
Quarter Four of the Path of Liberation Program
Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, PT (August 24 – October 12)

The depth and vastness of the Dharma restores the foundation, purpose, and direction of human life, inspiring a way of living oriented toward loving-kindness, compassion, and selflessness. This term we explore what it means to live a life dedicated to compassion and wisdom. We examine the nature of the bodhisattva and trace the movement of the Dharma through different times and cultures. We also focus on the early development of Buddhism in India. Note that there are two workshops included with this class.

Instructors: Mark Henderson and Hugh Joswick. Cost: $164, includes two workshops. Open to all.
Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=1970599

Guide to Chanting Tibetan Prayers (DHS114)
Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11:00 am, PT (August 25 – October 13)

Learn how to chant traditional prayers in the Tibetan language. Practice materials will be provided showing the Tibetan text, phonetic pronunciation, and English translation. In addition to providing background teachings, students will be guided in the pronunciation, melody, and rhythm of selected traditional Buddhist prayers.

Instructors: Lama Palzang and Mark Henderson. Cost: $144. Prerequisites: Sincere interest in the Buddha’s teachings.
Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=1970613

Meditation (MED)

Advanced Meditation: Holy Places and Practices of Guru Rinpoche (MED319)
Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, PT (August 30 – October 11)

Padmasambhava, the dynamic eighth century founder of the Nyingma tradition whose life story is full of magic and mystery, is said to have transformed the landscape of Tibet through his activity; it is said that there is not a hoofprint-sized area of earth there that did not receive his blessings. This course takes us on a journey to some of the most significant holy sites associated with him, including practice caves that pilgrims visit to connect to his energy through meditation and prayer. We will also invoke traditional prayers, mantra, and visualization associated with Guru Rinpoche.

Instructors: Lama Palzang and Pema Gellek. Cost: $126. Prerequisites: Sincere interest in the Buddha’s teachings and consent of instructors.
Register: https://register.asapconnected.com/classdetail.aspx?org=4698&pk=1970576

Intermediate Meditation Group: Time, Space, Knowledge and Silent Sitting (MED220)
Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, PT (August 26 – October 14)

This is a weekly 1-hour community practice group. It includes space for sharing or discussion around a theme (about 15 min), a guided contemplation or awareness practice (about 15 min), and silent sitting (about 30 min).

For the guided practice, we will explore a range of teachings and contemplations from Tarthang Tulku’s Time, Space, and Knowledge books. We may also include some Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga movement to relax and calm body and mind.

Instructor: Pauline Yu. Cost: $80. Feel free to drop into the first class for $10. (Please note that 100% of the fees support Nyingma Institute’s mission to offer programs for healing and inquiry, and/or humanitarian projects protecting the continuity of Buddhist traditions in Asia.) Prerequisite: for those who already know the fundamentals of meditation.
Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=1970639

Beginning Meditation: The Foundation of Well-Being (MED107)
Tuesdays, 5:00 – 6:30 pm, PT (August 31 – October 12)

This class offers beginning meditation students a new way to be with and understand oneself more deeply, to reassess the situation in which we find ourselves in the moment, through a re-awakening to what is at hand, setting us on a path of self-knowledge, growth, expanded awareness and deepening relaxation. We will use gentle non-conceptual techniques such as body movement, chanting, and breathing techniques to quiet mind and integrate mind and heart. Anyone with previous meditation experience who would like to stabilize a lapsed practice is most welcome. The main text will be Gesture of Balance, by Tarthang Tulku.

Instructor: Olivia Hurd. Cost: $126. Open to all.
Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=1970580

Kum Nye (KNR)

We offer multiple options for engaging in Kum Nye for all levels of practitioners. 

• If you are new to Kum Nye, you might consider our 6 pm Tuesday evening and 7 am Thursday morning courses, along with Sunday morning drop-ins.
• For those with experience, we have ongoing Joy of Being and Advanced Kum Nye classes. 
• Kum Nye workshops are good for everyone, no matter their level. They are also intended to introduce people newer to Kum Nye to major elements of practice.

Anatomy of a Kum Nye Exercise: #19 Revitalizing Energy and #22 Flying (KNR130)
Wednesdays, 8:30 – 9:30 am, PT (August 25 – October 13)

In this 8-week class we will work intimately with body, breath, senses, and awareness as we explore two Kum Nye practices in depth and detail. This term we work with two exercises from the section in the text Guiding Practice: Group One. #19 revitalizes energy, while #22 ‘calms the restless flow of thoughts and generates feelings in the heart center.’ Commitment to daily practice between classes is required to get the full benefit of this course.

Instructor: Donna Morton. Cost: $96. Prerequisites: completion of at least one Kum Nye course or workshop, or with permission of the instructor. Notes: This morning class meets weekly for 1 hour.
Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=1970604

All-Levels Kum Nye: The Healing Art of Kum Nye Practice (KNR121)
Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 am, PT (September 9 – October 14)

“Kum Nye heals both our bodies and minds, bringing their energies together to function calmly and smoothly.” — Tarthang Tulku, Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga

This Kum Nye class will focus on the first Kum Nye Book, Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga: feelings and sensations, inner and outer massage of feeling, breath, sitting, working with the senses, and the energy centers are some of the themes we will explore; each class will have a theme. The emphasis is on how to do Kum Nye and will be oriented toward practice. Readings and resources will be suggested for those who wish to explore Kum Nye themes and theory more deeply.

This course may be attended as an introduction series to Kum Nye practice or may be taken as a drop in class; basic instructions will be included each class for anyone new to Kum Nye. It is appropriate for all levels and abilities; adaptations to exercises will be included for those with physical limitations. Experienced and beginning students welcome, and may join at any time.

Instructor: Anita McNulty. Cost: $108. Drop-ins: $20/class. Note: For drop-ins, please sign up by 4 pm PT the evening prior in order to receive the link on time. No class on 9/30.
Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=1970620

Kum Nye Relaxation: A 9-Month Guided Self-Study Program (KNR211)
Early Fall Term: Sitting, Breathing, Self-Massage, Guiding Practice: Group One
Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, PT (August 24 – October 12) — This class meets weekly for one hour.

“Kum Nye is a holistic system which vitalizes body, mind, and senses by means of breathing exercises, self-massage, and movement. The massages and exercises [in this book] show us how to develop the special nurturing qualities of relaxation, and to bring this relaxation into our daily lives. Kum Nye is not an advanced or esoteric practice, but a simple method of opening our senses to inner feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment. As these feelings expand, an understanding of the unity of all experience develops, and daily life takes on a balanced, vital quality.” — Preface to Part Two, Kum Nye Relaxation

In this program we will work closely with the text material in Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga (formerly Kum Nye Relaxation), and follow the suggested timelines for practice of breathing, self-massage and movement exercises that Tarthang Tulku embedded within the text. The goal is to provide structured support for developing a deeply embodied understanding of Kum Nye through weekly facilitated group study, and commitment to daily individual study and practice.

Instructor: Donna Morton. Cost: $96 per term. Suitable for interested beginners, as well as experienced practitioners. This program is not open to drop-in participants, but new participants can join after the program starts at the beginning of a new term with instructor permission. It runs from Early Fall Term 2021 through Late Spring Term 2022.
Register: https://register.asapconnected.com/classdetail.aspx?org=4698&pk=1970588

Joy of Being: A 9-Month Program of Kum Nye for the Mind (KNR220)
Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, PT (September 2 – October 14)

“Since understanding plays a crucial role in whether we have access to this treasure [arising of joy], ultimately the main emphasis of this book is on Kum Nye for the mind.” – Joy of Being, xxii, Preface to Third Edition, Tarthang Tulku.

Joy of Being takes a different approach from the earlier Kum Nye books; instead of focusing on graduated exercises, it emphasizes how to embody Kum Nye—how to be present within the present. During 2021-2022 we will systematically unfold Joy of Being’s four headings: The Working Basis, Breath, Senses and Perception, and Massaging Mind. This amazing teaching invites us to discover “a subtle, transformational knowledge, a joy far beyond conditions and boundaries.” Experienced Kum Nye practitioners can take all or part of this journey. In addition it is possible to ‘drop-in’ with permission of instructor. This course is also intended as groundwork for those interested in eventually teaching Joy of Being.

Instructor: Abbe Blum. Cost: $144. Drop-in $20/class. This course is the first of a 9-month program of Kum Nye for the mind, from Fall 2021 – Summer 2022.
Register: https://register.asapconnected.com/classdetail.aspx?org=4698&pk=1970906

Advanced Kum Nye: Integrating and Balancing (KNR309)
Tuesdays, 7 – 8:30 pm, PT (September 14 – October 12)

“We need to connect heart and head, so their energies can cooperate and flow freely, unifying soul, spirit, and self into a new sense of being.” (Joy of Being, p.30) Advanced Kum Nye movement, breath, and visualization practices from Tarthang Tulku’s Joy of Being form the core of these classes. Exercises will be offered on different levels of engagement to challenge the advanced student. This term’s course focuses on integrating body and mind.

Instructor: Santosh Philiip. Cost: $90. Drop-in: $20/class. Please note that this course starts 9/14. Prerequisite: Two years of Kum Nye practice.
Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=1970592

Nyingma Psychology (NPS)

Keys of Knowledge: Part 1 (NPS301)
Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, PT (August 26 – October 14)

“At present, we are caught in certain ways of using the mind, bound by language and concepts that we cannot pass beyond. If we could change such fundamental patterns, we might be able to advance our own understanding. We might even find it possible to create the conditions for transforming the difficulties we now encounter.” Tarthang Tulku, Keys of Knowledge, 22.

In his short and challenging book, Keys of Knowledge, Tarthang Tulku asks us to consider how our ways of knowing impose limits on what we see as possible. He suggests another way of knowing is possible that would cooperate more intimately with the “intrinsic nature of mind.” By making friends with mind, we can embody a richer way of being that finds meaning in all that we do and encounter. Through reading, discussion, and practice, we will work through the book slowly and deliberatively, participating in the conversations with mind that Rinpoche has initiated. Following his lead in considering the operations of mind, we may find more fruitful ways of being and knowing. This course is for people with some background in Rinpoche’s writings and who are interested in exploring how to apply those teachings to their daily lives.

Instructors: Pema Gellek and Hugh Joswick. Cost: $144.
Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=1970642

Knowledge of Freedom: Understanding Self and Mind (NPS509) 
Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, PT or Mondays, 10:00 – 11:30 am, PT (September 6, 2021 – May 16, 2022) 

This Knowledge of Freedom (KOF) program is intended for students with sufficient experience in meditation and self-observation to make precise forms of introspection possible. In a very practice-oriented way, the KOF program investigates, step-by-step, the patterns and conditioning that dominate us individually and collectively. Working with the three vehicles of body, speech, and mind, the program cultivates the innate capacity of our hearts and minds for a realization that is not constrained by self-imposed limitations.

Limited to 22 particpants per section. Includes two weekend online retreats. Must be taken in full.
Learn more: https://nyingmainstitute.com/kof/

Time, Space and Knowledge (TSK)

Time, Space and Knowledge: An Introduction (TSK104)
TBA, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, PT 

A continuing exploration of Tarthang Tulku’s Time, Space and Knowledge vision. We inquire into our presence as expressions of time, space, and knowledge. In a sense, we are activating and realizing our human potential as visionary beings. Our practice can inform our living and our living informs our practice. Anyone with an interest in exploring experience on a fundamental level is welcome.

Instructor: Ken McKeon, Cost: $144. Open to all.
Register: Please email us!

Tibetan Language (TIB)

Beginning Tibetan Level I — starts next term 

Intermediate Tibetan V (TIB201)
Thursdays, 6:15 -7:45 pm, PT (August 26 – October 14)

Continued reading and translation of traditional texts and prayers in the classical Tibetan language.

Instructor: Mark Henderson. Cost: $144. Prerequisite: TIB105 or consent of the instructor.
Register: https://register.asapconnected.com/classdetail.aspx?org=4698&pk=1970632

Advanced Tibetan Tutorial (TIB302)
Fridays, 3:30 – 4:45 pm, PST (August 27 – October 15)

This advanced Tibetan course consists of continuing reading and translation in the classical Tibetan language. It is for those who already have a good grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and working with Tibetan texts.

Instructor: Barr Rosenberg. Cost: $144. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
Register: https://register.asapconnected.com/classdetail.aspx?org=4698&pk=1970644