Courses
Winter Term started January 8th, 2018
Spring Term starts March 26th, 2018
Please visit our CALENDAR page for a day-by-day course schedule, and for the Academic Calendar.
Buddhist Studies
Exploring the Heart of Mahayana Sutras (DHS214)
Mondays, 7 – 8:30 PM (March 26 – May 28, 2018)
The Mahayana sutras, with their cosmo-poetic and visionary way of questioning and expanding reality, can seem perplexing and difficult to understand, yet they also speak beautifully and directly to the heart. In this 10-week course, we will explore the Sutra “Manjushri’s attainment of Buddhahood,” along with the introduction to the Avatamsaka Sutra. We will engage in both pure listening and heartfelt discussions regarding what they are pointing toward.
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Bob Byrne.
Invoking the Enlightened Ones of the Tibetan Tradition (DHS115)
Tuesdays, 1:30–3 PM (March 27 – May 29, 2018)
Tibetan Buddhism encompasses a rich pantheon of Buddhas, Deities, and Bodhisattvas. In this 10-week course, you will learn to invoke Padmasambhava, Avalokitesvara, Tara, Manjushri, Vajrasattva, and Samantabhadra through beloved practices including prayer, mantra, and visualization.
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Lama Palzang and Pema Gellek
The Resolve for Ultimate Goodness : Quarter 5 of the Path of Liberation Program (DHS206)
Tuesdays, 7–8:30 PM (March 27 – May 29, 2018)
All living beings have the nature of a Buddha, yet this nature is obscured by veils of obscurations. We live in ignorance of this great treasure, like a poor, blind man, unaware that a jewel of infinite value lies buried under his hearth. Traditional teachings and practices can help us develop confidence in our ability to discover the Buddha nature within. We will study teachings on Bodhicitta (the ‘seed of enlightenment’) and continue to work on mind training practices that overcome the destructive forces of anger, attachment, and ignorance in our lives.
Cost: $220. Instructor(s): Mark Henderson and Hugh Joswick. Includes “Making Mind the Matter” workshop on April 7 and “Filled with Devotion” workshop on May 5. Prerequisite: DHS205 or equivalent.
Guide to Chanting Tibetan Prayers (DHS113)
Wednesdays, 1:30–3 PM (March 28 – May 30, 2018)
This class presents a special opportunity for individuals to learn chanting of traditional prayers without prior knowledge of the Tibetan language. Practice materials will be provided showing the Tibetan text, phonetic pronunciation, and English translation. In addition to providing background teachings, Lama Palzang will methodically guide students in the correct pronunciation, melody, and rhythm of selected traditional Buddhist prayers, including Lama Mipham’s profound and beautiful Practice of Shakyamuni and the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra.
Cost: $162. Instructor(s): Mark Henderson. Prerequisite: sincere interest in the Buddha’s teachings.
Nyingma Meditation Courses
The Diamond Lineage of Tarthang Rinpoche (MED307)
Mondays, 7 – 8:30 PM (March 26 – May 28 2018)
This advanced meditation course focuses on Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche’s extraordinary teachers, who are like the stars in the sky, each shining with the light of the Dharma, yet vividly distinct from each other in their individual manifestations.
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Lama Palzang.
Intermediate Meditation: Meditations to Open the Heart (MED203)
Wednesdays 10-11:30AM (March 28 – May 30, 2018)
This class will focus meditation practices on the heart energy center to integrate mind with heart, and actions with intuitions. We can encourage positive feelings and find genuine meaning in our lives as we learn to become more self-nourishing, self-motivating, and self-confident. As Tarthang Tulku writes, It is in the heart center that our inner nature grows to fullness. For meditators with some experience and for those who wish support in establishing a more regular practice.
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Olivia Hurd.
Meditation and Seeing: Activating Vision Through a Camera (MED219)
Wednesdays, 7 – 8:30 PM (March 28 – May 30, 2018)
As your practice continues, you may find that seeing merges with meditation: seeing becomes meditation, and meditation becomes seeing. This meditative seeing connects with objects in a different way. Tarthang Tulku, Joy of Being, 84-85.
This class will explore Tarthang Tulku’s discussion of “just seeing” as a way to connect with objects in a different way. Students will be asked to take and share photographs that illustrate and respond to readings in Joy of Being, Gesture of Balance, and other writings of Tarthang Rinpoche. This is not a photography class, but a way to play with the openness of simply seeing by using the lenses available to us. Anyone interested in meditation and exploring experiential exercises with a camera, cell phone, or other image-making device is welcome.
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Hugh Joswick.
Beginning Meditation: Bringing Calm and Clarity to Mind (MED103)
Thursdays, 7-8:30 PM (March 29 – May 31, 2018)
How can we enhance our experience of life’s wonder and power? What would life be like if we could experience it through a less agitated and clearer lens? It is possible to transform mind through expanding our capacity for calmness and clarity. This class will include traditional relaxation techniques to cut through the jumble of thoughts, worries and pressures that keep us from enjoying life to the fullest. For beginners and for those wishing support in maintaining a regular meditation practice.
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Olivia Hurd.
Nyingma Psychology and Practices
Nyingma psychology and practices offer unique insight into the human situation and innovative ways to ease emotional discomfort and increase well-being.
Challenging Journey, Creative Journey (NPS205)
Thursdays, 7 – 8:30 PM (March 29 – May 31, 2018)
Tarthang Tulku’s new book, Challenging Journey, Creative Journey, asks us to reflect upon three key things: our lives until now, what is happening in our life at this time, and where we are headed. Using Challenging Journey, Creative Journey as our guide, this class will contemplate the insights of the book together and discuss central themes of Rinpoche’s recent writings, challenging the basic patterns of suffering that hold us in place and exploring ways to open to a knowing that can transform the heart. This class continues the explorations developed in the Dimensions of Mind classes and is open to all students who have sincere interest in the works of Tarthang Tulku.
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Pema Gellek and Hugh Joswick.
Kum Nye (Tibetan Yoga)
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.
Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga: Advanced Practice (KNR303)
Tuesdays, 7 – 8:30 PM (March 27 – May 29, 2018)
Breathing and movement exercises stimulate and direct the energy of body and mind; visualization practices awaken and sustain inner vitality; and meditation practices foster serenity. These practices are simple and yet profound, gentle and yet deeply transformative.
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Santosh Philips. Prerequisites: two years of Kum Nye practice.
Deepening Relaxation and Opening the Senses through Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga (KNR113)
Thursdays, 7–8:30 PM (March 29 – May 31, 2018)
This third semester of introduction to Kum Nye focuses on exercises and writing from Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga that activate and deepen a positive healing process—relaxing holding and gaining access to the senses, opening space, and expanding feeling. Prior Kum Nye courses or experience is recommended but not required.
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Abbe Blum.
Touching the Heart with Breath (KNR112)
Fridays, 10 – 11:30 AM (March 30 – June 1, 2018)
“Body and breath are the foundation of our being, the basis for relaxation and meditation. Together, they serve as our meditation cushion, the support for our practice and also for our lives.” – Tarthang Tulku. We will explore the vitalizing, joyful, spacious qualities of breath touching the heart. This Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga course is suitable for all levels and accepts drop-ins.
Cost: $180. Drop-in: $18/class. Instructor(s): Peggy Kincaid.
Skillful Means
Productive Thought: Remedy for Illusion (SKM106)
Wednesdays, 7 – 8:30 PM (March 28 – May 30, 2018)
A classic remedy for illusion is to look for the self and discover that it cannot be found. Another valuable remedy, which can serve as a preliminary, is to learn to think more productively, since strengthening thinking and seeing through illusion are closely related. In this pragmatic course, we focus on intuitively clear steps towards more effective thought, and explore the clear connections to dispelling illusion. Includes the workshop Passing Thought through the Senses on Saturday, May 5th.
Cost: $200. Instructor(s): Barr Rosenberg, Santosh Philip.
Time, Space and Knowledge
Time, Space and Knowledge: Continuing Practice (TSK112)
Tuesdays, 6:15 – 7:45 PM (March 27 – May 29, 2018)
This course consists of experiential forms of inquiry into our presence as expressions of time, space, and knowledge.
Cost: $180. Drop-in: $18/class. Instructor(s): Ken McKeon.
Tibetan Language Courses
Knowledge of classical written Tibetan unlocks a treasury of wisdom—the vast sacred literature of Tibet.
Beginning Tibetan, Level III (TIB103)
Tuesdays, 1:30–3 PM (March 27 – May 29, 2018)
Learn to read and pronounce Tibetan script; study basic Tibetan grammar; and develop a working vocabulary.
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Mark Henderson. Prerequisites: Beginning Tibetan Level II, or consent of the instructor.
Tibetan Tutorial (TIB301)
Fridays, 4:30–5:45 PM (March 30 – June 1, 2018)
Reading and translation in the classical Tibetan language.
Cost: $162. Instructor: Barr Rosenberg. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.
Intermediate Tibetan, Level II (TIB202)
Fridays, 7–8:30 PM (March 30 – June 1, 2018)
Selected readings in the classical Tibetan language with grammar instruction.
Cost: $162. Instructor: Mollie Hughes. Prerequisite: Intermediate Tibetan Level I, or consent of the instructor.
Buddhist Studies
Buddhist Mahayana Sutras (DHS214)
Mondays, 7 – 8:30 PM (January 8 – March 12, 2018)
We will read and discuss in depth Mahayana Sutras, including an introduction to the Avatamsaka Sutra (The Flower Ornament Sutra), and Sutras on Emptiness from the book “A Treasury of Mahayana Sutras” (Pennsylvania State University Press, 1983).
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Bob Byrne.
Compassion in Action: Quarter 4 of the Path of Liberation Program (DHS205)
Tuesdays, 7 – 8:30 PM (January 9 – March 13, 2018)
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. In this quarter, we will explore what it means to live a life dedicated to compassion and wisdom, tracing the movements of the Dharma through different times and cultures. We will look at biographies of great masters, men and women from India and Tibet, and trace the development of the different schools of Buddhist thought. We also continue to cultivate inner capabilities for compassionate wisdom through study and practice as we explore the relevance of this tradition for modern life.
Cost: $200. Includes “Kamalashila and the Stages of Meditation” workshop on February 24. Instructor(s): Mark Henderson and Hugh Joswick. Prerequisites: Previous Path of Liberation course in this series, or consent of the instructors.
Guide to Chanting Tibetan Prayers (DHS114)
Wednesdays, 1:30–3 PM (January 10 – March 14, 2018)
This class presents a special opportunity for individuals to learn chanting of traditional prayers without prior knowledge of the Tibetan language. Practice materials will be provided showing the Tibetan text, phonetic pronunciation, and English translation. In addition to providing background teachings, Lama Palzang will methodically guide students in the correct pronunciation, melody, and rhythm of selected traditional Buddhist prayers, including Lama Mipham’s profound and beautiful Practice of Shakyamuni and the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra.
Cost: $162. Instructor(s): Mark Henderson. Prerequisite: sincere interest in the Buddha’s teachings. Please note that there is no class on January 31.
Nyingma Meditation Courses
Advanced Meditation: The Noble Eightfold Path (MED306)
Mondays, 7 – 8:30 PM (January 8 – March 12, 2018)
These fundamental, foundational practices are key to living and learning in a way that manifests the path towards enlightenment. This class leads us to engage anew with the Noble Eightfold Path and ask ourselves how we can return to them again and again, and to work with them on multiple levels.
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Santosh Philips. Prerequisites: Three years of meditation experience, or consent of the instructor.
Intermediate Meditation: Opening Pathways to Inner Joy (MED213)
Wednesdays 10-11:30AM (January 10 – March 14, 2018)
Anyone with some meditation experience who wants to deepen their practice is welcome. Our goal is to deeply relax the body and quiet the mind, by focusing awareness on the energy and joy inherent in the present moment – right now – letting go of past obsessions and future worries.
Cost: $162. Instructor(s): Olivia Hurd. Please note that there is no class on January 31.
Intermediate Meditation: Overcoming All Obstacles (MED202)
Wednesdays, 7 – 8:30 PM (January 10 – March 14, 2018)
Tarthang Tulku describes meditation as “a way of opening our lives to the richness of experience.” Yet all too often we feel our way is blocked by restrictive patterns and confusion. Can we learn to embrace whatever we experience as a source of spiritual understanding? Can obstacles be transformed to release their trapped energy? In this course, we examine how to identify and overcome the most common obstacles to meditation in order to appreciate and understand our experience as a path to enlightenment. Based on readings from Openness Mind and open to students with some practice in meditation.
Cost: $162. Instructor(s): Hugh Joswick. Prerequisites: Some experience with meditation, or consent of the instructor. Please note that there is no class on January 31.
Beginning Meditation: Self-Acceptance and Self-Appreciation through Meditation (MED111)
Thursdays, 7-8:30 PM (January 11 – March 15, 2018)
This class is for beginners or for those wishing support in establishing a regular meditation practice at home. We will work with practices to cultivate inner serenity, which naturally leads to a more harmonious relationship and more compassionate attitude toward ourselves, deepening appreciation for our whole being.
Cost: $162. Instructor(s): Olivia Hurd. Please note that there is no class on February 1.
Nyingma Psychology and Practices
Nyingma psychology and practices offer unique insight into the human situation and innovative ways to ease emotional discomfort and increase well-being.
NPS 114 Practicing with Dimensions of Mind (NPS114)
Thursdays, 7 – 8:30 PM (January 11 – March 15, 2018)
In Dimensions of Mind, Tarthang Tulku challenges our usual ways of thinking about meditation and the nature of the mind. He asks us to move to a deeper understanding of the nature of mind and to see how we have come to accept and embrace limitations that prevent access to a deeper way of knowing. It is as if we have been asleep and do not acknowledge that mind itself holds a great treasury of knowledge. We think we have lost the real jewel, but the treasure is right here when we know how to look. In this class, we explore exercises from Dimensions of Mind that open the treasures of mind and awaken the knowledge of inner freedom.
Cost: $162. Instructor(s): Pema Gellek and Hugh Joswick. Please note that there is no class on February 1.
Kum Nye (Tibetan Yoga)
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.
Advanced Kum Nye: Transforming Breath, Energy, Feeling (KNR301)
Tuesdays, 7 – 8:30 PM (January 9 – March 13, 2018)
Breathing and movement exercises stimulate and direct the energy of body and mind; visualization practices awaken and sustain inner vitality; and meditation practices foster serenity. These practices are simple and yet profound, gentle and yet deeply transformative.
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Santosh Philips. Prerequisites: two years of Kum Nye practice.
Beginning Kum Nye: Discovering and Healing Ourselves through Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga (KNR111)
Thursdays, 7–8:30 PM (January 11 – March 15, 2018)
This second semester of the year long introduction to Kum Nye focuses on Kum Nye exercises that activate a positive healing process that nurtures us mentally and physically, contacting and integrating body and mind. Practices promote deep relaxation, stimulation of body and sensory awareness, and also relieve tension and blockages in physical, subtle energy, and emotional systems. Prior Kum Nye courses or experience is recommended but not required.
Cost: $162. Instructor(s): Abbe Blum. Please note that there is no class on February 1.
Mixed Level Kum Nye: Awakening and Healing through the Senses (KNR109)
Fridays, 10 – 11:30 AM (January 12 – March 16, 2018)
As we practice Kum Nye and deeply relax, the physical body and senses coordinate and integrate with mind. We become acquainted with stillness. We discover presence and vitality as the basis of our inner nature. Together we explore the operation of our senses as two-way channels that help integrate and heal the division between our inner and outer environments.
Cost: $162. Drop-in: $18/class. Instructor(s): Peggy Kincaid. Please note that there is no class on February 2.
Skillful Means
Society Within: Structure of Relationship (SKM219)
Wednesdays, 7 – 8:30 PM (January 10 – March 14, 2018)
We explore six aspects of human mind that are the core of Society Within: Emotional motivation and sympathy with others’ feelings are basic factors. Relationship shapes us through interaction and allows us to be ‘We.’ Relationship also balances contentious self-interest for the sake of cooperation, and gives rise to conscious thoughts that occupy our minds. These aspects are valuable for cultural survival, but have harmful side effects that cause personal suffering. We experiment with better ways to deploy underlying human capabilities involved in Society Within.
Cost: $162. Instructor(s): Barr Rosenberg, Santosh Philips. Please note that there is no class on January 31.
Time, Space and Knowledge
Dynamic Realization of Time (TSK109)
Tuesdays, 6:15 – 7:45 PM (January 9 – March 13, 2018)
This course consists of experiential forms of inquiry into our presence as expressions of time, space, and knowledge, with a focus on time.
Cost: $180. Drop-in: $18/class. Instructor(s): Ken McKeon. Prerequisite: Background in meditation and familiarity with the TSK vision, or consent of the instructor.
Tibetan Language Courses
Knowledge of classical written Tibetan unlocks a treasury of wisdom—the vast sacred literature of Tibet.
Beginning Tibetan, Level II (TIB102)
Tuesdays, 1:30–3 PM (January 9 – March 13, 2018)
Learn to read and pronounce Tibetan script; study basic Tibetan grammar; and develop a working vocabulary.
Cost: $180. Instructor(s): Mark Henderson. Prerequisites: Beginning Tibetan Level I, or consent of the instructor.
Tibetan Tutorial (TIB301)
Fridays, 4:30–5:45 PM (January 12 – March 16, 2018)
Reading and translation in the classical Tibetan language.
Cost: $162. Instructor: Barr Rosenberg. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. Please note that there is no class on February 2.
Intermediate Tibetan, Level II (TIB202)
Fridays, 7–8:30 PM (January 12 – March 16, 2018)
Selected readings in the classical Tibetan language with grammar instruction.
Cost: $162. Instructor: Mollie Hughes. Prerequisite: Intermediate Tibetan Level I, or consent of the instructor. Please note that there is no class on February 2.