EARLY FALL COURSES (August 22 – October 15, 2022) 

BUDDHIST STUDIES

Sutra Study: The Fortunate Aeon (DHS101)

Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, PT (August 24 – October 12, 2022)

In 1986, Dharma Publishing printed a four-volume translation of the Bhadrakalpika-sutra, entitled The Fortunate Aeon. This sutra was one of the first translations from the Yeshe De Research and Translation project started by Tarthang Tulku and it contains extensive teachings on the paramitas. The sutra describes in detail the vast universe of our present age and the thousand Buddhas that will appear in this time. We will look in particular at the perfections that lead to complete and perfect awakening. Within these teachings are presented a systematic path to realization.

Sutra Study is an ongoing course that examines in detail 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. 

Instructors: Pema Gellek and Hugh Joswick. Cost: $144. For anyone interested in the study of Mahayana sutras. Register:  https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214000 

Guide to Chanting Tibetan Prayers (DHS114) 

Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11:00 am, PT (August 24 – October 12, 2022)

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.

Instructors: Lama Palzang and Mark Henderson. Cost: $144. Prerequisite: sincere interest in the Buddha’s teachings. Register:  https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214041 

Path of Liberation: The World as Sacred Space (DHS210)

Quarter Eight of the Path of Liberation Program

Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:30 pm, PT (August 23 – October 11, 2022)

We begin this term by focusing on integrating understanding and action with readings from Path of Heroes. The guidelines for self-mastery presented there prepare the way to see the world as sacred space. Buddhist symbols point toward a comprehensive vision of the universe as a mandala—a sacred space in which the journey to awakening is assured. We explore this vision, studying how every aspect of experience can be transformed. We also look at the prayers and practices associated with Buddha-fields and how the mandala is a potent symbol for awakening. We also explore the nature of the bodhisattva path within the vision of sacred space. 

Instructors: Mark Henderson and Hugh Joswick. Cost: $164  (includes two workshops). Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214053 

MEDITATION

Advanced Meditation: Heart Advice from Nyingma Masters (MED306)

Mondays, 7–8:30 PM (August 22 – October 10)

Meditation advice from the great masters can feel as if it is speaking directly to us, radiating great love and compassion across time and space. Eminently practical and grounded in deep realization, their counsel is designed to free us from the limitations of the human condition so we can enter the path of the Awakened Ones. We will contemplate and meditate upon the pith advice from Longchenpa, Jigme Lingpa, Patrul Rinpoche, and Lama Mipham among others, and make aspirations to connect with the powerful blessings of their lineage. 

Instructors: Lama Palzang and Pema Gellek. Cost: $144. Prerequisite: three years of meditation experience or consent of the instructors. Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214127 

Meditation Practice Group:  Mantra and Meditation (MED220) 

Fridays, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, PT (August 26 – October 14, 2022)

Practices related to the seed syllables Om, Ah, Hum, and sometimes Ram include gently concentrating on energy centers, as well as working with sound and simple visualization. 

We will also incorporate Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga for relaxation and activating gut energy. 

This is a weekly 1-hour community practice group, meant to provide space for coming together and practicing. 

Instructor: Pauline Yu. Cost: $96. Prerequisite: knowledge of the fundamentals of meditation. All class fees go towards supporting Nyingma Institute’s mission to offer programs for healing and inquiry, and for humanitarian projects protecting the continuity of Buddhist traditions in Asia. Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214142 

KUM NYE TIBETAN YOGA

Advanced Kum Nye: Focus and Concentration (KNR319)

Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, PT (August 23 – October 11, 2022)

“Execute each single motion with gentle concentration; not a fixated concentration, but a kind of openness that will encourage awareness.”—Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga, 21.

In this year-long series for experienced Kum Nye practitioners, we will approach each of the six perfections through Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga as embodied forms, feelings, and movements.  The six perfections are the practices of a bodhisattva, one who has oriented their entire being to pure altruism and awakening. This term’s class is inspired by and will playfully explore the practice of concentration. 

Instructor: Santosh Philip. Cost $144. Prerequisite: three years Kum Nye experience or consent of instructor. Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214217 

Anatomy of a Kum Nye Exercise: #77 Stream of Energy, #82 Inner Massage, #87 Transmuting Negative Energies, and #88 Stimulating Inner Body Energies (KNR131)

Wednesdays, 8:30 – 9:30 AM, PT (August 24 – Oct 12, 2022)

This morning class meets weekly for 1 hour. In this 8-week class we will work intimately with body, breath, senses, and awareness as we explore selected Kum Nye practices in depth and detail. This term we work with the above exercises from Stimulating and Transforming, Stage Two. In the class series we include additional Kum Nye exercises that support our exploration, as well as delve into the textual material for this stage of practice. Commitment to daily practice between classes is required to get the full benefit of this course.

Instructor: Donna Morton. Cost: $96. Prerequisites: completed at least one Kum Nye course or workshop, or with permission of the instructor. Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214257 

Intermediate Kum Nye, Making Kum Nye Our Own: Bringing Ease to Mind 

Two-Semester Joy of Being Program (includes KNR224 + KNR225)

“Kum Nye relaxes the regime of mind; it has the potential to bring forth a quality of shining openness that gives mind time and space to BE. New powers of mind naturally emerge, and we discover that in our nature, we are already complete: there is nothing missing.” 

— Preface to the 3rd Edition, Joy of Being  xxii

The next two terms extensively explore Part 4 of Joy of Being: Massaging Mind. Classes feature exercises that develop ways of relaxing that bring ease to the mind and communicate directly with the body and senses. Making Kum Nye our own, we begin to apply it in all we do. With Kum Nye as our constant companion, we integrate the energies of body, senses, and mind with the transformative power of awareness.

This program follows upon the nine month 2021–22 KNR Kum Nye for the Mind that ended in July 2022. While it is not necessary to have taken that series, prior and substantial experience with Kum Nye—and ideally with Joy of Being—is required. Part 1 and Part 2 may be taken separately with permission of the instructor. 

Joy of Being Program, Part 1: Making Mind our Friend (KNR224)

Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, PT (September 1 – October 13, 2022) 7 classes

Please note class begins September 1. 

As mindfulness becomes steady and we practice entering the calmness of relaxation more regularly and deeply, Kum Nye becomes our protection against negativity and discouragement. This semester also features advanced Kum Nye exercises from Joy of Being that promote health, balance the body, and support mind becoming our friend and companion.  

Instructor: Abbe Blum. Cost $126. Prerequisite: Kum Nye experience with Joy of Being.  Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214261 

Self-Massage: Healing Power of Touch, Part One (KNR106)

Fridays, 7 – 8:30 PM (August 26 – September 16)

A four-week hands-on class in Kum Nye self-massage. You will be led through slow massage routines that promote relaxation and deepen your sense of physical presence. For all levels of Kum Nye students.  A separate workshop on September 17, Kum Nye Movement and Massage, continues the  class.

Instructor: Santosh Philip. Cost: $72. Open to all. Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214271 

NYINGMA PSYCHOLOGY

Deepening Dimensions of Mind: Understanding Self and Mind Program 

Part 1: Building a Foundation for Positivity (NPS520) 

Mondays, 10:00 – 11:30 am, PT (September 5 – October 31)  (NPS520A)

Mondays, 7:00 –8:30 pm, PT (September 5 – October 31)  (NPS520B) 

Please note September 5 starting date.

Deepening Dimensions of Mind is a nine-month program (32 classes and two weekend retreats) that follows the order of topics presented in Tarthang Tulku’s Dimensions of Mind. We also bring in additional readings from Rinpoche’s work that aim to release worries, entanglements, and negative patterning by uncovering structures of mind that condition suffering. Working with inquiry, contemplation, sharing, and relaxation practices, we cultivate transformation and open to the rich opportunities available to us. 

The first part of the program develops a basis for well-being, inviting us to let go of the limiting conditioning of our experience. Through experiential exercises and deep inquiry, we begin to develop understanding of the four immeasurables—love, compassion, joy, and equanimity—boundless qualities that can open positive potential in all dimensions of time, space, and knowledge. 

Deepening Dimensions of Mind is a continuation of the Knowledge of Freedom program, but it can be taken separately. There are two sections: a morning class, taught in conjunction with the Nyingma Centrum Nederland; and an evening class, for those who can only attend at night. Program cost of $720 can be paid in 9 monthly installments of $80 per month. Participants must have experience in meditation and/or body-mind disciplines.

Instructors: Abbe Blum, Elske van de Hulst, Hugh Joswick.

Register for 10 am PT section: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2159614

Register for 7 pm PT section: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214280 

TIBETAN LANGUAGE

Advanced Tibetan Tutorial (TIB302) 

Fridays, 3:30 – 4:45 pm, PT (August 26 – October 14, 2022) 

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://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214483 

Intermediate Tibetan Level (TIB201) 

Thursdays, 6:15 -7:45 pm, PT (August 25 – October 13, 2022)

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

Instructor: Mark Henderson. Cost: $144. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214501 

Beginning Tibetan Level (TIB106) 

Mondays, 6:15 – 7:45 pm, PT (August 22 – October 10, 2022)

In this beginning level language class, students study vocabulary and grammar while working with selections from classical Tibetan texts. Continuation of  previous terms.

Instructor: Mark Henderson. Cost: $144. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214580 

TIME, SPACE AND KNOWLEDGE (TSK)

Time, Space and Knowledge: Perspectives and Practices (TSK108)

Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, PT (August 24 – October 12, 2022) 

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. The primary text is Time, Space and Knowledge, although we may also engage other works by Tarthang Tulku in the TSK series. Anyone with an interest in exploring experience on a fundamental level is welcome.

Instructor: Ken McKeon. Cost: $144. Open to all. Register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4698#EventID=2214588