Summer 2012 Courses at Nyingma Institute
Summer 2012 Courses at Nyingma Institute |
- Summer 2012 Courses at Nyingma Institute
- Transforming Emotional Energy
- The Art Of Collaboration - Growing Compassion
- Birthday Reflection: The Five Subjects
- Boundless Way Zen, IMCW open new practice locations in the Northeast
| Summer 2012 Courses at Nyingma Institute Posted: 16 May 2012 07:00 PM PDT Summer 2012 CoursesNyingma Institute courses are offered in four quarters of ten weeks (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall) and a four-week session in September. To meet the needs of our students, almost all courses are scheduled in the evening, and some meditation and Nyingma Psychology courses are also offered during the day. The daytime sessions mirror evening courses. Each course is an integral part of one of our seven Certificate Programs and we recommend that all those interested in attending courses register for one of these programs. Each Certificate Program offers a focused educational opportunity to master an aspect of our curriculum. It is also possible to attend individual courses for which you meet the prerequisites as an auditor. The course list below gives dates, times, and short descriptions. Following the course descriptions are links to the Certificate Program or Programs. Click on the link to visit our web site for full descriptions of the Programs. The costs shown below apply when the courses are taken individually; costs are lower when courses are taken as part of a Certificate Program. Summer 2012 June 4—August 13, 2012 Buddhist Studies and Practices Buddhist Studies introduces students to Shakyamuni Buddha, his teachings (the Dharma), and the great masters (the Sangha) who form the living link to the path of enlightenment.
Jack Petranker teaching a Path of Liberation class Nyingma Institute classrooms are filled with the rich art of the Tibetan Buddhist Lineage.
DHS203 Who Owns Mind? Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:15—7:45 PM (June 5—August 9) Following an ancient Buddhist system of questioning and analysis, we glimpse how human beings might function free of the confines of "self." We sensitively explore consciousness, looking for the source of thoughts, feelings, impulses, and actions. Cost: $ 360. Instructors: Sylvia Gretchen and Jack Petranker. Students are encouraged to attend the associated workshops, "Question of Identity: Ten Kinds of Self" on June 22—23, and "Cultivating Unlimited Love" on August 3—4. Prerequisite: DHS202 or consent of the instructors.
Thursdays, 1—2:30 PM (June 7—August 9) The beautiful flower of human transformation, a vision of possibilities, grows from the muddy water of each moment of ordinary experience. Tarthang Tulku, Milking the Painted Cow. The creative power of mind to shape reality is examined directly—mind becomes the matter under investigation. This course employs study and meditative practice to approach knowledge of transformation. Cost: $ 180. Instructor: Sylvia Gretchen. Based on Tarthang Tulku's Milking the Painted Cow. Open to all students with a sincere interest in the Buddha's teachings. Nyingma Meditation The practice of Nyingma Meditation leads to serenity and insight. Courses provide instruction in meditation techniques and support for daily practice. MED104 Beginning Meditation: Self-Observation Morning Session: Tuesdays, 10—11:30 AM (June 5—August 7) Evening Session: Thursdays, 6:15—7:45 PM (June 7—August 9) The focus of this course is on observing the mind, emotions, and feelings. Students learn how to stay mindful in a relaxed, but concentrated manner. Basic meditation practices are presented in a way that help make wholesome self-discovery a way of life. Cost: $ 180. Instructors: Ken McKeon (mornings); Rosalyn White and Hugh Joswick (evenings). For beginners and those wishing to review basic techniques. MED204 Intermediate Meditation: Discovering Mind Morning Session: Wednesdays, 10—11:30 AM (June 6—August 8) Evening Session: Thursdays, 8—9:30 PM (June 7—August 9) Through meditation the mind is experienced as alive, sensitive, and brilliant. In this course, students are led through contemplative practices that reveal deeper levels of mind than are ordinarily recognized. Cost: $ 180. Instructors: Jack Petranker (mornings); Hugh Joswick (evenings). Prerequisite: one year of meditation experience.
MED209 Intermediate Meditation: Shamatha and Vipashyana Wednesdays, 8—9:30 PM (June 6—August 8) Two aspects of meditative practice, shamatha (calming) and vipashyana (insight) quiet the wild energies of mind and clarify the confusion created by ignorance. Students practice classic meditations with a minimum of instruction. Cost: $ 180. Instructors: Hugh Joswick and the Nyingma Institute meditation faculty. Prerequisite: two years of meditation experience.
MED304 Advanced Meditation: Samadhi Mondays, 6:15—7:45 PM (June 4—August 6) Transparent and single-pointed, mind enters states of meditation known as samadhi. This primarily experiential course includes a careful reading of the 14th century Nyingma master Longchenpa's description on how to develop samadhi, its levels, and relationship with the Paths and Stages of attainment. We also look at Longchenpa's teachings on the evolution of consciousness at the time of death. Cost: $ 180, which includes the July 21 workshop "The Bardo is Now." Based on the Shing-rta-chen-po by Longchenpa (an adaptation of the text will be provided to students). Instructor: Sylvia Gretchen. Prerequisite: three years of meditation experience and consent of the instructor. Those attending this course will benefit from also attending the Advanced Kum Nye course held Mondays, 8-9:30 PM.
Nyingma Psychology Nyingma psychology offers unique insight into the human situation and innovative ways to ease emotional discomfort.
NPS102 Transforming Negative Emotions Mondays, 8—9:30 PM (June 11—August 13) 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. Cost: $ 180. Instructor: Sylvia Gretchen. For all levels of students. Note that this course starts on June 11, one week later than other summer courses.
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.
KNR103 Beginning Kum Nye: Releasing Tension and Restoring Balance Wednesdays, 6:15—7:45 PM (June 6—August 8) Kum Nye movement and awareness exercises help release physical and emotional tension. Practices in this course focus on giving students tools to restore balance in their lives and deepen their spiritual awareness. Cost: $ 180. Instructor: Jack van der Meulen. For all levels of students.
KNR303 Advanced Kum Nye Mondays, 8—9:30 PM (June 4—August 6) Advanced Kum Nye movement, breath, and visualization practices from Tarthang Tulku's Joy of Being form the core of this course. Exercises are offered on different levels of engagement in order to challenge intermediate and advanced students. Cost: $ 180. Instructor: Santosh Philip. Prerequisite: two years of Kum Nye practice or consent of instructor. Those attending "Advanced Kum Nye" will benefit from complimentary practices given in the meditation course "Samadhi" offered on Mondays, 6:15-7:45 PM.
KNR107 Sunday Morning Kum Nye Sundays, 10 AM—Noon (every Sunday) Re-awaken a spirit of ease and appreciation through gentle Tibetan Yoga practices that relax and rejuvenate. Each session includes movement, massage, and breathing exercises. Cost: $ 15 per session. Instructors: Jack van der Meulen, Santosh Philip, and Dave Abercrombie. This drop-in class is for all levels of students. Time, Space, and Knowledge
TSK108 Time, Space, and Knowledge: Perspectives and Practices Wednesdays, 6:15—7:45 PM (June 6-August 8) Enter into Tarthang Tulku's visionary teachings on Time, Space, and Knowledge (TSK) through this introductory course. An open path of transformative inquiry, TSK is not based on a set of beliefs or a code of conduct. Its approach is light and direct. Encouraging and liberating the deepest capacities of being human, TSK offers a wonderfully refreshing way of being in the world. From the outside, the TSK vision may seem quite daunting. From within, the view is quite different. Cost: $ 180. Instructor: Ken McKeon. For all levels of students.
TSK104 TSK Right from the Start! Tuesdays, 6:15—7:45 PM (June 5—August 7) 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. Cost: $ 180. Instructors: Ken McKeon and Tom Morse. For all levels of students.
Skillful Means If we use work to challenge our limits, to perfect awareness and deepen concentration, then work can open into knowledge that makes us more successful while also nourishing us at the deepest levels. By letting work guide us toward deeper knowledge, we can end each day with a sense of enjoyment and a feeling that we have accomplished something of real benefit. Tarthang Tulku, Mastering Successful Work. SKM213 Skillful Means: Working Well Together Tuesdays, 8—9:30 PM (June 5—August 7) Good communication and empathy are at the heart of working well with others. This course utilizes innovative exercises and ideas that enhance individual creativity in an atmosphere of honest good will. Cost: $ 180. Instructor: Barr Rosenberg. Includes the August 11 workshop, "Communicating Well." Tibetan Language Developing a reading knowledge of classical written Tibetan gives access to a vast literature, largely unavailable in Western languages. TIB104 Beginning Tibetan, Level IV Thursdays, 8—9:30 PM (June 7—August 9) Readings from Longchenpa's Sems-nyid-ngal-gso and the Pranidhanaraja. Cost: $ 180. Instructor: Mark Henderson. Prerequisite: TIB103 or consent of the instructor.
TIB204 Intermediate Tibetan, Level IV Fridays, 6:15—7:45 PM (June 8—August 10) Readings from Kamalashila's Bhavanakrama and Jamgon Kongtrul's bla-ma-rgyan-'bod. Cost: $ 180. Instructor: Mark Henderson. Prerequisite: TIB203 or consent of the instructor.
TIB301 Tibetan Tutorial Fridays, 4:30—5:45 PM (June 8—August 10) Continued reading and translation of Tibetan texts. Cost: $ 180. Instructors: Barr Rosenberg and Sylvia Gretchen. Prerequisite: consent of the instructors. Beginning Nyingma Meditation Program; Path and Practices of Liberation Program; Two-Year Nyingma Studies Program Four-Month Human Development Training Retreat Nyingma Psychology Program Beginning Kum Nye (Tibetan Yoga) Program; Path of Liberation Program; 'FEEL' by Bombay Dub Orchestra 
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| Posted: 16 May 2012 06:00 PM PDT Transforming Emotional Energy by Sylvia Gretchen
From time to time we ask students in Nyingma Psychology programs at the Nyingma Institute to note the proportion of time they spend each day involved with negative emotions. Most people are amazed by the results. When they take into account boredom and dissatisfaction (along with the more obvious emotions such as anger, anxiety, and fear) the answer is usually over 50% of the time. And these are 'normal' people who are considered healthy and happy. It's not that we want to be involved in emotional turmoil. Emotions just seem to pop up. Like unwelcome guests negative emotions engage us in conversations that get in the way of what we would rather be doing, thinking, or feeling. We may not want to be anxious, but we may not seem to have much choice in the matter. The teachings of Nyingma Psychology ask us to look steadily at our inner experience so that we can discover for ourselves how emotions arise and grab our attention. There are practical and effective methods—physical postures and breathing practices—that can immediately help release the hold of negative emotions. Most of the techniques, however, form part of an on-going path of inner discovery. This path begins when we question our emotions and thoughts in new ways. For example, trace a negative emotion as it develops. Note the physiological changes that occur—your heartbeat, breathing rate, muscular tension. What mental changes take place as the emotional energy builds then recedes? Notice each change as precisely as possible. Since it is not always easy to observe your mind in the midst of an upsetting situation, it can be helpful consciously to bring a negative emotion to mind when you are calm and balanced (this is best done with an instructor at first). Stir up the emotion through images or memories. Make it as real and intense as possible; feel the emotion in your body as well as in your mind. As you observe how the emotion arises and develops, note especially how your thoughts weave the story of why you are upset or angry. A single thought or image is just a momentary event—appearing and disappearing quickly. But thoughts move quickly, spinning a dense and convincing web of meaning. Continue to observe your mind, watching thoughts and images emerge, but refusing to be convinced by their compelling narrative. Watch your mind in the same way you would watch a rushing mountain stream: noticing each ripple and eddy as it forms, but not losing sight of the almost magical process of the flowing water taking momentary shape. When we view the stories of our thoughts in this way, a broader appreciation of the mind and mental events develops. We start to question the power of the 'storyteller.' We learn to look within and around thoughts and images for a more essential clarity and a deeper meaning. This is just a beginning. According to the teachings of the Buddha the positive potential of the mind is vast. Buddhist masters have studied ways to unlock this potential for over 2,500 years. They have left a remarkable body or knowledge about the human psyche. We can draw on these insights and practices to stimulate our own brilliant body of knowledge. Sylvia Gretchen is the co-dean of the Nyingma Institute. To learn more about transforming Negative Emotions: Take a class: "Transforming Negative Emotions" is offered on Mondays from 8-9:30 PM from June 11-August 13. Cost is $ 180 and the instructor is Sylvia Gretchen. Join a certificate program: A year-long program in Nyingma Psychology Program leads you through the fundamental insights and practices of this experiential approach to a healthy, happy, and spiritually fulfilling life. Read these books: "Gesture of Balance," "Hidden Mind of Freedom," and "Knowledge of Freedom" by Tarthang Tulku discuss effective ways to use meditation and analysis to release the hold of negative emotions. Available at the Nyingma Institute bookstore.
Speak to an academic advisor: call (510) 809-1000 to make an appointment or mail: Nyingma-Institute@Nyingma.org
The Tibetan Nyingma Institute has been a Berkeley landmark for the past 40 years, offering classes, workshops, and retreats that address basic human questions in a setting rich with Tibetan imagery. This photograph shows the colorful Tibetan prayer wheel that forms the heart of the Institute's meditation garden. Read More @ SourceIrritation 
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| The Art Of Collaboration - Growing Compassion Posted: 16 May 2012 02:00 PM PDT This evening I had a little bit of time to follow up on a link to a Huffington Post blogger which eventually lead me to this interesting project in...Appleton, Wisconsin, USA. Now then, just where abouts is that? View Larger Map And in Appleton a very interesting project has been underway and is now pouring the waters of compassion on all who visit this interesting exhibition. A mosaic of compassion.
My thought and pondering is on the process of this project. That's the involvement of a community in a collaborative endeavour. Could it be that working together can in itself be an expression of compassion? Certainly so if one thinks of compassion as acceptance . In my experience there needs to be lots of exercising acceptance when working with others on a project. Living in community, monastic community in my case, is a huge expression of compassion now I think about it.... Enjoy the show and thanks to the person who lead me to this most interesting effort. After my own heart. Read More @ Source
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| Birthday Reflection: The Five Subjects Posted: 16 May 2012 12:00 PM PDT  As it's my birthday today, it seems appropriate to post something fittingly 'uplifting' and pertinent to the occasion. Hence, the five subjects for frequent recollection: I am of the nature to age; I am not beyond aging. I am of the nature to sicken; I am not beyond sickness. I am of the nature to die; I am not beyond dying. All that is mine, beloved and pleasing, will become otherwise, will become separated from me. I am the owner of my actions, heir to my actions, born of my actions, related to my actions, abide supported by my actions. Whatever actions I shall do, for good or for ill, of those I will be the heir. This text ! has been adapted from the Chanting Book used in the Western Forest Sangha, and can be downloaded here: Morning and Evening Chanting  
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| Boundless Way Zen, IMCW open new practice locations in the Northeast Posted: 16 May 2012 10:00 AM PDT
The Greater Boston Zen Center, part of the Boundless Way Zen school established by James Ishmael Ford, David Dayan Rynick and Melissa Myozen Blacker, opened its doors last night in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The new location is now home to two preexisting BoWZ sitting groups–the Ralph Waldo Emerson Zen sangha & Spring Hill Zen. The guiding teacher of the new location is senior dharma teacher Josh Bartok, who will eventually be installed as abbot there. You can stop by any Tuesday or Wednesday evening or Saturday morning at 288 Norfolk St., 2nd floor. If you are a beginner, there are introductory classes offered by arrangement in advance. Visit this link to make arrangements and be sure to check out their website at www.bostonzen.org for regular sitting times.
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