Introduction to Buddhism - Teachings from Tibet
Foundation
of All Good Qualities
The Meaning of Life: Suffering & Liberation
Meditation
101
The First Three Perfections
Seven-Point Mind Training
Introduction to Tantra
Introduction to Buddhism
Establishing a Daily Practice
Relating to a Spiritual Teacher
Death and Rebirth
Introduction to Buddhism - Teachings from Tibet
July 30, 2006
August 6, 2006
August 13, 2006
August 27, 2006
September 10, 2006
September 17, 2006
Foundation of All Good Qualities
January 7, 2007
January 14, 2007
January 28, 2007
February 4, 2007
February 11, 2007
March 4, 2007
The Meaning of Life: Suffering & Liberation
Suffering happens when we have experiences we don't want.
Buddhism addresses this in two ways. First, we learn how to deal with
difficult situations in a skillful manner. Then, we learn the causes
so we can stop creating them and avoid suffering altogether. Veteran
teacher Nick Ribush describes the practical Buddhist tools to bring these
teachings into everyday situations.
April 20, 2006
April 27, 2006
May 4, 2006
May 11, 2006
May 18, 2006
May 25, 2006
Meditation 101
Of the many meditation techniques in Buddhism, they all share
the need for a calm, focused mind. When our minds are concentrated, they
become serviceable and we experience inner peace and spaciousness. We
will learn techniques to stabilize the mind and overcome obstacles.
The First Three Perfections
The first three trainings on the
bodhisattva path are generosity, morality and patience. By engaging in
these practices, our minds become more tranquil and our relationships
more harmonious. Over these three weeks, we will discuss these perfections
in detail and how to actualize them in our lives.
Seven-Point Mind Training
The Seven-Point Mind Training by Chekawa,
the twelfth-century Kadampa master, is a brief, moving text of essential
advice for integrating the Dharma into one's mind. It uses pithy sayings
to help readers better recall and apply the teachings in all aspects
of their lives. When Geshe Chekawa came across Langri Tangpa's Eight
Verses, he was so struck by the fifth verse, especially the line that
says "give the victory
to others," that he sought out Geshe Sharawa, a disciple of the
author, to find out how to put these words into practice. The secret
oral teachings Chekawa received became the basis for the Seven-Point
Mind Training. After that, the mind-training teachings became well known
and became an essential part of every Tibetan Buddhist tradition. While
all the teachings of the Buddha can be considered "mind training,"
the genre of teaching by this name (Tibetan: lojong) presents specific
practices for enhancing our bodhichittaÑthe determination to reach
enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beingsÑwith particular
emphasis on techniques for exchanging self and others. In the class,
Nick Ribush will go through the root text with reference to several of
the many English-language commentaries now available, especially those
contained in the new Wisdom book, Mind Training, translated by Geshe
Thupten Jinpa.
January 11, 2006
January 18, 2006
January 25, 2006
February 1, 2006
February 8, 2006
February 15, 2006
Introduction to Tantra
Although Tantric Buddhism, or the Vajrayana, is currently
very fashionable many of us are uncertain about just what tantra is.
How does it differ from Mahayana Buddhism? Why is it said to be the fastest
path to enlightenment yet the one with the most pitfalls? What about
the deities Ð who are they? And how do I know if I am ready for tantra?
With the visit of Choden Rinpoche to Kurukulla Center in November, these
questions are even more pressing as he will give the Yamantaka empowerment,
a highest yoga tantra.
This six-week series from the Discovering Buddhism program provides an opportunity to learn about the Tantric path, its four classes and its place in Buddhism. Also, the importance of the guru, the actual initiation, tantric vows and the sadhana practice will be covered. There will be time set aside for questions about this compelling and mysterious path.
Required Reading: Introduction to Tantra by Lama Yeshe, Wisdom Publications.
September 16, 2004
October 14, 2004
October 28, 2004
December 2, 2004
June 8, 2006
June 15, 2006
June 22, 2006
Introduction to Buddhism
Reciting the refuge prayer (I go for refuge to the Buddha,
to the Dharma and to the Sangha) is a common thread through the diversity
of Buddhist teachings. Some of us may have heard or even said these words
many times but are not certain what exactly they mean. Others may be
unfamiliar with these words but still find Buddhist teachings appealing
and valuable for dealing with life's complexities. So what exactly is
refuge and what does this prayer mean?
During this 6 week course from our Discovering Buddhism series, Nick Ribush helps us investigate the meaning of refuge and its place in Buddhism. What does it mean to go for refuge in the "Three Jewels?" Who do we go to for refuge? Why is it important to do so?
The Discovering Buddhism program is designed for students with a background in any type of Buddhism that are interested in exploring Tibetan Buddhism in more depth. Readings by contemporary Buddhist teachers such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche are assigned as well as occasional homework to supplement the weekly lectures. There is also ample time for questions.
June 10, 2004
June 17, 2004
July 8, 2004 (audio problems partially remedied - sorry!)
July 22, 2004
August 5, 2004July 17, 2004 - Ganden Hla Gyema Retreat
Second Series
September 22, 2005
September 29, 2005October 6, 13 recordings forthcoming (technical error in original recording)
October 20, 2005
Establishing a Daily Practice
Our beloved teacher, Ven. Geshe Tsulga, has requested that
while he is in India this winter, we put the teachings he has so kindly
been giving us into practice. As Geshe-la constantly emphasizes, the
essence of our practice should be purification and accumulation of merit
through the seven-limbs of prostration, offering, confession, rejoicing,
requesting, beseeching and dedication. Our spiritual director, Lama Zopa
Rinpoche, has compiled a daily meditation practice around the seven limbs
that contains a wealth of purification and merit-generating practices
and will be the basis of these classes. Geshe-la has strongly requested
all of us to attend these sessions while he's away.
November 28, 2004
December 5, 2004
December 12, 2004
January 16, 2005
February 6, 2005
March 24, 2005 - How To Meditate
March 31, 2005 - How To Meditate
April 7, 2005 - How To Meditate
April 14, 2005 - How To Meditate
April 21, 2005 - How To Meditate
April 28, 2005 - How To Meditate
July 24, 2005 - Daily Meditation
September 4, 2005 - Daily Meditation
December 31, 2006 - Daily Meditation
Relating to a Spiritual Teacher
Success in following both the sutra and tantra paths to enlightenment
depends upon developing and maintaining a proper relationship with a
spiritual teacher. The classic text on how to do this remains Ashvagosha's
Fifty Verses of Guru Devotion, written more than 2,000 years ago. As
the Foundation of All Good Qualities says, correct devotion to the spiritual
teacher is the root of the path. The basis of these classes will be an
in-depth commentary on the root text by Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey, which
itself was based on commentaries by Lama Tsong Khapa and Pabongka Rinpoche.
December 1, 2004
December 8, 2004 will be posted soon.
December 15, 2004
January 5, 2005
Death and Rebirth
A direct encounter with the inevitability of our death is
key to making good use of our life. Geshe Tsulga often reminds us of
the importance of doing so and says that it is one of the best ways to
transform our minds. In this five-week course, veteran teacher Nick Ribush
leads us through a comprehensive presentation of death and the realms
of existence according to Buddhism. He will also lead us in a guided
practice of the nine-point meditation on death.
May 19, 2005
May 26, 2005
June 2, 2005
June 9, 2005
June 16, 2005
