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Mind and Its Potential
Examine what is "mind," its nature and function, and how it affects
our experience of happiness and suffering. Come explore the differentiation
between mind and brain, mind as the creator of our experiences, and the implications
of possessing a mind that has no beginning and no end. In addition, learn
methods to transform destructive thoughts and attitudes and create a positive
and joyous mind.
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How to Meditate
Basic meditation techniques. Learn the definition and purpose of meditation,
how to sit properly, how to set up a meditation session, the different types
of meditation techniques one may employ, and how to recognize and deal with
obstacles to meditation.
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Presenting the Path
Get an overview of the entire Tibetan Buddhist path to awakening. Hear about
the life story of the Buddha and study the basic teachings of Buddhism. Discover
the unique system for putting Buddhist philosophy into practice contained
in the lam-rim, or "graduated path to enlightenment."
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The Spiritual Teacher
Take the time to investigate the role of the teacher on the spiritual path:
the need for a teacher, the qualities of a teacher, the qualities of a student,
and how to relate to a teacher for greatest benefit in one's spiritual life.
Consider the challenges we face when thinking of entering into a "guru-disciple"
relationship and learn how to overcome these skillfully.
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Death and Rebirth
Explore the process of death and rebirth and its impact on how we live our
lives. Be guided in skillful reflection on the meaning of death and what to
expect at the death-time. In this way, fulfill your purpose in life, resolve
conflicts, and develop the skills to help both yourself and others at the
time of death. Eventually, through Buddhist practice, one can overcome death
altogether.
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All About Karma
Learn the essential facts about the law of cause and effect and generate
a clear understanding about how karma works. Discover effective tools to accumulate
merit -- the cause of happiness and success -- and purify mistaken actions
done in the past. In addition, explore ways to become adept at dealing with
life most effectively and thereby take control of your future.
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Refuge in the Three Jewels
Get informed about what it means to take refuge in the Three Jewels (Buddha,
Dharma and Sangha), and the essential practices of refuge. Find out more about
the advantage of taking lay vows and their role in enhancing our spiritual
growth.
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Establishing a Daily Practice
Assemble the tools you need to develop a successful daily practice. Using
Lama Zopa Rinpoche's A Daily Meditation Practice as a guide, become familiar
with the elements necessary to generate realizations in the mind. Also, receive
some tips for making every action of the day meaningful.
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Samsara and Nirvana
Investigate what "samsara" is and how we are stuck in it. Find
out what "nirvana" is and how to achieve it. Develop the determination
to be free from suffering and empower yourself with practical tools to deal
with and eliminate disturbing emotions forever.
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How to Develop Bodhicitta
Come discover the clear meditation instruction available in Tibetan Buddhism
that enables us to develop our innate qualities of loving kindness and compassion.
Become skilled at applying these techniques to generate the mind of bodhicitta,
the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of others, known to be the
heart of Buddha's teachings.
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Transforming Problems
Consider well the disadvantages of self-cherishing and the advantages of
cherishing others more than ourselves. Get inspired to "exchange yourself
with others," and then be guided in how to employ the special techniques
of mind training or "lo-jong" as a means to transform problems into
happiness and learn to like problems as much as ice cream!
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Wisdom of Emptiness
The realization of emptiness is crucial for the attainment of liberation
and enlightenment. Take this opportunity to enhance your ability to bring
about this realization. Learn how to develop calm abiding and different methods
to use in meditation on emptiness. Practice accumulation of merit and purification
of obstacles - indispensable for generating realizations within the mind.
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Introduction to Tantra
Learn the definition of tantra, how tantra works and why it is a powerful
form of practice. Get a broad overview of the four classes of tantra and learn
how to practice simple Kriya tantric methods. In addition, find out how to
integrate the practices of tantra with lam-rim meditation for optimal results.
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Special Integration Experiences
By undertaking intensive practices of purification and a minimum two-week
lam-rim residential retreat, prepare your mind in the best possible way to
gain realizations on the path to enlightenment. Purification practices include:
100,000 prostrations, 3-month Vajrasattva retreat, and Nyung Ne. This is a
great way to seal the blessings of this program.
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