MAHAYANA ESSENTIALS SERIES, hosted by Pema Osel
Walking the Path of the Six Paramitas
The teachings and practices of the six paramitas - often translated as excellent or transcendent actions - provide a path for engaging our life in a non-egocentric and graceful manner. The training, which is fundamental to the development of wisdom and altruism on the bodhisattva path, is grounded in seeing the world as a field of opportunity for developing our most noble qualities, and creates a sense of wellbeing for both self and others.
This 3-talk program will include teachings, questions and responses, and guided meditation.
In the mornings, we will be offering a group mediation session and between teachings on Saturday, we will host discussion groups. Both of these will be hosted on Zoom and led by senior students. We hope you can join us for this weekend of teachings and discussion.
Supporting materials
Elizabeth about Prajnaparamita
We generally speak of six paramitas: generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom. All of a bodhisattva's wisdom and skillful means are included within these six practices. Usually the order in which we discuss these starts with generosity. If you can train yourself to be generous, if you can be less attached and more openhearted, it's easier to be morally disciplined—not harming others, benefiting them, and thereby accumulating virtue. If you're a disciplined person, it's easier to become patient. If you're patient, then it's easier to be diligent in whatever you to do, on the spiritual path or elsewhere. And, if you are a diligent person, it becomes easier to concentrate. Once you have good concentration, it becomes easier to contemplate deeply and develop wisdom. So, since the first paramita helps the second one and so forth, the order was established and taught in this way. But we don’t have to practice them in this order. In any particular situation it’s likely that all the paramitas are required. Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche
Longchenpa thangka by Tara Digesu
LIVING DHARMA SERIES
Lineage
For this year’s Living Dharma Program, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel will explore with us what it means to enter a lineage. When we enter the lineage of the Buddha’s wisdom we are essentially saying, “yes” to transformation; we join a culture that gives us the infrastructure for living our lives in a way that supports that transformation, we receive the blessings of all those who have come before us - just like a family. And fortunately, there are also challenges. When we enter we lineage we are asking for compassionate interference, and the means to expose whatever impedes our awakening. On our way, there are also many pitfalls we can get fall into, such as getting rigid and trapped in dogmas or giving up our sense of agency. There is a lot to explore around this topic. Elizabeth with lead us through this exploration with teachings, interaction, and guided meditations.
Creating Grace: walking the path of wisdom and merit
On the path of the bodhisattva, the mind poised to awaken, we train to recognize the natural creative expression of life, and learn to navigate it with respect, insight, and compassion. The 2 aspects of this path, the accumulation of wisdom and merit, teach us what it means to bear witness to the pain and beauty of life, and how to engage in healthy relationship with the world.
Supporting materials: Everything Leans
The Middle Way: Opening the World of Creative Possiblity
The term Middle Way refers to the discoveries and teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha.
The Middle Way path, by nature and design, provides a fully integrative, responsive and living spirituality, based on the direct investigation of mind and its world, through hearing wisdom, contemplation, and meditation.
According to the Buddha, human suffering has always come from looking at the world through dualistic extremes: fundamentalism and doubt, right vs. wrong, looking at others as being either “in” or “out.”
In the sutras, the Buddha addresses dualism in a teaching to his student, Katyayana, by saying:
“That things exist is one extreme,
that they do not is another.
But I, the Tathagatha, accept neither is or is not
and i declare the truth from the Middle Position”
We may interpret the “middle position” as moderation or balance, or, we may imagine it as a vague or neutral approach to life. But, in his timeless teaching, the Buddha introduces us to another less obvious but stunning way to see the world — a way beyond dualism. He suggests that beyond our ordinary binary way of seeing things, lies a world of compassionate and creative possibilities. These avail themselves to us when we recognize that things are not limited to the labels we assign them. He is pointing us to the middle way of being. We need to examine what this has to do with us!
Supporting materials: Discussions on Emptiness with Anam Thubten
Below is the entire program from Sept.2020 that was organized by the MWI - not sure if that is good to use in promos as it is an entire program…but it is here for reference.
The Buddha's Middle Way: Going Beyond Extreme Thinking
The Buddha’s middle way teachings do not only describe a life of balance or moderation. In the context of the Mahayana view, they refer to stepping out of our system of extreme thinking. It is easy to look outside of ourselves and accuse others of being fundamentalists, but in truth, if we are willing to look, we can find a lot of fundamentalism in our own mind…and doubt too. This is really good to see, and very freeing to expose all that to the light of our intelligence.
The great Buddhist master, Nagarjuna, said: “I prostrate to he who has abandoned all views.” He was speaking about the Buddha, and the views he refers to, in this statement, are eternalism and nihilism, or true and untrue or fundamentalism and doubt. Nagarjuna is suggesting that there is another way of being in the world that is insightful, in accord with the nature of life, and accessible by direct investigation. It is “first person science,” which also requires a lot of heart and devotion, because through practice we venture into discovering something very deep about our mind and its world.
In exploring these views in ourselves, we are able to have a more nuanced and compassionate view of the many troubles we are facing in the world.
Elizabeth will also lead a guided meditation and open the evening to dialogue.
The Liberating Practice of Looking and Not Finding
The title of this CD, The Liberating Practice of Looking and Not Finding, describes a traditional Buddhist meditative practice of exploring mind and its world, often referred to as “analytical meditation”. These teachings were first introduced by the renowned 2nd century Indian practitioner, Nagarjuna. These investigations serve to interrupt our misconception that things, from our thoughts and emotions to outer objects, intrinsically possess the characteristics we project on to them. This insight is crucial because the very misconception that things are limited to how we think or feel about them is what fuels reactive mind, social discord, and mental anguish.
These teachings have personally “rocked my world.” As I travel and share these uniquely powerful methods, I am delighted to see how easily people take to them. The contemporary mind is always looking for a way to bring clarity to spirituality in simple and practical ways. These contemplations deliver—and more!
Additional materials can be found at the MSB store link
The Mind of an Open Question
(updated 12/24/18)
“It is in those moments that we give ourselves over to the mystery and fullness of life, that we are able to experience our own brilliance.”
Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel uses the phrase “the mind of an open question” to describe the greatest potential of the human mind. When we ask an open question, the mind becomes naturally curious and engaged, creating a fertile environment for learning and clear discernment.
We may have a tendency to think the qualities of openness and curiosity are naive, passive, or vague, and assume that genuine confidence comes only from holding definitive conclusions about things within our mind. But in the tradition of the Buddha’s wisdom, inquiry is highly valued and considered a practical and crucial element for clear seeing. The mind that does not close down around its object in a determinate way finds protection from the extremes of fundamentalism and doubt. This increases our ability to read patterns, take in vital information, and to make choices that bring our actions together with our intentions.
In accord with the topic of open questioning, Elizabeth’s method for teaching aligns with the traditional methods of inquiry found in Mahayana Buddhism. She inspires us into rethinking how we look at mind and its world and how to cultivate our most precious asset on the path: the mind of an open question. People find her approach to the material lively, disarming, and empowering.
The awakening of feminine energy in modern times
Feminine wisdom or prajnaparamita in Sanskrit is considered the very foundation of all the teachings and practice lineages of the Buddha. You might say that such feminine wisdom is the very heart of awakening, offering us insight into our mind, reality and our relationship to the world around us. But how can the prajnaparamita teachings help us engage the challenges of the modern world? – especially during these times of rapid social change, technological innovation and cultural upheaval? During this and discussion, Elizabeth Namgyel will present how the Buddhist path offers the opportunity to examine our lives gently and wisely and release the liberating insight of prajnaparamita.
Burning with Love in a World We Can’t Fix
The practice of awakening the heart (bodhicitta, in Sanskrit) is not a religious endeavor. It is a first-person exploration of what becomes possible when we find the means that allow our human potential to flourish. The practices and teachings of Bodhicitta support us in addressing some of our most basic human questions: How do we habituate our heart to staying open? How do we respond to the suffering we encounter in the world without getting overwhelmed, rigidly trying to fix things, or tuning out? What is the difference between fixing and healing? How do we contribute effectively in the world in which we live?
Interdependence Day:
(use this if it is a day of practice).
or
Finding Our True Citizenship:
honoring the powerful insight into the nature of interdependence
The teachings on interdependence, often known as dependent arising (pratityasamutpada in Sanskrit), are essential to all the teaching and practice lineages of the Buddha. You might say that they lie at the heart of awakening. Not only do these teachings tell us something about our relationship to the world around us, they also help us understand who we are in the ever-arising context of the world in which we live. In the deepest sense, when well understood, they are interruptive to reactive mind, and release liberating insight.
The Mind of an Open Question
“It is in those moments that we give ourselves over to the mystery and fullness of life, that we are able to experience our own brilliance.”
Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel uses the phrase, “the mind of an open question” to describe the mind poised for insight—this is when our best qualities shine through. When we ask an open question, the mind becomes naturally curious and engaged, creating a fertile environment for learning, creativity, and clear discernment.
We may assume that the qualities of openness and curiosity are naive, passive, or vague, and that genuine confidence comes only from holding definitive conclusions about things. But in the tradition of the Buddha’s wisdom, inquiry is highly valued and considered a practical and crucial element for clear seeing. The mind that does not close down around its object in a determinate way finds protection from fundamentalism and doubt. This increases our ability to read patterns, take in vital information, and to make choices that bring our actions together with our intentions.
In accord with the topic of open questioning, Elizabeth’s method for teaching aligns with the traditional methods of inquiry found in Mahayana Buddhism. She inspires us into rethinking how we look at mind and its world and how to cultivate our most precious asset on the path: the mind of an open question. People find her approach to the material lively, disarming, and empowering.
A Pilgrimage from Confusion to Wisdom
The Buddha’s path is a pilgrimage from confusion to wisdom. With so many practice lineages and methods of practice to choose from, how do we know when we’ve made an authentic connection? And how do we know when we are doing the practice “right?" What kind of result should we expect? What tools do we have to work the obstacles that arise?
During this intimate gathering, Elizabeth will address these questions and introduce various meditations, using as a guide the life story of the Buddha and his inquiry into the human condition. There will be ample time for discussion and questions\responses.
Claiming Agency for Our Own Awakening
One of the most powerful qualities of the Buddhist teachings is that we are asked to honor and develop our own discerning intelligence or prajna. In fact, the Buddha himself said: “You are the agent of your own awakening.” This statement is a call to our natural intelligence—our ability to rise and discover our deepest potential.
However, when we begin to investigate the point where our discerning intelligence meets with the teachings, many questions and challenges may arise:
Does a practice of devotion to the teachings or teacher mean that you have to abdicate your discerning intelligence?
Does exercising agency mean then that you are not genuinely open to the teachings? How do you discern between egoic intention and open clarity?
What are the qualities of an authentic student? How does one poise one’s mind for insight?
What is the difference between “being right” and an experience of genuine certitude?
How do the teachings shape our relationships to our community, friends and family, and our teacher?
At this weekend gathering, Elizabeth will guide participants through an investigation of what it means to be a student and how a student’s eagerness to learn and evolve can be fulfilled by having a healthy and realistic relationship with a qualified teacher, community, and the teachings themselves.
The Logic of Faith
In contemporary culture, we often struggle with faith and may wonder if it is a necessary element for spiritual development. We may have experienced faith threaded with the disempowerment that comes from handing over agency to an authority figure, or associate it with dogma, fundamentalism, or being silenced. In this weekend program, we will explore a different sense of faith. We will discuss how it can connect us to a deeper place of strength within us and to a bigger picture of life. This type of faith increases confidence, openness, and appreciation.
Additional materials - book by the same name The Logic of Faith can purchased from Shambhala Publications
Supporting materials The Beliefs that Bind Us
Are We Really Practicing?
All the great meditation masters point out the importance of honesty\exposing for practitioners. In this spirit we have to be able to ask ourselves, “Are we really practicing?”…or, are we just going through the motions?” This is a subtle and indispensable question from the beginning to the end of the path. Elizabeth will examine this topic in what will be a lively weekend of talks, discussion and practice.
Elizabeth is known for her willingness to question the entire path in order to reach a place of genuine practice and awakening. She asks the audience to engage in the practice of open questioning with her while she takes a fresh look at all the assumptions and beliefs we have about spirituality. Audiences repeatedly comment on how this approach has reinvigorated their meditation practice and how they relate to their lives as a whole.
Supporting materials: Truth and Liberation
Letting our Heart Break
We often look at heartbreak as something to get over or avoid. But the Buddha taught that there is no transformation without heartbreak. For this reason, the foundations for all Buddhist practices begin by reminding us that we cannot hold the world responsible for our wellbeing.
The necessary disappointment that comes from this recognition is liberating, universal, and profound. On the path of the bodhisattva, in particular, we learn to stretch our heart to include all beings, which is an actual commitment to letting our heart break to include more life.
The weekend promises to include guided meditations, discussion, and teachings, that not only serve as the foundation of all Buddhist practices, but also of those particular to the Path of the Bodhisattva. These are practical, non-religious, and poignant teachings that are designed to be practiced out in everyday life.
*For one of these talks, I would like to look at one of Trungpa Rinpoche’s poems, “Looking Into The World,” which is about heartbreak\not being able to trust. It is my favorite of his.
Looking into the world
By
Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
November 14, 19691963
Looking into the world
I see alone a chrysanthemum,
Lonely loneliness,
And death approaches.
Abandoned by guru and friend,
I stand like a lonely juniper
Which grows among rocks,
Hardened and tough.
Loneliness is my habit—
I grew up in loneliness.
Like a rhinoceros
Loneliness is my companion—
I converse with myself.
Yet sometimes also,
Lonely moon,
Sad and Happy
Come together.
Do not trust.
If you trust you are in
Others’ hands.
It is like the single yak
That defeats the wolves.
Herds panic and in trying to flee
Are attacked.
Remaining in solitude
You can never be defeated.
So do not trust,
For trust is surrendering oneself.
Never, never trust.
But be friendly.
By being friendly towards others
You increase your non-trusting.
The idea is to be independent,
Not involved,
Not glued, one might say, to others.
Thus one becomes ever more
Compassionate and friendly.
Whatever happens, stand on your own feet
and memorise this incantation:
Do not trust.
-Chogyam Trungpa
Activism Without Agitation
(Especially designed for New Yorkers in Brooklyn)
Finding Fundamental Wellbeing in Turbulent Times
These are turbulent times. Do you feel angry and righteous, stressed out or doomed? When overwhelmed, it is important for all of us to pause and reflect upon where we are coming from, so that we can respond to challenges rather than reacting to things. After all, we don’t want to add to the collective confusion. To reconnect to our basic sanity, is what spiritual practice is all about, and serves as the basis for intelligent and heartfelt action. When our mind is clear and open, we may even discover that the difficulties we face as individuals and communities can bring out the best of our human potential.
In this evening talk, Elizabeth will open up an inquiry into the meaning of awakened activism; give instruction on what she sometimes calls “curiosity practice”; and invite group discussion, questions, and responses.
Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel has studied and practiced the Buddhadharma for thirty years under the guidance of her teacher and husband Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. She has spent over six years in retreat and holds a degree in Buddhist Studies. Elizabeth is known for her willingness to question the entire path in order to reach a place of genuine practice and awakening. She asks audience to engage in the practice of open questioning with her while she takes a fresh look at all the assumptions and beliefs we have about spirituality. Audiences repeatedly comment on how this approach has reinvigorated their meditation practice and the way they relate to their lives as a whole. She is the author of, The Power of an Open Question and is working on her new book, The Logic of Faith.
Social engagement informed by insight
Exploring of Thich Nhat Hahn’s 14 Precepts (for Vermont?)
“Do not avoid contact with suffering or close your eyes before suffering. Do not lose awareness of the existence of suffering in the life of the world.”
Thich Nhat Hahn
Suffering is pervasive. In your longing to serve others, where do you begin? And when you begin to engage the suffering of others, how do you keep from drowning\becoming overwhelmed? These beautiful and poignant questions are addressed in the teachings on Bodhicitta, or the Intelligent Heart, and provide the key principle and guide for action that is informed by spiritual insight. By applying this principle to our mind we can learn to base our actions on our fundamental sense of wellbeing, so we won’t be adding to the confusion in the world. Working with our minds in this way supports us to live our life fully and die with grace.
Moved by the beautiful message in Thich Nhat Hahn’s “The Fourteen Precepts of Engaged Buddhistm,” Elizabeth has chosen to rely upon and honor them as the basis for exploring the topic of social engagement informed by spiritual insight. (In this series\evening gathering\s) Elizabeth will introduce and share her inquiry into the precepts, and give instructions on what she sometimes calls “curiosity practice.” Group discussion, questions, and responses will follow. C;
Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel has studied and practiced the Buddhadharma for thirty years under the guidance of her teacher and husband Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. She has spent over six years in retreat and holds a degree in Buddhist Studies. Elizabeth is known for her willingness to question the entire path in order to reach a place of genuine practice and awakening. She asks audience to engage in the practice of open questioning with her while she takes a fresh look at all the assumptions and beliefs we have about spirituality. Audiences repeatedly comment on how this approach has reinvigorated their meditation practice and the way they relate to their lives as a whole. She is the author of, The Power of an Open Question and is working on her new book, The Logic of Faith.
Mahayana Essentials: Being in Healthy Relationship with the World
In our lives, we tend to relate to our world as if it is “other.” This category encompasses almost everything we can think of: the weather, the government, the coronavirus; our boss, our adversaries, and even our loved ones. “Other” also includes our unpredictable, all-consuming thoughts and emotions. In this dynamic with the world, where it seems that things are always happening to us beyond our control, we have little agency and often encounter suffering and confusion.
The Mahayana teachings on interdependence encourage us to look deeper into our unconscious assumption that we are separate from our world. They teach us how to poise our mind in a more inclusive way and can heal even our most troubling relationships with “other.” These teachings form the basis of the bodhisattva path, which gives clear and practical instructions for a meaningful, healthy, and compassionate life, and helps us develop a sense of unconditional wellbeing.