The Nalanda Institute is temporarily suspending all face to face practices, programs, and activities. We will maintain an on-line presence and practice support for a limited number of our practices, programs, and activities using ZOOM.
See the updated Quick Reference to Nalanda's On-Line Zoom Activities below.
Zoom has some problems with meeting security, so in addition to a meeting #, they require a password to enter all meetings. For now, we have enabled all meetings to have the password: Nalanda.
We will provide regular updates through email about on-line access to Nalanda Zoom meeting rooms for various practices and programs and the necessary meeting I.D.s to participate.
You will need to download the Zoom app to your smart phone and set up an account or you may connect to a Nalanda practice/program meeting from a desktop or laptop computer directly through the Zoom website without an account. Zoom is a generally user friendly platform, though please be mindful that many are new to Zoom and there will be a learning curve for some.
We will also provide scheduling updates through the email newsletter and Nalanda's website, and through our Facebook page, so please check back regularly.
Please stay informed, stay in the moment, and stay healthy!
Nalanda activities accessible through Zoom
Go to zoom.us; click 'join a meeting'; then enter the meeting number. Or on your browser, type in the URL - or click the links - below. Password for all Nalanda meetings is Nalanda
Chenrezig/Tara Practice Saturdays, 10-11:30 AM mtg# 817 534 3467 [https://zoom.us/j/8175343467] [for info: Zach Z. 360-999-1974]
Thursday Tantra Bookgroup Thursdays, 1:30-3 PM mtg# 878 935 457 [https://zoom.us/j/878935457] [for info: Jan V. 360-584-5972]
Thursday Evening Meditation Thursdays, 7-8:30 PM mtg# 459 433 559 [https://zoom.us/j/459433559] [for info: Jan V. 360-584-5972]. If you wish, download the Sadhana we use on Thursday evenings.
The following practices, programs, and activities have been suspended until further notice:
Noon Mindfulness Meditation (daily)
Long Sit Meditation (2nd Sundays)
Green Tara Group (2nd Sundays)
Guru Yoga of Sapan (Thursdays)
Core Principles (4th Saturdays)
Feeding the hungry at the Community Kitchen (3rd Tuesdays)
Thursday Evenings, 7 - 8:30 pm
On-Line Presentation
Courtesy of Jamyang Tsultrim
Chanting, Meditation, and Discussion
Geshe Jamyang leads Thursday evenings. He plans to lead a 45 minute practice meditation session, then each week will comment on 3 verses of Shantideva (see Chapter 5, "Vigilance"). The discussion will center on how to integrate and apply these verses in daily life. Time permitting, he will also take general questions on practice and Dharma topics. You can participate in either portion -- log in at 7 to join the practice, or at 7:45 PM if you want to hear just the teaching part.
He expects to complete this commentary in the next month or so. Starting in about March, he plans to start teaching from The Mind: volume 2 of Science and Philosophy in the Indian Buddhist Classics, newly published text by Wisdom. He is considering focusing on three topics:
the mind, and consciousness;
wholesome mental factors [positive thoughts and emotions we all have, and how they relate to our Dharma practice and daily life]; and
unwholesome mental factors [including his own perspective on depression, comparing the Western and Tibetan Buddhist models of this common mental health issue].
The point of announcing this in advance is to give people time to buy the text if they choose to. Wisdom Publications sells e-book at $18 and hardcover at $30. I see ads from on-line sources at about $18-20, but make certain you get Volume 2 instead of Volume 1. I can also bulk order from Wisdom using our Dharma Center discount (works out to about $18 for hardcover), so get in touch [email Jan Vleck] by the end of January if you want to join in. It would probably mean picking up your copy from my house or arranging another handoff. I'll probably place the order around the beginning of February.
Wisdom has an 88-minute video of the book launch featuring HH the Dalai Lama . This video will give you helpful context for approaching the book, as well as allow you to experience the inspiration of listening along with His Holiness.
ZOOM MEETING INSTURCTIONS
For ZOOM access information see Quick Reference to Nalanda's On-Line Zoom Activities, or Contact Jan Vleck, 360-584-5972 or email.
This meeting I.D. will remain the same for every upcoming Thursday night practice also.
Some of you may be new to Zoom, so we’ve included these instructions. Zoom is fairly user friendly and the learning curve is relatively quick for newcomers.
If you are using a laptop or desktop PC to participate:
Go to the Zoom Meeting # 459433559 for this meeting.
You do not have need a Zoom account. All you need is the meeting I.D. 459433559 and password: Nalanda
You will see a button near the top right that reads “join meeting”.
Enter the meeting I.D and then the password, Nalanda, to join the meeting.
You may have to click a button to start the video and the audio
You should be able to see Jamyang and the other participants as well as hear them.
They will be able to see you, assuming you sit in front of the computer camera.
If the host takes up the whole screen, when someone else talks, the view shifts to that person, the next person talking, etc. That’s how the discussion will occur.
You can also have a “gallery” view where everyone is on the screen at the same time.
If you are using a mobile phone or a tablet to participate:
You will need to download the Zoom app to your device. The app is free.
From the app, “join the meeting” by entering the meeting I.D. 459433559 and then the password: Nalanda.
When you tap the screen, a menu pops up at the bottom of the screen. That is where you will find controls to turn on video and audio if they are not initially on.
As with the PC, you will see everyone and they will see you (if video is on).
Stay safe, stay in the moment, and stay well.
Interested in Learning About Buddhism?
Tuesdays -
Introduction To Buddhism
Bob Saunders is again offering his Introduction to Buddhism zoom class. It runs 5 weeks on Tuesdays. It’s free. It will be at 3 PM.
This course is designed for people new to Buddhism but more experienced students have also found it helpful for consolidating their overall understanding Buddhist views and teachings. The class is an overview of fundamental concepts, practices and goals of Buddhism and includes basic meditation instruction. It emphasizes how these elements fit together and form a coherent path. Sessions will cover:
The Main Ideas of Buddhism: Suffering, its causes, the path out of suffering
The Main Ideas, Deeper: Compassion, Karma, The middle way
How to Meditate and Orientation to Nalanda
Two Truths, Two Accumulations
Buddhist Wisdom, Goals, and common practices
Questions and discussion are encouraged. Each class will have summary hand-outs. There’s also a recommended text: The Best Way to Catch a Snake by Karma Yeshe Rabgye.
The instructor, Bob Saunders, has been studying and practicing Buddhism for over 35 years. He has studied with Nalanda founder, Loppon Jamyang Tsultrim, for 30 years; has had over 30 days of instruction from His Holiness the Dalai Lama; and has been on pilgrimage to the 8 holy sites in India & Nepal, and to Tibet.
This read-and-discuss group meets via Zoom on Thursdays, 1:30-3 pm. We have just started Longchenpa's Finding Rest in Illusion: The Trilogy of Rest, Volume 3. We are just a few pages into the Translators' Introduction, so it's timely to join if you are interested. Buy your own copy of the text (Shambhala Publications). For a description, see. Talk to Grace O, Bob H, Bob S, or Jan V to learn more, or send a query to our email info@nalandaolywa.org.
Ritual Chanting
Every Saturday 10 - 11:30 am
Note: Practices with "Zoom" Go to Zoom Meeting # 817 534 3467
Chenrezig and Green Tara Practices at Nalanda
If you are not a current participant and wish to join, contact Zack Zinn (before the meeting time!).
Lama Lungrik leads a practice to transform our body, speech, and mind into the Dharma, the union of compassion and emptiness. Once a month closest to the full moon we do Green Tara practice, drawing closer to the action aspect of compassion. (This Green Tara practice is not the same as the Tara Circle that meets on 2nd Sundays.)
The Nalanda Study Group
1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month
1 - 3 pm
Note: Practices with "Zoom" Go to Zoom Meeting # 86108811736 password: Nalanda
You're Invited!
We are meeting again, but now using ZOOM to meet in virtual space. Please contact Grace via email to learn how to acces the meetings.
Come and try out this friendly ongoing book group, guided by Sonam Dorje. Typically the group reads aloud, then discusses, so it's low pressure. Books are not available through Nalanda.
The Saturday study started a new book . Newcomers are welcome. We will do a thorough analysis of the book by reading it out loud with pauses for discussion. The book is: Becoming Bodhisattvas: A Guidebook for Compassionate Action by Pema Chodron. This book was previously published under the title of: No Time to Lose. It is a commentary on The Way Of The Bodhisattva by Shantideva, an 8th century Buddhist Teacher.
Recordings
Selected Teachings from Nalanda
Some of Geshe Jamyang Tsultrim's teachings on the first Thursday of each month as well as teachings from Nalanda's Retreats are now available online at Talks.
Many thanks to our Pledge Donors!
Just like many struggling small businesses, Nalanda has ongoing expenses and reduced income in this plague time. Because we are not able to meet at the Dharma Center, our 'in-person' donations (such as cash or checks in the Dana box) have dried up, yet we still have costs related to owning and operating our physical Dharma Center. We also have the new cost of a monthly Zoom account to support our programs, and Nalanda also made an emergency donation to support food security in our local community during this pandemic. Please, if you can, include Nalanda in your charitable giving.
Nalanda's programs are supported in large part by those who have pledged regular financial contributions. Thank you so much! Your generosity is an inspiration, and the benefits have far reaching effects. To learn more about making a one-time on-line contribution, please click on Dana or the "Dana" link at the top of this page. To set up on-going on-line contributions, please contact us at info@nalandaolywa or use your bank's electronic payment options. ("Dana" means giving or generosity, and is one of the Six Perfections of Buddhism.)
HH Dalia Lama Live & Recorded
His Holiness The Dalai Lama Continues to Teach
We are fortunate that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is still teaching so actively at age 85. Take advantage of this precious resource by watching either live or taped versions of his talks. Many of them are convenient 1-hour presentations. For details on his upcoming teachings, go to Schedule. A library of taped videos is at Video Library.
His Holiness's videos offer such a variety you are sure to find something of interest. Some are informal Dharma presentations (like the book launch), some are formal Dharma teachings (like an upcoming three-day teaching on Nagarjuna's Commentary on Bodhicitta), and some are conversations with scientists (three events in Nov and Dec).
When seeking a live event be careful to adjust for the time difference between Dharamsala and Olympia - the announcements typically cite a time for Los Angeles, and provide a link to a time zone calculator. (PS: don't forget daylight savings time ends on Nov 1!)
Debut Album
Audio album from His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Inner World is the debut album by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, and is recommended by Geshe Jamyang. It is a combination of especially recorded mantras and messages by His Holiness, set to a backdrop of beautiful music. The mantras were all chosen specifically to support us in our everyday lives. To act like medicine, and change our energy according to what we need, for example, finding courage, healing, wisdom, and protection to name a few.
My understanding is that if you purchase the CD it comes with an explanatory book. Net proceeds from sales of Inner World will go to His Holiness's chosen programs:
Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning), an international education program and part of an academic collaboration between Emory University and His Holiness;
and the Mind & Life Institute, which brings science & contemplative wisdom together to better understand the mind & create positive change in the world.
Live Stream from Seattle
Sakya Monastery Teachings & Ceremonies
Sakya Monastery in Seattle lists programs of interest on their calendar of events. For example, coming up still this month (January) are Chenrezig and Green Tara practices, part 2 of a talk on Bodhicitta by Khenpo Jampa, and an overview and orientation to Sakya Monastery. or their.
Local Author
New eBook from HE Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche
HE AvikritaVajra Rinpoche is Head Lama at Sakya Monastery in Seattle. As a grandson of the late HH Dagchen Rinpoche (1929-2016), he is a future head of the Sakya order (Sakya Trizin). His new book, The Way of Invincible Love, will launch on July 24. Details on how to get the free download will be release then, and we'll send them out or can check with www.sakya.org. Donations are encouraged in support of the Sakya Monastery's social outreach beneficence (the Marici Fellowship). This seems fitting because the focus of the book seems to be enlightened activity. which ties in with our theme next year.
Green Tara Group
Note: Meetings Temporarily Suspended.
Meditation, Music, Mantras, and Movement
The Tara Circle meets monthly on the second Sunday. The Tara Circle is a wonderful way to engage body, voice, and mind. Moving to recorded music, our Tara Circle learns hand mudras and movements to bring bliss and joy. We move then we 'sit' for 20 minutes.
This practice follows the second Sunday 'Long Sits'.
For information, contact Kim Abbey at 206-387-6134 (phone or text).
Extended Sitting
Note: Meetings Temporarily Suspended.
www.kenroizu.com; Courtesy of Howard Greenberg Gallery. NYC; Tricycle Magazine
Long Meditation
Are you curious to try out longer meditation sessions? Come to the monthly long sit, where the conditions are highly conducive to practice: you will be with other meditators and surrounded by a beautiful dharma center! Mark your calendar for the second Sunday each month.
