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
Loppon Jamyang leads Thursday evening practices through rest of this spring. The first part, 7:00 to about 7:45, will be chanting and meditation. About 7:45 we will begin our discussion of the new book from Wisdom Publications The Mind: Volume 2 of Science and Philosophy in the Indian Buddhist Classics. It's OK to participate in just one portion -- log in at 7 to join the practice, or at 7:45 PM for just the study and discussion.
There will be reading from the text each week, so bring your questions and discussion topics -- this will not be lectures, but learner-directed conversation. He will assign about one chapter per week, not necessarily in the order they appear in the book. We will focus on:
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].
This is a great opportunity for us, because for some years Geshe-la has been working on translation of a Tibetan text that covers these topics.
Join on Zoom
Meeting ID: 459433559
Password: nalanda
We suggest you buy the text, for study and reference. Be certain you get Volume 2 instead of Volume 1. Wisdom sells the e-book at $18 and hardcover at $30. I see ads from on-line sources at about $18-20. I did a group order using our Dharma Center discount and hardcovers came in at $22... and have two copies available. Contact me through email.
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.
Ideas: Traditional & Modern
Buddhism East and West
Nalanda’s Buddhism East and West study group explores cross-cultural themes in traditional and Buddhist modernism as well as in Western philosophy and science. We explore the philosophy, phenomenology, and psychology of nonduality both East and West by reading both traditional and modern texts and essays. We explore the many dimensions of both waking up and growing up, what they mean and how they differ.
By request of the participants, the group is ongoing and meets fluidly by agreeing on the dates of the next one or two sessions and what the focus will be. The past four Zoom sessions have been exploring the nonduality of Advaita Vedanta and comparing it to the nonduality of the Mahayana schools. These sessions have featured a teacher from California who’s trained in both Buddhism and Advaita. Although the current format is primarily study, past formats have included some practice in addition to study.
Sakya Monastery is always a treasure box of opportunity for Dharma practitioners, and despite the pandemic they have put together an incredible set of virtual events. A few are individually featured below, but be sure to check out Sakya's Spring 2021 VEI catalogue [Virupa Educational Institute].
More from Sakya Monastery
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas: Their Noble Aspirations and Activities
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. 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.
Planning Ahead
2021 Nalanda Virtual Retreat
Meditation Skills
Loppon Jamyang will lead this Buddhist meditation skills retreat, providing instruction suitable for all levels of experience. Beginners will learn through hearing and direct experience, and experienced meditators will be able to refresh or sharpen their practice. All meditations practitioners, from beginner to advanced, are encouraged to attend. You will learn to recognize how your meditation is working, to identify obstacles and develop interventions, and to prepare for the next levels along your practice path.
Foundational meditation practices will be taught, such as The Four (Wholesome) Immeasureable practices, and the four applications of mindfulness . We will also cover Calm Abiding (Shamatha), Insight meditation (Vipassana) and dedication aspiration. The format includes theory or rationality, actual practices of the techniques (with and without oral guidance), and application or integrating calming and flexible qualities into daily life. You will have time for questions to address any obstacles or difficulties you encounter.
Registration details will be forthcoming on this website or watch our weekly emails.
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.)
The Sakya Jetsunmas: The Hidden World of Tibetan Female Lamas
A book by Elisabeth Benard
Read on to see how to receive a free copy of this important new book. Prof. Benard spoke on this topic at Nalanda in October 2012, when she was on the faculty of the University of Puget Sound. She is a long-time student of His Holiness the Sakya Trichen, and H.E. Dagyum Kusho
"The Sakya Jetsunmas is the first in-depth study of the great female Buddhist practitioners born into the Khon family of Tibet. These Jetsunmas (“venerable women”) received the same training as their brothers, taught some of the most famous male lamas of their times, and—in rare documented examples of transmission from one female adept to another—sometimes taught a great niece who also became a renowned teacher. Distilling historical textual sources, oral tradition, and contemporary interviews, this book profiles Jetsunma Chime Tenpai Nyima (1756–ca. 1855), Jetsunma Tamdrin Wangmo (1836–96), Kyabgon Pema Trinlei (1874–ca. 1950), and Jetsun Kushok Chimey Luding (b. 1938), and introduces Jetsunma Kunga Trinley (b. 2007)." --from sapanfund.org
"This book helps to fill a significant gap in the underreported biographies of women in Buddhism.... [The] voices of these nearly forgotten women, so significant as female lamas, are now recorded in this well-researched and well-timed collection. We recommend that the book be strongly promoted in the current Dharmic and cultural climate." --from Tsechen Namdrol Ling announcement.
This book is available for free distribution, due to the generosity of friends and organizations that sponsored the printing of this book, and the author. A shipping donation of $10 is requested to send you a copy anywhere in the continental US. International shipping is also available. To obtain your copy of the book, please write to info@sapanfund.org.
ALSO
The Woman Who Raised the Buddha: The Extraordinary Life of Mahaprajapati
by Wendy Garling
Wendy Garling, a scholar of women in Buddhism, has a new book out from Shambhala: The Woman Who Raised the Buddha: The Extraordinary Life of Mahaprajapati. After the death of Maya, the Buddha's birth mother, her sister Mahaprajapati raised the Buddha from a newborn. According to the publisher's blurb, Garling tells Mahaprajapati's life story,
"[revealing] just how exceptional [her] role was as leader of the first generation of Buddhist women, helping the Buddha establish an equal community of lay and monastic women and men."
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.
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.
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