Nalandabodhi New York, a study and meditation
center, is committed to the development of an authentic American
Buddhism under the direction of the Tibetan Buddhist master, The
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.
News & Upcoming Events
March 12, 2010
Do Something Meaningful: The Four Reminders and the Path of Awakening
The Buddha presented a complete path of spiritual awakening that each of us can travel. But making this journey requires letting go of delusion and attachment to our old ways of doing things. The Four Reminders are a set of contemplations that help us turn our minds away from delusion and attachment, and towards the path of awakening. In Tibetan Buddhism, deeply contemplating these four thoughts and integrating their meaning into our lives is the basis of all successful spiritual practice. Through understanding the Four Reminders, we understand the way to make this brief human life meaningful.
March 21, 2010
Practice Day
We have a community practice on one Sunday every month. This is a great opportunity to practice meditation and connect with others. There is a guided meditation session focusing on a particular shamatha (calm abiding) practice, loving-kindness practice and some basic yoga stretches. Sometimes we might have video talks or some other special sessions. We will send an announcement every month that outlines the schedule. This program is open to everyone. Practice Days are scheduled for the following Sundays: March 21, April 25, May 30, June 27, July 25, August 29, September 26, and October 31 from 12:00 noon - 2:45 pm.
March 26, 2010
Nitartha - Mind and Its World 2 & Debate 1
This program is the basis for penetrating the meaning and practices of the Mahayana and Vajrayana paths of Tibetan Buddhism. Mind and Its World 2 focuses on the study of mind and mental events, causes, conditions, and results as applied to both mind and the objects that it perceives, the twelve links of interdependence, and karma cause and effect. MW2 continues the development of valid cognition as outlined in MW1 through the examination, and definition of mental events coupled with the activity of cultivating valid cognition as path. Debate 1 teaches correct reasoning, the awareness of relationships among the elements of a correct reason, the formulation of incorrect reasonings based on invalid, contradictory, or uncertain reasons, and how to apply the use of reasonings in debate. Discussion Groups and Analytical Meditation Classes include discussion groups and Analytical Meditation on topics arising from curriculum.
May 14, 2010
Stars of Wisdom: Analytical Meditation, Songs of Yogic Joy & Prayers of Aspiration
Stars of Wisdom is a treasure-filled book about the Mahayana path of wisdom, compassion, and joy. Part I explains how to gain clarity, peace, and insight through step-by-step analysis and meditation on the true nature of reality. Part II introduces readers to the joy and profundity of yogic song, and Part III reveals the power of aspiration prayers to inspire, transform, and brighten our hearts. Come for an opportunity to hear teachings from the book, ask questions, and receive meditation instruction from the book's translators and Khenpo Rinpoche's close students, Ari Goldfield and Rose Taylor.
Everyday Life: Personal Journeys
Periodically, we share personal insights, poetry or artwork from our community here. This month we are featuring fiber artwork of Wrathful Tara by Susan Sinisi. Click above for more.
Acharya Lhakpa
We are delighted to announce that Nalandabodhi New York has a new resident teacher and accomplished practitioner! Acharya Lhakpa arrived at the beginning of February, 2010, and he will spend eight months a year with us in New York and the rest of the year with the Connecticut and the Philadelphia sangha.
Letter from Rinpoche
December 21, 2009
Dear Sangha Friends,
I recently had the great fortune to visit and spend time with my guru Khenpo Rinpoche at Tek Chok Ling in Kathmandu, Nepal. Rinpoche is doing very well and he is cheerful and happy to see students and give teachings. I, along with six other students arrived in Kathmandu on November 16. We had daily audiences with Rinpoche in the morning and received profound instructions in doha form.
(click headline for complete letter, photos and doha by Khenpo Rinpoche)
Register Online for Nitartha - Mind and Its World 2 & Debate 1
March 26 – April 4, 2010, register online.
Tyler Dewar Visits Nalandabodhi New York
The Nalandabodhi New York Sangha was recently honored to host Mitra Tyler Dewar for a Sunday practice session. Tyler has served as an oral and literary translator in Nalandabodhi and Nitartha Institute since 2000. He has traveled extensively with Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, translating and presenting his teachings for a variety of audiences around the world. Click on the link above to hear audio excerpts from the practice.
Buddhism in the Prison System
Mind Without Borders provides inmates the possibility of studying the Buddhadharma through Nalandabodhi curriculum correspondence courses. This provides a structure around which communication with the inmate can develop. We provide dharma pen pals as well, and have provided PIs for motivated prisoners who are serious about developing a structured meditation path.
Tara Practice Every Other Monday
The practice of Green Tara can help overcome fear and anxiety, enabling one to open up to one’s own heart of compassion. The practice consists of visualizations, songs, and prayers, composed by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche and Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. Tara Practice will be held every other Monday night from 7 pm - 8:30 pm on the following dates: March 8 & 22, April 12 & 22, and May 10 & 24
