Nalandabodhi Connecticut is pleased to announce that it will be co-hosting a Nitartha Institute regional weekend program in February. The first regional program offered by the Institute took place in up-state New York in May 2003 and was enthusiastically received. Several additional programs are scheduled for 2004, with more information to follow as plans develop.
The main focus of this weekend program will be The Mind and Its World course, which is the principal focus for first-year students at Nitartha Institute. This class, which will be presented by Nitartha Institute teachers, is based on the teachings of pramana, or valid cognition, and explores what exactly is meant by “mind”. The term “mind” is used in a variety of ways in common usage, but in actuality what we mean by “mind” is quite vague. This lack of clarity is at the root of our confusion and suffering.
In order to begin to clarify this confusion, this course introduces students to what mind is, how one’s mental world can be defined more clearly, and how the mind engages its world. This is done through exploring direct perception and conception, along with the inter-relationship of the two, in the context of our “inner and outer” worlds. The class also looks at the analytical tools used by practitioners to increase penetrating insight in analytical meditation and debate practice at the Institute. The course introduces the concepts of logic used in analysis, although there will not be sufficient time to engage in actual debate practice over the weekend. Discussion groups will be provided to help students resolve their confusion and develop insight. The material presented in these classes will be further explored in Introduction to Analytical Meditation, where students will be guided by teachers in a detailed and contemplative examination of the topics from the classes in their first-hand experience.
Each day will begin with optional instruction in the body/mind practice of Lujong exercise, a form of yoga. On Saturday Evening, students are invited to attend a presentation by Dr. Phil Weber on Menla (Tibetan approaches to a healthy mind and body). Opportunities will be available throughout the weekend for students to socialize with each other and with the teachers."
Visit NB Connecticut's webpage for more information and to register at www.nbconnecticut.org/nitartha/home.htm
Posted by Jean at December 30, 2003 08:35 AM