SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation's topics - tribe.net

Buddhism and Entheogens

2008-09-10T16:25:52Z

What role, if any, do you think entheogens such as psilocybin mushrooms or peyote, have had on the Buddhist community especially in regards to Zen and Meditation?

What's the general attitude towards those who use them as an aid to their spiritual practices?

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 12 replies

HH Phakchok Rinpoche and the Chokling Tersar Lineage of the Great Perfection : An Introduction and 2008 Tour Notes

2008-08-13T20:14:45Z

HH Phakchok Rinpoche and the Chokling Tersar Lineage of the Great Perfection : An Introduction and 2008 Tour Notes

Keywords: Esoteric Buddhist yoga ( buddhatantra ), Great Perfection / AtiYoga / dzogchen i.e. primordial awareness yoga, tantric Buddhist empowerment, non-sectarian tantric Buddhist practice ( Rimay ), HH Phakchok Rinpoche Tendzin Jigmey Drakpa, Orgyen Dorje Den Center ( San Francisco ), Chokling Tersar lineage ( Nyingma / Ancient School transmission of Indo-Tibetan vajrayana ).

NAMO GURU SRI PADMAKARAYE
Homage to Guru Padmasambhava.

This summer ( 2008 ) His Holiness Phakchok Rinpoche, a primary tantric Buddhist lineage holder, is on a major tour ( see below for events ), giving tantric Buddhist transmissions and teachings in the USA, Canada, and Europe. He is a younger major teacher in the Chokling Tersar tradition of Nyingma and Dzogchen ( see below ).

This lineage derives directly from Guru Padmasambhava, a most extraordinary Indian guru and a principal cofounder of the Buddhist tradition in Tibet. Today six million or more people practice teaching deriving from Guru Padmasambhava, in for example the Tibetan traditions such as Sakya, Kagyu and Nyingma, including some millions of East Asians ( Chinese Buddhists of esoteric Buddhist lineage ).

This is a very magical, very powerful, and very yogic style of transmission, especially in terms of the inner practices. It is well supported by many independent practice lineages, of which the Chokling Tersar Foundation is an important example both in the USA and Europe. It is well established in California and Denmark, and several major teachers of this tradition give teaching tours.

This sangha ( spiritual fellowship ) is of major importance because Chokling Tersar Foundation has a translation / publishing organization called Rangjung Yeshe. This is one of the main sources worldwide for core Nyingma and dzogchen publications. I have and use quite a few Rangjung Yeshe practice and teaching texts. They are highest quality and indispensible for all Nyingma and dzogchen practitioners in particular, and broadly useful.

One of the most important books ever published for tantric Buddhists is
"Dakini Teachings", by Padmasambhava, and this is from Rangjung Yeshe.
Another key example, from the same source, is
"Light of Wisdom", by Padmasambhava and Jamgon Kongtrul.

For a general background on dzogchen, or "primordial awareness yoga", it is well worthwhile to obtain the book
"The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen", written by another important master of a parallel Nyingma lineage, Chogyal Namkhai Norbu. This is about the best place to start for a book introduction to the inner teachings, but is descriptive only, and not sadhana or formal practice per se.

Esoteric Buddhist yoga ( buddhatantra ) and Great Perfection ( dzogchen awareness yoga ) depend fundamentally on transmission, and so it is necessary to see a real teacher. Without a major transmission from an authentic guru, much or most of the teaching - and all of the yoga sadhana - does not work. Therefore I take this opportunity to make an important introduction.

( Please note that I DO NOT have any authority to represent Chokling Tersar Foundation, HH Phakchok Rinpoche, or any activity associated with this line of transmission. I am simple conveying what I know in a clear and definite way, to support this lineage and those who may benefit from it. I cannot make any promises that any of what is said here, or this kind of transmission, will solve any particular problem or give any particular result. The results are very personal and individualized. )

HH Phakchok Rinpoche Tendzin Jigmey Drakpa is not yet well known to the public, but is already having a great influence in transmitting key innermost teachings of tantra and dzogchen. Therefore it is auspicious and appropriate to make known this teacher and the availability of these teachings.

The qualifications of HH Phakchok Rinpoche are vast and profound ( see below for his autobiography ). He has highest-level authorization to give primary transmissions in both the Nyingma and Kagyu lineages, and is one of the few people who has a complete cycle of Sakya School tantric empowerments.

Two years ago I received a major dzogchen empowerment from this teacher, from within the Chokling Tersar, and personally confirm that his transmission is powerful and effective, not only as a tantric blessing / psychic cleansing, but also as a functional teaching / practice transmission. He is very direct and engaging and extraordinarily generous in his teaching. He is here to teach core precepts, not just bestow blessings. That means actual, whole person practice.

HH Phakchok Rinpoche gave me his card at the one time I was able to attend his transmission, so he is willing to personally engage students in a longer term sense. At that time he did lay on those present the general but significant requirement to Do A Daily Tantric Buddhist Practice, which is in fact the requirement of Guru Padmasambhava.

A daily practice typically means mantra recitation, as well as upholding ethical precepts of the Mahayana and Tantra. ( See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattva_vows or better yet, the above book "Dakini Teachings" for teaching on outer and inner Buddhist ethics. ) A primary example of mantra discipline is Vajrasattva deity yoga, for which a short teaching is given at my tribe.net home under the Sanskrit picture for Hundred Syllable mantra.

A specific event listing for the Yangdak Heruka transmission and teaching to be given August 16, 17 & 18 follows. Orgyen Dorje Den can host at least 200 participants. This is a remarkably important group, and a "home fellowship" for me, though I have not seen them in many years. Their center teacher, Ven. Gyaltrul Rinpoche, is a great gift to the West. I have and use and recommend his books.

Basically, it is from the Eight Herukas Cycle which is associated with the Guhyagarbha Tantra, which was propagated as one of the primary practices of Guru Padmasambhava. This fully confers Vajrasattva, a key basic and continung practice, and *may* fully confer Great Perfection / Breakthrough as well ( no guarantee ).

Significant mantra teaching on the Eight Herukas is given in the remarkable book
"The Tibetan Book of the Dead: First Complete Translation (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) (Paperback)", Publisher: Penguin Classics; Deluxe edition (January 30, 2007 ),# ISBN-10: 0143104942.

This is written in partial fulfillment of mahayana and tantric Buddhist teaching responsibilities, in support of His Holiness Phakchok Rinpoche, Orgyen Dorje Den and Ven. Gyaltrul Rinpoche, the Chokling Tersar lineage, and the benefit of as many people as possible.

Sarva mangalam! Siddhi rastu!

Acarya KT

http://www.phakchokrinpoche.org/events.htm
Events
H.H. Phakchok Rinpoche's 2008 Teaching Calendar
For more information on any of the below programs, please e-mail us at office@phakchokrinpoche.org.

San Francisco, California: Aug 15-19
Empowerments: Yangdak Heruka & Sangtik Korsum (Teaching and Advice)
Teachings: Advice and teaching on general Development Stage
Meditation Training - at Orgyen Dorje Den, Directions to Orgyen Dorje Den
Public Talks: The Great “I” (Berkeley Shambhala Center)
Great Longchenpa
E-mail: office@phakchokrinpoche.org

Toronto: August 27-Sept 1 – with H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
Empowerment: Sangye Won
Teachings: Jewel Ornament of Liberation
Taklung Thangpa
Public Talk: The Great “I”

H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
Empowerments: Vajrakilaya & Tara
Prosperity Vase Blessing & Tsok
Visit: Riwoche Society, riwoche.com
E-mail: pema@riwoche.com

Vancouver: September 5-7
Teaching: VajraYogini Program [ this is restricted to those who have the empowerment ]
Public Talks: The Great “I”
Meditation and Happiness
E-mail: Mara Shnay, mshnay@telus.net

Salt Springs Island: September 7-9
Empowerment: Medicine Buddha
Meditation Retreat
E-mail: Matthew, matthewphyllis@telus.net

Europe: Poland & Germany

Hamburg, Germany: Sept 20-21
Lamrim Yeshe Nyingpo (Light of Wisdom)
E-mail: Arne Schelling, arne.schellingatgmx.de

Menz, Germany: Sept 22
Public Talk on The Great “I”
E-mail: Arne Schelling, arne.schellingatgmx.de

Berlin, Germany: Sept 23-24
Life Stories of Yeshe Tsogyal and Machig Labdron
The Aspiration Prayer of Samantabhadra
E-mail: Anne Siml, annesiml@yahoo.de

Greifswald, Germany: Sept 25-27
Public Talk on Compassion
Mind Training
E-mail: Anne Siml, annesiml@yahoo.de

Rangjung Yeshe Gomde – Denmark: Sept 29-30
Lotus Essence Tantra
Heart Sutra
Questions and Answers for Meditators
Website: www.gomde.dk
E-mail: Erik Pema Kunsang, erik@gomde.dk

Warsaw, Poland: October 2-5
Kunzang Thuktig Preliminary Practice
Mind Training
E-mail: Julia E. Wahl, karmayeshetsomo@gmail.com
Mobile: +48 608 079 909

The following events will be at:
Orgyen Dorje Den
2244 Santa Clara Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
http://www.orgyendorjeden.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coming this weekend, August 16, 17 & 18:
H.H. Phakchok Rinpoche, head of the Taklung Kagyu lineage and son of H.E. Chokling Rinpoche, nephew of H.E. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and grandson of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, is coming to the San Francisco Bay Area from August 15-19 to give teachings and empowerments. Please plan to attend and spread the word regarding these precious teachings.
See phakchokrinpoche.org.
And for biographical info: http://phakchokrinpoche.org/lineage.htm
http://phakchokrinpoche.org/historyofpresentPK.htm

HH Phakchok Rinpoche will be giving the following empowerments and teachings at ODD.
Yangdak Heruka empowerment and teachings.
August 16 from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm.
When asked for some brief info about Yangdak Heruka, Rinpoche, translating from a text, replied the following in a phone call:
"Yangdak Heruka is the secret heart essence practice of Mahapandita Vimalamitra & Guru Padmasambhava. As a method to repair mistakes, purify broken samaya and reverse bad karma it is greater than even Vajrasattva. According to Ratna Lingpa, it is a supreme method for yogis to fulfill the root & branch samaya of vinaya, mahayana & vajrayana precepts & it will enable the practitioner to receive the 2 siddhis and have a long life. It requires accumulated merit from past lives to meet with these teachings and through practice you will see how fast the siddhis will be received. This terma is a revelation of Chogyur Lingpa--it is a short lineage--he revealed it on Guru Rinpoche Day from a Big Boulder. It is part of the Sangtik Korsum, which is a cycle of practice which also includes Vajrasattva & Vajrakilaya." This is the first time Rinpoche is giving the Yangdak Heruka empowerment in the USA.

Teachings on Sangtik Korsum cycle of empowerments, instruction on general development stage, and meditation training:
August 17 from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm
August 18 from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm
These teachings will relate to the specific cycle, Sangtik Korsum, but will also be applicable to whatever sadhana practice one is engaging.

The suggested donation is $100 for the three days, $35/ day & $20 per session.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Orgyen Dorje Den
2244 Santa Clara Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
www.orgyendorjeden.org

From
http://www.riwoche.com/phakchok_rinpoche.html

Phakchok Rinpoche's emanation-basis is the Lord of Secrets Dharmevajra, the compiler of the teachings of the Great Secrets (Vajrayana) of all buddhas; the arhat Ananda, the foremost disciple of our teacher (Buddha Shakyamuni); Lhalung Palgyi Dorje, the direct disciple of the Second Buddha of Uddiyana (Padmasambhava); (Rechung) Dorje Drakpa, the lord of siddhas; and many others.
. . .
The reincarnation of this sublime master was the seventh Phakchok Rinpoche, Tendzin Jigmey Drakpa, born in the Year of the Iron Bird, 1981, of the seventeenth year cycle. The family he was born into is, among the six original clans, the Nangchen Tsangsar of the Khepaga line which were chiefly holders of the Barom Kagyü Dharma lineage, a family line who maintained an unbroken tradition of combining Kagyü and Nyingma.
. . .

Due to his outstanding brightness and inherent qualities from former training, he comprehended reading and writing, and when he later studied the topics of knowledge with Kungo Kalzang, Karma Urgyen Rinpoche's younger brother, he gained effortless understanding by simply hearing what was said.

Here is a description of the ripening empowerments and liberating instructions Phakchok Rinpoche has received from masters of the Sarma and Nyingma schools of all traditions:

From Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche he has received longevity empowerments, the Six Volumes of Jatsön Nyingpo, Gyachen Kadzö (of Jamgön Kongtrül).

From Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche he has received the empowerments of longevity.

From Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche he has received the empowerments for the Rinchen Terdzö, the complete empowerments and reading trans-missions for the Chokling Tersar, the Dzogchen Desum, the empowerments, reading transmissions and instructions for the Kunzang Tuktig, the empowerment of awareness-display and mind-instruction for Dzogchen, the complete empowerments and reading transmissions for the Root Volumes of Nyingtig, the Hundred Chö Empowerments, and the Namkha Gojey.

From Kyabje Taklung Shabdrung Rinpoche he has received the complete empowerments and reading transmissions of the Taklung Kagyü, and the complete empowerments and reading transmissions for the collected works and terma teachings of Jedrung Rinpoche.

From Kyabje Chobgye Trichen Rinpoche he has received the empowerments and reading transmissions for the Gyüdey Kündü.

From Sakya Dagtri Drölma Podrang he has received the complete Drubtab Kündü.

From his father, Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, he has received the complete empowerments and reading transmissions for the Chokling Tersar.

From Dzongsar Khenchen Kunga Wangchuk he has received the reading transmission for the collected works of the Five Sakya Forefathers, the Prajñamula, Madhyamikavatara, and the 400 Verses, Sakya Pandita's Tsema Rigter, Tsema Namdrel, the Higher and Lower Abhidharma and other works.

From Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche he has received the reading transmission for the Tenngyur, the Great Collection of the Translated Treatises.

From Kyabje Penor Rinpoche he has received the complete empowerments for the Rinchen Terdzö.

From Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche he has received the complete reading transmissions for the Rinchen Terdzö.

From Arik Khenchen Petse Rinpoche he has received explanation to the Guhyagarbha Tantra and the Manjushri Nama Sangirti, as well as mind-instruction.

From Kyabje Trülshik Rinpoche he has received the complete empowerments for the Collected Works of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

From Kyabje Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche he has received the Tögal Cycle of Khenpo Ngakchung's Hearing Lineage, as well as mind-instruction.

. . .

This was translated by Erik Pema Kunsang, at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery, February, 2000.

www.choklingtersar.org

http://www.rangjung.com/gl/Chokling_Tersar.htm
Chokling Tersar, the New Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa ( copyrighted )
During the ninth century, Buddhism was introduced from India into Tibet and its literature and culture has since been preserved in a way that has been unique in accuracy and truthfulness to tradition. Four decades ago, the occupation of Tibet by Communist China began an era of repression and systematic destruction of this thousand year old Buddhist culture. Shreds of this tradition reached the countries on the southern slopes of the Himalaya ranges - India, Nepal and Bhutan - in the hands of the few refugees who managed to escape alive. During the following years these areas have been the meeting-point and a forum of exchange between a large number of people from all countries of the world.

In response to the heart-wish of Kyabje Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, the Chokling Tersar Foundation was established. It is in the spirit of wishing to protect and preserve one of the important contributions to the world's cultural heritage, as well as responding to a growing demand within North America, that the members of Chokling Tersar Foundation support the foundation through donations of effort, money and prayers.

Chokling Tersar literally means the 'new treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa' and owes it name to the great Tibetan Buddhist master of the 19th century. Chokgyur Lingpa lived from (1829-1870) and was regarded by the most reputable living masters of his time as one of the major tertons (revealer of hidden treasures) in Tibetan history. His teachings are widely practiced by both the Kagyu and Nyingma schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

The collection of treasures revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa together with its connected teachings are contained in the Chokling Tersar, a body of literature filling more than forty large volumes. In English translation each of these volumes would be between seven and eight hundred pages and the total would amount to approximately 30,000 pages. The connected teachings included in these forty volumes were written over the last 150 years, chiefly by his contemporaries Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Jamgon Kongtrul, as well as by the subsequent upholders of the lineage down until today.

Kangyur - the TripitakaThe Chokling Tersar literature is meant to be studied and practiced as an addition to the traditional canonical scriptures of Tibetan Buddhism. These traditional scriptures are found in the Kangyur and Tengyur, the written words of Buddha Shakyamuni and their commentaries by learned Indian Masters. These two collections occupy respectively 104 and 273 large volumes.

In these scriptures are found detailed instructions on how to take full advantage of and imbue human life with its fullest meaning. These revealed scriptures were concealed by the 9th century Buddhist saint Padmasambhava with the expressed wish to be uncovered at specific times in the future. Many of them contain predictions for those times and which particular spiritual practices would be most beneficial for the people of those times.

Centers practicing the New Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa:

Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery, Boudha, Nepal.
Lamas: Tsikey Chokling, Gyurme Dewey Dorje; Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche; Phakchok Rinpoche

Pema Ewam Chogar in Bir, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Lamas: Neten Chokling and Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche.

Tsikey Gompa in East Tibet.
Lamas: Chokling of Tsikey, Tsang-Yang Gyamtso; Tersey Tulku

Chokling Tersar Foundation, USA.

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Ganesh ( Ganapati ) the Hindu Buddhist Deity : practices references and transmission

2008-07-11T18:57:11Z

Ganesh ( Ganapati ) the Hindu Buddhist Deity : practices references and transmission

Keywords : Ganapati / Ganesh the Elephant Headed God of Classical India, Mantra and Praise of Ganapati, Deity yoga, Tantric empowerment, Overlapping Hindu / Buddhist mantra culture, Vedacarya Thomas Ashley-Farrand, Sakya Lineage and Sakya Monastery, Seattle Washington.

“To those for whom these village fires still have meaning:
Oh, may your own most beautiful Animal of Light come safely to you!”
from the Last Whole Earth Catalog

On 13 July in Seattle Washington a Ganapati empowerment will be offered at Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. The guru bestowing this empowerment is the tantric master of Sakya Monastery, His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya Rinbochay. See www.sakya.org for more information.

For this reason it is timely and appropriate to provide some basic teaching and perspective on Ganapati, and in particular an esoteric Hindu Ganapati mantra and also a Sanskrit Buddhist praise of Ganapati. Many diverse teachings on this deity in Hindu form are available on the internet ( under both Ganapati and Ganesh ).

An excellent introductory summary for Ganapati / Ganesh is available online at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha

The Buddhist Ganapati is also referenced in the Tibetan Buddhist traditions of the Nyingma ( e.g. Longchen Nyingtik ) and Gelugpa lineages ( see practice texts for www.fpmt.org ). There is also Buddhist practice of Ganapati in the esoteric Buddhist Japanese tradition known as Shingon, which came East via China and not Tibet.

Briefly, Ganapati means Lord of the Troop, and Ganesh basically means Elephant Headed One. Ganapati is known by the title “Remover of Obstacles” or “Lord of Obstacles”. He carries or represents the enormous power of the Elephant. He is often accompanied by two female consorts Riddhi and Siddhi ( Magical Accomplishment and Spiritual Accomplishment ).

Ganapati is very prominent and even central in Hindu practice and is often evoked at the beginning of important engagements or projects, such as making a journey or starting employment, or beginning a meditation practice session. I have seen dance evocation of Ganapati at the beginning of a Hindu temple dance concert. Ganapati is one of the main practices of Hindu business people for success in their commercial ventures.

Ganapati is strongly associated with the “national spirit” or Mother India as well as her earliest roots. In the distant past elephants were used throughout India to clear land for agriculture, and also as war elephants. More recently, public Hindu celebrations were banned by the occupying British and the outlawed Ganapati ceremonies were brought forth, successfully, to rally India against foreign rule.

It is said that the long “History of India” was transcribed by the deity Ganapati as given by Rishi Visvamitra. Many of the key texts of Sanatana Dharma ( Hinduism ) were written down by Ganapati. So, this practice is a primary connection to Vedic Culture. Due to this, Ganapati is also practiced by students to help with their secular school exams.

Ganapati has a very ambivalent status in Buddhist tantra, the esoteric form of Buddhist meditation which relies on yoga, deity recitations and mystic practices in general. On the one hand, Ganapati is often considered unfriendly towards Buddhist practitioners in general, and propitiated or banished or subjugated so as to not cause problems. Thus, a subjugated Ganapati serves as the throne for the deity Mahakala in his Six Armed form. This reflects the fact that some but not all Hindu practice / culture affirms Buddhist teachings.

On the other hand, there are specifically Buddhist practices for Ganapati, as for other Hindu deities such as Shiva, Sarasvati and so forth. The Sakya lineage carries Buddhist deity yogas for the Hindu deities Uma Devi / Parvati and Garuda, as well as Ganapati. ( In Southern Buddhism, such as in Sri Lanka Theravada monasteries, it is common to propitiate the Hindu deity Visnu for outer or worldly benefits. )

More broadly, many Buddhist schools share with the Sanatana Dharma ( i.e. Hindu practice and culture ) a significant focus on Ayurveda, or spiritual medicine. The Buddhist deity Bhaisajyaguru, or Medicine Buddha, is a deity of Buddhist spiritual medicine and Ayurveda in both Hindu and Buddhist forms is more or less identical in practice, not just similar.

In the classical Sakya tradition, this Twelve Arm Ganapati is actually an emanation of Avalokitesvara, the beloved and universal Buddhist deity of liberating compassion. Thus, it is reasonable to view this empowerment as being a definite connection to Avalokitesvara and the general practices of Avalokitesvara.

It is also very important to note that with this ( or any ) tantric Buddhist empowerment comes the general set of universal Buddhist vows, such as the Ten Precepts ( rejection of harmfulness, theft, dishonesty, ill-will and so forth ), and the Bodhisattva vows. The Bodhisattva vows focus on active humanitarian service in the most broad and deep and long term ways, starting with rejection of limiting ideas such as racism, sexism, tribalism, and all cultural divisiveness.

For some basic teachings on Buddhist theory and practice, see the following at Asian Classics:
http://www.asianclassics.org/research_site/webdata/education.html

The Principal Teachings of Buddhism
Buddhist Refuge
The Vows of the Bodhisattva

For an excellent general introduction to Buddhist practice, with a focus on Buddhist tantra, see the following book by Kalu Rinpoche:
The Dharma: That Illuminates All Beings Like the Light of the Sun and the Moon, State University of New York Press, 1986, ISBN 0-88706-157-5

http://www.amazon.com/Dharma-Illuminates-Beings-Impartially-Light/dp/0887061575

This book is short, direct, accessible, classical and effective. It should be. It was transcribed as spoken directly to westerners by one of the greatest Buddhist masters of the last century.

To take the tantric Buddhist empowerment of Ganapati or any other is to take Mahayana Buddhist vows, as well as to become authorized to do magical kinds of practice, such as mantra recitation to develop the power of the deity. The point is that in this case, the Hindu/ Buddhist deity Ganapati is practiced within a classical Buddhist context, not otherwise. Thus the above mentioned Buddhist references are of central importance in this transmission and practice.

As a brilliant red deity aspect, Twelve Armed Ganapati is not only a remover of obstacles and disharmonious circumstances, but also a magnetizing deity, i.e. a deity that “warms up” social situations, and develops strongly positive interpersonal engagement.

On a yogic level, this deity ( in Buddhist deity yoga ) develops strength and power at the level of the navel point of the psychic energy body ( svadhisthana cakra ), although I cannot say more without transgressing tantric vows of secrecy. Note that the Hindu Ganapati is girded by snakes, representing kundalini energy, and is similarly associated with the energy at the base of the spinal column. All tantric transmissions are private, and their contents not to be discussed following initiation.

This is one of many specifically obstacle-removing diety yogas in Buddhist tantra. There are many others, but this one is definitely recommended for those who have a more Hindu-oriented background in culture and/ or personal karma. And as noted earlier, it is a connection to Avalokitesvara practice specifically, and to the outer Mahayana practices in general.

This can also be viewed ( speaking very unofficially ) as a connection to Hindu transmissions. ) For this reason I will now provide a specifically Hindu mantra for Ganapati, which has been confirmed. It is quite reasonable to say that on obtaining a Twelve Arm Ganapati empowerment, one may practice the following Hindu mantra as well.

Maha Ganapati Mantra
"Aum shrim hrim klim glaum gam
ganapataye vara varada sarva
janamme vashamanaya svaha"

Vedacarya Thomas Ashley-Farrand, from whom I have Laxmi transmission, has many introductory and also detailed teachings on Hindu mantra practice. See his website at
http://www.sanskritmantra.com/

The following is not an official representation, but I do have the Sakya lineage Ganapati transmission some twenty years back from HE Luding Khen Rinbochay. This Sakya initiation is for a Twelve Arm Red Ganapati, equivalent in many respects to the Hindu deity Ganesh or Ganapati. Many diverse teachings on this deity in Hindu form are available on the internet ( under both Ganapati and Ganesh ). The Buddhist Ganapati is also referenced in the Tibetan Buddhist traditions of the Nyingma and Gelugpa lineages.

From www.sakya.org :

07/13/2008
GANAPATI INITIATION
Offered by H. H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya
Sunday, July 13
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Shrine Room
Suggested Donation: $30 Public, $25 Members
Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening
Ganapati made the commitment to help all beings to uphold the 3 trainings—moral behavior, meditation, wisdom— and, in particular, to provide the necessary materials and provisions for practitioners.
He protects one from obstacles at the beginning of any enterprise and also helps to increase wealth and power for the benefit of the Dharma.
His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya, head lama of Sakya Monastery, was born in Tibet in 1929. He continues the great Sakya lineage which began with Khon Konchok Gyalpo (1034—1102). He received teachings of the unbroken Khon lineage, the Sakya Vajrakilaya, the Hevajra and the complete Lamdre Tsogshe, from his father, H.H. Trichen Ngawang Thutop Wangchul, the last Sakya throne holder in Tibet. He also studied with many other great Buddhist teachers, including Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi and Dingo Khyentse Robsal Dawa.
In 1960, H.H. J.D. Sakya was invited to work on a University of Washington research project on Tibetan civilization which was sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation. At the request of students, he co-founded with H.E. Dezhung Rinpoche Sakya Tegchen Choling, a center for the study of Tibetan Buddhism and culture. In 1984, the center became the Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism.

The following is copyrighted material from The Digital Sanskrit Buddhist Canon, at
http://www.uwest.edu/sanskritcanon/index.html
specifically
http://www.uwest.edu/sanskritcanon/Stotra/Roman/stotra30.html

The source text is “ Source: Pandey, Janardan Shastri ed. Bauddha strotra Samgrah. Varanasi : Motilal Banarsidass, 1994”.

This is provided as a necessary and specific demonstration that classical Indian Buddhist culture incorporated Ganapati deity yoga as a tantric practice, and not for other purposes.
Ganesastotram

kharvam sthulataram gajendravadanam lambodaram sundaram
vidhnesam madhugandhalubdhamadhupavyalolagandasthalam|
dantodghatavidaritahitajanam sindurasobhakaram
vande sailasutasutam ganapatim siddhipradam kamadam|| 1||

herambah paramo devah karyasiddhividhayakah|
saibhagyarupasampannam dehi me sukhasampadam|| 2||

ekadantam mahakayam lambodaram gajananam|
sarvasiddhipradataram gangaputram namamyaham|| 3||

vande tam gananathamaryamanagham daridrayadavanalam
sundaadandavidhuyamanasamalam samsarasindhostarim|
yam natva surakoyayah prabhuvaram siddhim labhante param
sindurarunavigraham paripataddanambudharahrtam|| 4||

uccairbrahmandakhandadvitayasahacaram kumbhayugmam dadhanah
presannagaripaksapratibhatavikatasrotratalabhiramah |
devah sambhorapatyam bhujagapatitanusparddhivardhisnuhasta-
strailokyascaryamurtirjayati trijagatamisvarah kuñjarasyah|| 5||

ganapatisca herambo vidhnarajo vinayakah |
deviputro mahateja mahabalaparakramah || 6||

mahodaro mahakayascaikadanto gajananah|
svetavastro mahadiptastrinetro gananayakah || 7||

aksamalam ca dantam ca grhnan vai daksine kare|
parasum modakapatram ca vamahaste vidharayan|| 8||

nanapusparato devo nanagandhanulepanah |
nagayajñopavitango nanavidhnavinasanah || 9||

devasuramanusyanam siddhagandharvavanditam|
trailokyavidhnahartaramakhvarudham namamyaham|| 10||

sumukhascaikadantasca kapilo gajakarnakah |
lambodarasca vikato vidhnarajo vinayakah || 11||

dhumraketurganadhyakso bhalacandro gajananah |
vakratundah surpakarno herambah skandapurvajah || 12||

sodasaitani namani yah pathecchunuyadapi|
vidyarambhe vivahe ca pravese nirgame tatha|| 13||

samgrame samkate caiva vidhnastasya na jayate|
vidhnavallikutharaya ganadhipataye namah || 14||

sriganesastotram samaptam|

Sarva mangalam! Siddhi rastu!

In partial fulfillment of vajrayana teaching responsibilities,

KT

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Paul Gerhardt, author of "Mapping the Dharma" at Jodo Shinshu Center!

2008-06-10T08:11:37Z

Buddhist Book Author of “Mapping the Dharma”
Paul Gerhardt at the BCA Bookstore
from 1 to 3 p.m., June 14, 2008

BERKELEY— Renowned Northwest region author Paul Gerhards, publisher and author of “Mapping the
Dharma” will be at the BCA Bookstore, located at 2140 Durant Avenue in Berkeley, on Saturday, June 14, from
1 to 3 p.m. Gerhards has been studying and practicing Buddhism for more than 10 years. His principal course
of study is Theravada, the school of Buddhism also known as the Southern Transmission, which has its roots in
Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

His discussion will focus on people interested in learning the basics of Buddhism and those who could use an
uncomplicated reference. “Mapping the Dharma fills a need for a book that organizes and outlines the
fundamental concepts of the Buddha’s teachings in a way that is accessible and understandable, without
excessive explanation of complex subject matter that can take years to fully understand and appreciate,” as
stated on his web site.

“Whether you are a long-standing Buddhist practitioner or just curious about how the Buddha’s teachings can
help you lead a more peaceful and happy life, you will find this book a useful tool. The Buddha presented his
teachings, the Dharma, in the form of relational lists. In Mapping the Dharma you will find the most important
of these lists mapped out for you with brief point-by-point explanations to help you unravel an array of
challenging ideas and relationships.”

The event is free to the public, but seating space is limited and RSVP is requested. Fee parking is available
directly across the street in the UC Berkeley parking lot. “We know parking is a premium on weekends so we’re
fortunate to have this large parking lot kitty corner to our store,” said Jeffrey Kimoto, BCA Bookstore manager.

CONTACT: Jeffrey Kimoto
Bookstore Manager
BCA Bookstore at the Jodo Shinshu Center
(510) 809-1435
manager@bcabookstore.com

LOCATION:
The BCA Bookstore is located at 2140 Durant Avenue in Berkeley, at the corner of Durant and Fulton.

PARKING:
The UC Berkeley parking lot directly across the street, adjacent to the Shell gas station, is available for a fee on
weekends.

HOURS:
Weekdays: Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sundays.
For more information, consult the bookstore’s website at: www.bcabookstore.com

BCA Bookstore • 2140 Durant Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

New Temple

2008-06-01T14:53:10Z

Next Sunday the 18th, there will be a new Shinnyo-en temple dedication in Redwood City. It's open to all and should be a wonderfull event to see! Google and go!

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 5 replies

Queer women's meditation retreat July 25-27, 2008 in Saratoga Springs, CA with Arinna Weisman

2008-05-12T18:22:52Z

Celebrating Ourselves: A 2-Night Meditation Retreat for LGBTQI Women
Friday, July 25th - Sunday, July 27th, 2008

This is a special opportunity to come together as LGBTQI women to celebrate ourselves by cultivating awareness and loving-kindness in community. We will explore together the Buddhist teachings on the path and obstacles to liberation. This will be a silent retreat as we practice through sitting, walking, movement, eating meditations, dharma talks, and group interviews.

Saratoga Springs Retreat Center is nestled in a private 260-acre scenic valley, with a swimming pool, hiking trails, and a hot pool.  Located high in the beautiful hills of Northern California, it’s just 2 ½  hours from the San Francisco Bay Area. 

Registration Fee is $210.00 per person.
To Register or read more information visit http://www.saratogasprings.com/retreats/celebrating_ourselves.html or call Saratoga Springs at (800) 655-7153.

Ridesharing: If you need a ride or have room in your car, please email at: lgbtqiretreats@gmail.com
Scholarship: We will be accepting additional donations to help people who can not afford the whole cost of the retreat. Please think about
donating if you are able. To apply for scholarship please email: lgbtqiretreats@gmail.com

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Cooks needed for youth meditation retreat, 6/6-13 and 6/14-21

2008-05-10T03:26:40Z

Have you ever had one of those jobs where you worked hard knowing you were part of something deeply meaningful, even transformative? This could be one of those jobs.

The Buddhist Peace Fellowship’s Youth Program seeks an experienced kitchen manager and 1-2 cooks with a love of service and a sense of adventure to prepare healthful, delicious vegetarian meals for a meditation retreat for teenagers (ages 15-19), June 14-21, at a Tibetan Buddhist retreat center near Cazadero, Calif. (Sonoma County coast). We also seek an experienced cook for a meditation retreat for young adults (ages 18-30), June 6-13, at the same location.

The kitchen manager’s and cooks’ duties include:
- cooking healthful vegetarian meals and snacks using mostly organic ingredients
- working collaboratively with other cooks and kitchen volunteers
- keeping the kitchen clean and organized

The kitchen manager is also responsible for:
- coordinating menu planning, including the accommodation of special dietary needs (i.e., food allergies and sensitivities, vegan diets)
- ordering wholesale groceries and produce and coordinating retail shopping (we have sources)
- developing and managing the work schedule for cooks and kitchen volunteers

We need you to have:
- experience cooking for groups of 50-60 in a retreat or camp setting
- current, relevant references
- your own reliable transportation

You’ll be a great fit if you also have:
- a passion for building healthy communities with likeminded others
- a commitment to open, responsible communication and mature, respectful, collaborative problem-solving
- the ability to respond to the unexpected with ease, humor and creativity
- experience or familiarity with meditative practices such as mindfulness, yoga or qi gong
- experience working with/around teenagers

We offer:
- a $500 stipend and a private room for the kitchen manager
- a $300 stipend per retreat for each cook (one cook could work at both retreats)
- a comfortable, quiet shared lodging for the cooks
- all meals
- opportunities to meditate and participate in the retreat
- a week in a beautiful setting with mountain-top views of the ocean
- the gratitude of the community you work with and feed

To learn more, contact Jim Brown, retreat manager, at one_more_jim@yahoo.com or 916-508-7578 no later than May 16.

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Meditation school

2008-04-16T06:25:22Z

Hello everyone, so glad to find this tribe :)

I am very interested in meditation and I am wondering if there are any meditation groups or schools near Albany that don't necessarily get too religious. I'm a bit of a Taoist I suppose, so I'm looking for somewhere that I don't have to bow to statues or sign up with any particular dogma in order to have a good meditation. I could use some instruction or just a good environment to practice in. I go to the Taoist Center once a month for their meditation meetings and I love it, they use gongs which really helps me to clear my mind, but I would like to train my mind more often.

So if anyone can suggest a group or place to check out I would appreciate that greatly. Thank you :)

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 3 replies

Free Meditation Classes!

2008-04-16T06:22:48Z

Hi!

My name is Ajna and I am a Buddhist monk living in the bay area. I have been practicing meditation for much of my life and was initiated as a monk in an Indo-Tibetan Vajrayana lineage in 2001. Since that time I have learned of and experienced the fantastic benefits of many different meditation techniques and practices, which I would now like to pass on to you! If you are interested in learning more about Buddhism and meditation, I will be starting a weekly Introduction to Meditation class in San Francisco at an as yet undetermined location. The focus of these classes will be the practical application of meditation techniques that you can use to bring peace, happiness and success into your life. For more info, please visit our website www.sfawakenedmind.org, leave a comment here, or email my directly at awakened.mind.sf@gmail.com.

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

white tara empowerment?

2008-03-30T17:05:38Z

Does anyone know of a white Tara empowerment upcoming in the Bay Area?
If so, please do let me know. Thank you

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Zen LGBTQ Retreat over Pride weekend

2008-03-15T23:50:31Z

There will be a queer retreat over pride weekend up at Tassajara.
You can find links through the zen center's website.

http://www.sfzc.org/tassajara/display.asp?catid=4,19,130,196&pageid=811

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

info about Dhamma Vihara Theravada Buddhist Monastery in Mexico?

2008-01-23T22:36:46Z

Dhamma Vihara Theravada Buddhist Monastery in Mexico
http://www.dhammavihara.org/english/

Anybody been or have information to share about this place?
I'm thinking of heading down there
but would love some more info first.

thanks!
//\J

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Weekly meditation group in the Mission

2007-12-30T08:16:11Z

Hello sangha!

Come join us on Sunday nights.
We sit in the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh.
For more details visit our website.

http://communitybuilders.meetup.com/3/

-Michael

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Upcoming Neuroscience of Meditation Lectures

2007-11-14T05:01:44Z

Here are two upcoming events regarding the neuroscience of mindfulness and concentration meditation. Funny enough, they are within four days of each other, but will be offered by sets of different presenters:

Tuesday, 11/27/07, 7p-9p
330 Ritch Street, San Francisco
Down to a Science: Mindfulness and the Brain - the Neuroscience of Meditation
Dr. Phillipe Goldin, Standford Department of Psychology
http://www.sciencecafesf.com/ - left hand column

Saturday, 12/1/07, 9a-5p
Insight Meditation Center, Redwood City
The Neurology of Awakening - Using Brain Research To Deepen Your Practice
Rick Hanson, PhD, and Rich Mendius, M.D.
http://www.sati.org/The%20Neurology%20of%20Awakening%20Flyer.pdf

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Buddhists can unite to end gun violence.

2007-11-05T22:49:49Z

Blacksburg is such a beautiful town. It's bike friendly and full of nature lovers. They have the kindest, friendliest small town folks. The gorgeous New river, which is one of the oldest rivers in the country, runs near it. College students love to float down it and climb the mountains which are close by.

I'm just heartsick about these murders. I worked at Virginia Tech in 1980 in the Chemistry department. My sister volunteered there with countless students and my brother-in-law taught there for years. I dated a police officer there who's still in active duty. I've contacted him to tell him people all over the world are thinking of them. I have college age kids so I particularly empathize with the parents who sent their loved ones to school, expecting them to be safe.

How long will we let American companies profit from the blood of our children?
http://www.vpc.org/studies/vidintr.htm

Please sign this gun control petition in response to the Blacksburg, Virginia tragedy.
http://www.bradynetwork.org/site/Survey?SURVEY_ID=2960&ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS

This week I'll light candles for those who were killed, all the more tragic, knowing this was utterly preventable.

More helpful links:

California gun law report card:
http://www.bradycampaign.org/legislation/state/viewstate.php?st=CA

from Million Mom March:

"All Americans have the right to be safe from gun violence in their homes, neighborhoods, schools, and places of work and worship.

All children have the right to grow up in environments free from the threat of gun violence.

Gun violence is a public health crisis that harms not only the physical, but also the spiritual, social, and economic health of our families and communities.

The availability and lethality of guns make death or severe injury more likely in domestic violence, criminal activity, suicide attempts, and unintentional shootings.

It is possible to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by gun violence with reasonable, common sense policy."
http://www.millionmommarch.org/aboutus/

The Brady campaign to prevent gun violence has excellent statistics that prove that nations that implement gun control have much less gun violence.
http://www.bradycampaign.org/

Here's another petition to get Walmart to stop selling bullets and includes stories of people who purchased bullets there and went on to murder others.
http://www.bowlingforcolumbine.com/involved/walmart/index.php

So many gun control opponents are abusive:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-op-price13aug13,0,4661455.story?coll=la-opinion-center

Gun companies should be held liable for the damage their weapons cause:
http://energycommerce.house.gov/reparchives/107/hearings/04182002Hearing537/Barnes919.htm

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 7 replies

China Urged to Use Clout in Myanmar

2007-10-03T16:21:05Z

Morning Edition, October 3, 2007 · The crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Myanmar is prompting calls for China to intervene because of its support for Myanmar's military government. As with Sudan and North Korea, China comes under pressure to use diplomatic influence. Links are being made between these issues and next year's Olympic Games in Beijing.

www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Protests In Solidarity With The Monks Of Burma - Fri 9/28

2007-10-01T21:36:18Z

For folks who don't know, the hard-line military government of Burma/Myanmar is apparently ordering its troops to fire into crowds of peaceful pro-freedom protesters lead by Buddhist clergy, killing and wounding people, including monks and nuns.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/09/27/international/i142612D41.DTL
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/26/EDONSDQB4.DTL
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=6dnkGm1YBQ8
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=16&entry_id=20665
http://www.bpf.org/html/whats_now/2007/burma_peace.html

Much Bay Area Buddhist practice, such of that of the California Vipassana Center and the Spirit Rock center, is rooted in the practice of the Burmese monks and nuns.

There are protests scheduled in San Francisco for tomorrow, Friday 9/28. I am going to make them if I can, and invite you to do so also.

===========================================================

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=16&entry_id=20613

12 Noon, Friday, Sept 28
Protest at Chinese Consulate - 1450 Laguna Street at Geary in San Francisco (near Japantown)
Try to wear red (in solidarity with the maroon-robed monks), make signs, prepare to do both sitting and walking meditation.

Dear Friends,

Please come join us in a peaceful protest in solidarity with the people of Burma.

This week, tens of thousands of the Buddhist monks and nuns of Burma stood up with other citizens against the military dictatorship that has throttled their country for decades. Their actions have been peaceful, brave, bold, beautiful and deeply inspiring for the rest of us, and they could be the beginning of the liberation of a sad country. Or they could lead to massacres, prisons, repressions, and more. Global support matters at this crucial moment. Already the country's two major cities are under curfew, gatherings of more than five are forbidden, armed soldiers are on the streets, and the situation is tense. Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi was greeted by thousands of monks in an early demonstration, her first public appearance in years, but is rumored to have been taken to a grim prison.

The major supporter of Burma's ruling military junta is China, and China is in a delicate position as it tries to polish its global image in preparation for the Beijing Olympics. This is a key opportunity to pressure China, particularly as the United Nations prepares to meet in New York. So we invite you to join us Friday at noon at the Chinese Consulate, 1450 Laguna Street at Geary in San Francisco (near Japantown). Try to wear red (in solidarity with the maroon-robed monks), make signs, prepare to do both sitting and walking meditation. This will be a principled nonviolent protest, with the aim of emphasizing where the power of Burma's resistance lies--in the moral authority of those who have devoted their lives to peace, and in the courage of its people. We are not looking for confrontations with the police or arrests and if asked to stop sitting will walk. We will demonstrate for an hour and are prepared to return, as the situation develops.

Rebecca Solnit and Marisa Handler

==============================================

When: Friday (Sept 28) 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Where: Walking meditation starting at end of Market Street at the Embarcadero, walking back and forth for a couple of blocks.
Wear all black with something orange- a scarf or a sweater.

dear friends-

i have been following the news of the buddhist monks protesting in burma- today the military has begun opening fire. as a gesture of solidarity i will be doing a walking meditation downtown san francisco this friday afternoon. from 4 to 6.

i wonder if you might want to join? it will start at the end of market street at the embarcadero and proceed very very slowly, one metta-full step at a time up market street through rush hour. if you'd like to join, please come wearing black with something orange- the color of the monks robes. you might also bring a sign of some sort, hand-held or on your clothes, that says something like 'in solidarity with the people of burma’.

it is very very important to me that this be peaceful, quiet and kind. a gesture of non-violent support and compassion to the burmese sangha. please contact me if you will be there. i appreciate your sharing this message with buddhist and non-buddhist friends, sanghas and websites.

if you cannot be there friday, you might consider doing a short walking meditation wherever you are, sending out compassion to the monks, the regular folk, and the military people in burma. and to all beings. may all beings be free of suffering.

with metta, ann dennehy
415.289.2019

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 1 reply

Imprisoned Burmese monks

2007-10-01T17:47:58Z

http://ko-htike.blogspot.com/

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

SF Blog on SF Burma/Protests

2007-09-29T06:59:45Z

Check out my new blog to cover the San Francisco/Burma Peace Protests.

Next coverage will be Monday at Justin Herman Plaza at 12 noon.

Some of your pictures are on here!

San Francisco Loves Burma Blog:

www.sanfranciscolovesburma.blogspot.com

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Paid Stanford Meditation study

2007-07-23T19:10:52Z

Hi,

I work at the Stanford Psychology Department as a research assistant
for the Life-span Development Lab. We are interested in studying
young meditators, meaning people age 18 - 35 years who have meditated
for a year or more (preferably more). We are hoping to bring young
meditators in for about a 2 hour session at Stanford with
various surveys and computer tasks. You would be paid $50 for your
time and would be provided with free parking.

Please respond if you are interested or would like to hear more!

Charlotte

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

The Tzolkin: Music for positive planetary consciousness.

2007-07-11T07:39:05Z

Positive planetary climate change requires positive planetary consciousness change. http://www.DarkMother.com

Twenty years ago, I was sitting in my little studio in Los Angeles, CA, sequencing and recording the first acoustic translations of the Mayan Sacred Calendar, the Tzolkin, and shifting into what was being called the "Harmonic Convergence." Throughout the convergence, the acoustic translations of the Tzolkin's 20 Sacred Signs were being broadcast through my house and yard via the only radio transmission system accessible to me at the time, an el cheapo walkie talkie. Lolol... Hey, gotta do what ya gotta do and, having "coincidentally" translated the Tzolkin into sound only months before, my intention was to insure that the planet's ethereal body received both the galactic radio transmission and a local radio transmission of the [concentrated] Tzolkin's currents, simultaneously. It was the least I could do for the planet and, although I had the least of the consumer broadcasting possibilities, I got the job done. (A little leaven leavens the whole loaf.) Since that auspicious transit, the world's consciousness has followed a predicted course toward collective enlightenment, on and relative to all levels of society. Now, here we are, 20 years later, poised on the precipice of (and rapidly accelerating into) the most profound shift in planetary consciousness the world has ever experienced. Fortunately, the ancient Maya priests who foresaw this time also perceived and left us the Tzolkin as a tool to help us transit this period successfully.

Here is the fundamental value of the Tzolkin; it is a Key unlocking the Archetypal Properties embodied in cycles of the 4th dimension, Time, that enable us to ascend into higher levels of Life and being human (in the Highest sense of the word). Time is about periodicity, frequency. Basically, Consciousness, the All in all, uses Time to effect change in the 3rd, 2nd and 1st dimensions. The Tzolkin is a map of how Consciousness does so relative to the expression of specific Aspects of Itself. The Tzolkin is a table of the Logic embodying specific, cyclic Patterns of Time facilitating the expression of those Aspects through all states of manifestation via electromagnetic radiation. When those Patterns are expressed in their purest Form, i.e. electromagnetic frequency, e.g. sound or light, that expression effects a psychoactive, ethereal bridge to the 4th dimension and the Consciousness that generates, progresses and sustains all that is.

At this time, the world understands the principals of using complimentary sounds to effect brain synchronization and cognitive enhancement. Now, we understand the validity of using tone to effect remarkable physiological and psychological shifts. Furthermore, we not only accept, we embrace the mathematical plausibility of a multidimensional universe beyond the accepted 4 dimensions; length, width, height/depth and time. Today, we understand the unity of these dimensions and of all things in such a way that we can comprehend how certain harmonic patterns transmitted in the 3D expression of Life may effect links to their concurrent Life expressions in the 4D, 5D and higher realms. We understand that sound can be used to effect vibrational states whereby higher levels of perception and informations are obtained. And now, as a result of the Tzolkin acoustic translations, we are capable of taking an ordinary CD and tangibly applying dynamics of the 4th dimension to radically and positively progress individual and communal consciousness, health and vitality.

Jesus (the Christ, not Martinez) said "They that have ears to hear, let them hear." He knew not everyone was prepared to hear the enlightening Truth that Consciousness was pouring through him, nevertheless, he spoke so those who could hear It would have the opportunity to do so. I'm sure there are many people reading this who are dismissing the above as New Age delusion, at best, and that does not negate the validity of what I'm sharing, nor of my experience and the experiences of many others who have used the Tzolkin acoustic translations. At one point, we lacked the instruments to confirm we live in an heliocentric planetary system, that information can be transmitted across open air without wires, that our cells are individual microcomputers. We may not have the instruments required to validate string theory or the practical linking of our 3D experience to the vital currents of the 4th and higher dimensions using sound and/or light, however we will. Those who do or may understand and are seeking the value of the easily applied tools for personal enhancement such as the Tzolkin translations (who share this online community) deserve to hear now, and they can.

The Live Earth concerts!! Wow, speaking of hearing, the sound quality was incredible. I was online through most of the event, jumping from country to country, continent to continent. I heard a lot of great music and I heard a consistent message. The message is that we are ready to drop our individual b.s. and start making the necessary shifts in consciousness and personal responsibility necessary for planetary survival and well being. It was a motivating experience. Being motivated to directly further the positive planetary consciousness shift, I have decided to offer my company's mp3CD versions of the 4 most fundamental and dynamic Tzolkin acoustic translations at 1/2 price for 260 days, beginning July 11, (2007). The Tzolkin is a 260-day Calendar; if we're gonna do a Tzolkin music sale for the sake of raising planetary consciousness, we might as well do it for a full Calendrical cycle. (Otherwise, it's just a sale, and that's not what this is about.) The translations are among the most powerful and effective cognitive and personal enhancement tools available -- more comprehensively and enduringly effective than Hemi-Sync, Holo-Sync and other similar products -- at a very low and reasonable price for such products. Nonetheless, it's a pivotal time, and I would have DMG/DarkMother.com assist in the process of planetary ascension by making the core of our product line "Ascension" available to millions more people by simply making it more affordable.

Positive planetary climate change begins with positive planetary consciousness change. "They that have ears to hear, let them hear." Come, hear and experience Ascension @ http://www.DarkMother.com

May you grow daily as Light and Love,

Rev. Michaele de Cygne
President
DMG/DarkMother.com
http://www.DarkMother.com

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Practitioner Training with Kali Ma

2007-07-02T17:57:22Z

Developed by Kali Ma, Practitioner Training is a experiential journey into actualizing the lived meaning of the teachings. Through engagement with the exercises given in the training and through working together with the community of students who are also participating in the teachings, we begin a guided journey of bringing each aspect of our life into the path. We engage with our communication as an opportunity to change our relationship with our emotions. We engage our relationships as an opportunity to change how we relate with our mind. We engage conflict as an opportunity to take the teachings beyond mere philosophy, to transcend our narcissism. We engage with time and space, our relationship with our objects and our environment, with food, with money as the basis of encountering meditation. Classes are held twice a month. For additional information or to register please call 888.826.8729.

Please check out www.tummo.org for more information, including teachings from the first class.

Enrollment is only taking place until the next class, so please register if you are interested. This is a tremendous opportunity to develop more consciousness in your life, grow, shed old habits and see how practice is more than just what we do in the morning!

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Seeking Opportunties To Lead Meditations At Burning Man

2007-06-30T01:09:16Z

Hey Folkses,

I want to teach meditation and DJ at Burning Man this year. Let me know if you can hook a brotha up (i.e. if you have a camp or a space with a schedule for formal meditationor know someone who does).

What I have done in the past at BM has been guided meditations followed by discussion / Q&A. Teaching and leading meditation on the playa has been a great experience - folks are so open and ready to go deeper.

I've been meditating for twenty years, lived as a monk for three years of that, and have been teaching meditation (mostly an eight-week class, but also in the County jail, interviews on radio and TV, at community events wherever asked) for five years.

Adam

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 7 replies

Empowerment of Lhamo Ozer Chenmo (Marichi) Sunday July 1, 2007 at 1:00 at Ewam Choden

2007-06-25T01:06:24Z

Empowerment of Lhamo Ozer Chenmo (Marichi) Sunday July 1, 2007 at 1:00

The Venerable Lama Kunga Rinpoche will bestow the empowerment and
practice teachings on Marichi (Lhamo Ozer Chenma) on Sunday July 1,
2007 at 1:00 PM at Ewam Choden Tibetan Buddhist Center in Kensington,
CA. near Berkeley.

Lhamo Ozer Chenma, the Queen of Light, drives a cart pulled by seven
swine. The embodiment of the first rays of dawn, she is invoked by
travelers for protection from robbers and other hazards of the road.
Her ability to dispel the fears of the night, helps us to confront our
fears and violent tendencies.

The suggested fee for the empowerment is $30.00 and helps fund the
Center's Tibetan charities and activities. The Dana (donation) to the
Lama is separate and should be offered at the end of the ceremony

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

meditate W/daily.zen!

2007-06-22T18:16:34Z

Treatise on the Essentials of Cultivating the Mind
Question: Why is maintaining awareness of the mind the fundamental basis of nirvana?

Answer: The essence of what is called nirvana is serene extinction. It is unconditioned and pleasant. When one’s mind is True, false thoughts cease. When false thoughts cease, the result is correct mindfulness. Having correct mindfulness leads to the generation of the wisdom of serene illumination, which in turn means that one achieves total comprehension of the Dharma Nature. By comprehending the Dharma Nature, one achieves nirvana. Therefore, maintaining awareness of the mind is the fundamental basis of nirvana.

Question: Why is maintaining awareness of the mind the essential gateway for entering the path?

Answer: The Buddha teaches that even actions as seemingly trivial as raising the fingers of a single hand to draw an image of the Buddha can create merit as great as the sands of the River Ganges. However, this is just his way of enticing foolish sentient beings to create superior karmic conditions whereby they will see the Buddha and become enlightened in the future. If you wish to achieve buddhahood quickly in your own body, maintain awareness of the True Mind.

The Buddhas of the past, present, and future are incalculable and infinite in number, and every single one of them achieved buddhahood by maintaining awareness of the True Mind. Therefore, the sutra says: “When one fixes the mind in a single location, there is nothing it cannot accomplish.” Therefore, maintaining awareness of the True mind is the essential gateway for entering the path.

Question: Why is maintaining the True Mind the basic principle of the entire Buddhist canon?

Answer: Throughout the canon, the Tathagata preaches extensively about all types of transgression and good fortune, causes and conditions, and rewards and retributions. He also draws upon all the various things of this world, mountains, rivers, the earth, plants, trees, etc. to make innumerable metaphors. He also manifests innumerable supernormal powers and various kinds of transformations. All these are just the Buddha’s way of teaching foolish sentient beings. Since they have various kinds of desires and a myriad of psychological differences, the Tathagata draws them into permanent bliss according to their mental tendencies.

Understand clearly that the Buddha Nature embodied within sentient beings is inherently pure, like a sun underlaid by clouds. By just distinctly maintaining awareness of the True Mind, the clouds of false thoughts will go away, and the sun of wisdom will appear. Why make any further study of knowledge based on the senses, which only leads to the suffering of samsara?

All concepts, as well as affairs of the three periods of time, should be understood according to the metaphor of polishing a mirror: When the dust is gone the Nature naturally becomes manifest. That which is learned by the ignorant mind is completely useless. True learning is that which is learned by the inactive or unconditioned, wu wei mind, which never ceases correct mindfulness. Although this is called “true learning,” ultimately there is nothing to be learned. Why is this?

Because the self and nirvana are both nonsubstantial, they are neither different nor the same. Therefore, the essential principle of the words “nothing to be learned” is true.

One must maintain clear awareness of the True Mind without generating false thoughts or the illusion of personal possession. Therefore, the Nirvana Sutra says: “To understand that the Buddha does not actually preach the Dharma is called having sufficiently listened to the Buddha’s preaching.” Therefore, maintaining awareness of the True Mind is the basic principle of the entire canon.

Question: Why is maintaining awareness of the mind the patriarch of all the Buddhas past, present, and future?

Answer: All the Buddhas of the past, present, and future are generated within one’s own consciousness. When you do not generate false thoughts, the Buddhas are generated within your consciousness. When your illusions of personal possession have been extinguished, the Buddhas are generated within your consciousness. You will only achieve buddhahood by maintaining awareness of the True Mind. Therefore, maintaining awarenss of the mind is the patriarch of the all the Buddhas of past, present, and future.

If one were to expand upon the four previous topics, how could one ever explain them completely? My only desire is that you discern the fundamental mind for yourselves. Therefore, I sincerely tell you: Make effort! Make effort!

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 2 replies

Rideshare? to Noah/Vinny's retreat in Oregon in July

2007-06-20T22:26:07Z

Here's the deets on the retreat - AND, it happens immediately after Oregon County Fair which I've always heard is a blast (cross between Rainbow Gathering and Burning Man). I'd actually like to do both - party then sit! Have a good car but would like company . . .

July 16-20, 20-22, or 16-22, 2007
The Radical Path of Awakening
Non-silent meditation workshop
With Noah Levine & Vinny Ferraro

Breitenbush Hotsprings, Oregon

The Buddha referred to his Awakening as having been “Against the Stream”. The spiritual path is one of revolutionary acts of non-violent rebellion against greed, hatred and delusion. In this meditation workshop, Noah and Vinny will speak about both positive and negative forms of subversion of the dominant paradigm and elucidate the Buddhist path of wisdom and compassion that lead to Freedom.

This weeklong workshop is a great introduction to Buddhist practices or a perfect way to integrate the practice you are already committed to. Our schedule allows for relaxation, enjoying the hot springs, community building and social interaction. Register early as it may fill up.

NOAH LEVINE is a Buddhist teacher, author and counselor. He was trained to teach by Jack Kornfield, and leads meditation classes, workshops and retreats all over the U.S. He also leads groups in juvenile halls and prisons. Noah holds a masters degree in counseling psychology from CIIS. He has studied with many prominent teachers in both the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions. He is the author of 'Dharma Punx; A Memoir' and 'Against the Stream: A Buddhist Manual for Spiritual Revolutionaries'. He lives in Los Angeles. For more information and his teaching schedule, visit www.dharmapunx.com.

VINNY FERRARO has been practicing meditation since 1993. In 1998, he spent a year sitting bedside with the dying through the Zen Center Hospice Program in San Francisco, as well as experiencing "A Year to Live" practice (based on the book by Stephen Levine). He has studied with several renowned spiritual teachers including the Dalai Lama. In 2001, Vinny trained to lead Challenge Days in schools throughout the U.S. and has become an integral member of that organization. He is currently part of the Community Dharma Leader program at Spirit Rock and teaches a weekly insight meditation group in San Francisco on Friday nights.

Info: www.dharmapunx.com and www.breitenbush.com/events/july16-22.html
Registration: Breitenbush (503) 854-3320
Retreat Begins: Monday or Friday dinner
Retreat Ends: Friday or Sunday lunch
Cost: Mon-Sun $227, Mon-Fri $200, Fri-Sun $127 plus lodging
Deposit: cost of lodging

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Against the Stream...

2007-05-26T04:31:21Z

A Benefit Talk for Zen Hospice Project.

http://zenhospice.org

Saturday June 23rd, 2007 Reception and Book Signing at 6:30 - Dharma Talk at 7:30

Sliding Scale Donation ($25-100)

First Unitarian Universalist Church in San Francisco.

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 6 replies

Cooks needed for BPF youth retreats

2007-05-23T06:27:57Z

Do you approach service as a practice of mindfulness and dana (generosity)?
Are you commited to the well-being of young people?
Do you understand that feeding others ultimately has little to do with food and everything to do with love?

The Buddhist Peace Fellowship’s Youth Program seeks 1 or 2 experienced, inspired, openhearted cooks for two upcoming meditation retreats near Cazadero in western Sonoma County:
- Young Adult Retreat (ages 20-29), June 9-15
- Teen Retreat (ages 15-19), June 17-23.

You can read more about the retreats at www.bpf.org (click on Current Projects, then Young Adult Programs).

Working for one or both retreats, you’ll be part of a kitchen team that will plan and prepare simple, healthful, mostly organic ovo-lacto vegetarian meals. Our dream cooks:
- Have reliable experience feeding groups of 50+ in a retreat setting (and accommodating special dietary needs).
- Are organized, present, flexible and fun-loving, and naturally drawn to a kitchen that is open and welcoming.
- Would jump at this chance to join likeminded practitioners in supporting teenagers and young adults along the dharma path.

An active dharma practice (any tradition) and experience working with young people (especially teens) are both desirable but not required. Having your own reliable transportation is preferred.

Besides the satisfaction of helping build an amazing community, you’ll receive $300 per retreat (you can work for one or both retreats), meals, and comfortable, quiet, shared accommodations. You can take part in meditation and attend dharma teachings as work allows, and you'll have access to a really beautiful setting in the mountains overlooking the the Sonoma Coast.

If you're interested, contact me ASAP -- we need to complete our roster of cooks soon! If you can't commit to the entire week but can volunteer with helping us get set up for each retreat, I also want to hear from you!

Be well!

j!m

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 1 reply

UNCOMMON WHITE TARA EMPOWERMENT by Female Lama HER EMINENCE JETSUN KUSHOK CHIMEY LUDING

2007-05-22T01:50:43Z

UNCOMMON WHITE TARA EMPOWERMENT by Female Lama HER EMINENCE JETSUN KUSHOK CHIMEY LUDING

JUNE 8th TO 9th 2007 at Sakya Dechen Ling

The home of Jetsunma’s teachings in the San Francisco Bay Area

This is an exceptional opportunity to receive the empowerment of this long life, healing form of Tara along with teachings and practice sessions.

Jetsun Kushola has strongly recommended that participants attend the entire three-day teaching as a retreat. A vegetarian diet is requested during the empowerment and teachings. For those attending the teachings, there is a practice commitment of either the long or short sadhana daily.

All events translated by SDL Practice Director Jay Goldberg

The empowerment is offered on Friday, June 1st at 1 PM; Retreat and teaching on the practice will continue on Saturday and Sunday, June 8th and 9th, 10–12 AM and 2–4 PM

All events to be held at: 2980 College Avenue, Suite 6, Berkeley, CA.

Suggested donation for empowerment and teachings: $225.

Please register at: http://www.sakyadechenling.org

info@sakyadechenling.org (510) 465–2202

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 1 reply

The spiritual meaning of your life challenges

2007-05-21T04:05:16Z

If the moderators will kindly permit a new book announcement, I would like to tell people about a spirituality book I’ve written and recently published that may be of interest and service.

Courageous Souls: Do We Plan Our Life Challenges Before Birth? explores the premise that we are all eternal souls who plan our lives, including our greatest challenges, before we’re born for purposes of spiritual growth.

The book contains ten true stories of people who planned physical illness, having handicapped children, deafness, blindness, drug addiction, alcoholism, losing a loved one, and severe accidents.

The information about their pre-birth plans was obtained by four very gifted mediums and channels, including one who has the ability both to see and to hear the conversations we have with one another before we’re born. The book therefore contains the actual conversations people had with their future parents, children, spouses, friends, and other loved ones when they planned these challenges.

As readers come to understand that they themselves planned many of their challenges, suffering that once seemed purposeless becomes imbued with deep meaning. Wisdom may be acquired in a more conscious manner; feelings of anger, guilt, blame, and victimization are replaced by acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, and peace.

A free PDF with a large sample of the book is available on the About the Book page at www.CourageousSouls.com. People may also wish to read the reviews on Amazon.

The book may be ordered on the Courageous Souls web site or from Amazon, including Amazon Canada, UK, France, Germany, and Japan. It may also be ordered from any bookstore or library (in most countries) by providing them with the ISBN number (9780977679454).

Thank you for permitting me to post this message.

Kind regards,
Robert Schwartz
author, Courageous Souls: Do We Plan Our Life Challenges Before Birth?
www.CourageousSouls.com

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 5 replies

H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche to give Hevajra Empowerment at Ewam Choden

2007-05-15T01:45:33Z

H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche to give Hevajra Empowerment at Ewam Choden
Friday, May 25 & Saturday, May 26, 2007

The Hevajra Cause Initiation
The Hevajra cause initiation is a highest yoga tantra initiation and a principal deity practice of the Lam Dre tradition. Lam Dre tradition (Taking the Result as the Path) is at the core of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism and originated with the great Indian Mahasiddha Virupa. This particular tradition of Hevajra is known as the system of quintessential instruction (man ngag lugs). As the core practice of the Lam Dre tradition, Hevajra embodies all of the critical elements of the practice of Lam Dre. We are extremely fortunate that H. E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche has granted our request to convey the cause empowerment that is rarely given in the west, or outside of the context of the lengthy Lam Dre teachings.

His Eminence Dungsei Ratna Vajra Rinpoche
is the eldest son of His Holiness Sakya Trizin and a member of Tibet’s noble Khon family who founded the Sakya Order in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Since early childhood he has been engaged in intensive traditional training for lineage holders, and has thoroughly mastered the study and meditation in both sutric and tantric traditions. He is well-known for the brilliance and clarity of his teachings and his fluency and excellent command of English.

HOW TO REGISTER
The Hevajra Cause empowerment is an Anuttara Yoga initiation that requires a commitment. There are requirements for attending, so please contact Lama Kunga about your possible attendance (email us your inquiry at: info@ewamchoden.org.) This two-day empowerment will be held at Ewam Choden and requires attendance both days: Friday from 4:30pm-9pm and Saturday from 10am - 5:30pm. The pre-payment cost for attendance is $150. After you email us your intent to register, fill out the registration form on the back of this announcement and mail with payment to the address below.

By tradition, attendance is restricted to 25 new applicants and 50 prior students, and we expect this event to sell out. We strongly encourage early registration - once full, no exceptions can be made to the size of the event. Upon succesful receipt of registration and payment, you will receive a confirmation of your attendance.

Ewam Choden Tibetan Buddhist Center
254 Cambridge Ave, Kensington, CA 94708 (510)-527-7363

Under the direction of Venerable Lama Kunga Rinpoche

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Bay Area Event

2007-03-29T07:11:39Z

Practicing Peace in Times of War: A public meditation weekend with Pema Chödrön and Richard Reoch
July 13-15, 2007
Location: Osher Marin Jewish Community Center at 200 N. San Pedro Rd. in San Rafael, CA

Program schedule:
Friday, July 13, 7-9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday July 14-15, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tuition is $395 or $295 for Shambhala Center members.

Details and online registration information: norcal.shambhala.org
We expect this program to sell out. Please register early.

At a time when war, aggression and violence are so common in every day life, we often wonder what we could do to help remedy the situation. In this program, Pema Chödrön and Richard Reoch, President of Shambhala, will offer personal strategies that we can use to work with the seeds of aggression and peace in our lives. <lj-cut>As Pema says in her book of the same title, “If we want there to be peace in the world, we have to be brave enough to soften what is rigid in our hearts, to find the soft spot and stay with it. We have to have that kind of courage and take that kind of responsibility. That’s the true practice of peace.” Don't miss this unique opportunity to study with beloved Buddhist teacher, Pema Chodron, and Richard Reoch who has dedicated his life to working in the field of human rights and world peace. The weekend will include a series of lectures and meditation instruction and practice.

Pema Chödrön is a leading exponent of teachings on meditation and how they apply to everyday life. She is known for her down-to-earth interpretation of Tibetan Buddhism for Western audiences. Pema studied under the meditation master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and currently studies under Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. She has authored many best-selling books, including When Things Fall Apart, Comfortable with Uncertainty and The Places that Scare You. Pema’s latest book is Practicing Peace in Times of War.

Richard Reoch is the President of Shambhala. Raised in a Buddhist family in Canada, he has devoted his working life to defending human rights, protecting the environment and promoting peace. Formerly the global media chief of Amnesty International, Richard is a trustee of the Rainforest Foundation, and he heads the International Working Group on Sri Lanka, an organization dedicated to ending the Buddhist world’s longest running war.
Trained in oriental medicine, and a teacher of Tai Chi and Chi Kung, he is also the author of Dying Well: as holistic guide for the dying and their caregivers.

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 1 reply

Tonglen

2007-02-25T20:33:04Z

I have been doing a daily yoga post and today I posted about Tonglen, one of my favorite breath/meditation practices. I wanted to share the post here also.

***

"Tonglen is a Buddhist breath/meditation practice that was by and far one of the greatest life changing practices I have ever personally experienced.

During a time of anger and consistent negative thoughts I came to the decision that I no longer wanted to think in such negative terms and I took up the practice of Tonglen which I still use to this day. When I first started doing the practice I had the blessing of almost immediate release of long held negative feelings and a drastic change in my internal dialogue.

It is my sincere wish to spread this practice to you."

Please read thoroughly:

www.shambhala.org/teachers/...nglen1.php

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 4 replies

Now&Wow: The Being In The Now Reminder And Oracle Message Tool. Inspired By Eckhart Tolle.

2007-02-25T00:53:49Z

Dear all,

I'm very inspired by Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now, but find it not always easy to be conscious and in the NOW as often as possible. Especially while working with my PC, hours pass by, without any NOW-feeling.

Therefore I created a tool, which I now present in my website http://www.nowwow.org.

I call the tool Now&Wow: The Being In The Now Reminder Tool. It works like an alarm and reminds you at certain time intervals in a very attractive an smoothly way to be still and feel your body. Sometimes you get a well deserved Oracle message too. Maybe you find it interesting.

A happy Now&Wow!

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

looking for meditative yoga practice in buddhist or hindu tradition

2007-02-10T04:13:37Z

anyone know of any in east bay or sf?

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 5 replies

SFZC priest featured in SF Chronicle

2007-02-01T06:03:31Z

Jana's ministry was the subject of a recent article:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/01/03/MNG73NC2QC1.DTL&hw=jana&sn=001&sc=1000

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 3 replies

Younger Dharma Retreat

2007-01-29T02:56:37Z

Hey Folks,

There is a new tribe (tribes.tribe.net/bpfyoungadults) for people interested in the Buddhist Peace Fellowship's Young Adults retreats (www.bpf.org/ya.html) combining meditation practice for sitting, walking, movement, and communication.

T

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Queer women's meditation retreat Feb. 16-19 2007

2006-12-20T18:32:24Z

Exploring Freedom

A 4-Day Vipassana Retreat for LBTQ Women
with Carol Newhouse, Rebecca Dixon, Anushka Fernandopulle

Friday, February 16th - Monday, February 19th, 2007

This will the second queer women's retreat we have organized at this location in Saratoga Springs. Last August we had 30 women attend and it was great, please see the below link for more detailed information. There is also a link on this site to download a full flier for the event in case you know someone who would be interested.
http://saratogasprings.com/retreats/womens-retreats-meditation.html

If you have any general questions that are not answered on the website or flier I can answer them here. I will also be coordinating a rideshare exchange as well as a scholarship exchange.

This event was organized by two sanghas, The LGBTQ sangha at The Center SF and The Lesbian Buddhist Sangha of Berkeley.
Peace

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

anyone from the Thurs. Berkeley Vipassana group?

2006-12-19T01:37:11Z

anyone? I go. just curious if anyone on this tribe is a part of it....

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 3 replies

looking for a teacher of tibetan language in Santa Cruze area

2006-12-12T03:52:17Z

I am looking for a teacher for tibetan language
any leads would be helpfull

thank you

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 7 replies

Introduction To Buddhist Meditation Classes

2006-11-21T04:56:02Z

Hey Folks,

As may be true for other people on this list, I am a mix of someone who lives a typical modern urban life - career, Burning Man, friends, tribe.net, DJing - with someone who has had a daily meditation practice for eighteen years and has spent years on sitting retreats in Buddhist monasteries.

I am in my fifth year of teaching an eight-week Introduction to Buddhist Meditation class. I am starting two new sections in the new year. One will be on Sundays late afternoons starting in January, and another one Monday nights starting in March, both in San Francisco.

The class is great. If you are not one of the bunch of people in this tribe who has already taken it :), please consider attending.

Adam

=============================================

* Do you often feel like you’re spinning too fast?
* Would you like to feel greater spaciousness and realize a deeper truth?
* Do you too frequently feel like you don’t know yourself?
* Do you want to know yourself more authentically and feel more self-awareness, more real and alive?
* If you did, what would that make possible in your life?

Introduction To Buddhist Meditation classes

Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco

Sundays, 4 pm to 7 pm
January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 11, 18

Mondays, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

* Do you want to explore new ways to meditate and deepen your Buddhist meditation practice?
* Do you want to start a new practice?

The course will provide you with an experiential as well as informational exploration of meditation. The class is designed especially for beginning meditators, but has also been valuable and informative for experienced sitters. Subject matter mostly consists of Vipassana/Theravada and Zen Buddhism, but also draws from Tibetan and ancient Indian Buddhism, as well as Western psychology and
other traditions. Each session contains lectures, discussion, individualized attention on posture and student questions, and two sitting periods with fresh techniques and guided instructions. There are also handouts and structured meditative homework assignments. The classes are often full of dry humor and unconventional insights. The course has changed people's life powerfully and deeply, bringing them more awareness, depth, and joy.

www.intromeditation.com/upcoming.html has course dates and details
www.intromeditation.com/aboutcourse.html has class curriculum
www.intromeditation.com/registration.html has a registration form.

I invite you to register if this class appeals to you.

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

newbie

2006-09-28T17:09:00Z

Any meditation temples/sites near the panhandle in sf?

monikah

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 3 replies

Zen Noir

2006-09-23T23:45:10Z

Looks interesting, and I really like the oranges.

http://www.zenmovie.com/

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 1 reply

Im going to get some people together for Qi Gong this saturday in Glen Park Canyon.

2006-09-06T21:33:33Z

Im going to get some people together for Qi Gong this saturday in Glen Park Canyon.

Jaam Jong - standing meditation and then a pa-kua circle would be cool if we can do it. other ideas welcome. This will make some great focuessed energy. I will also be doingthis in a couple hours..if you are interested in short notice.

just email me.

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Sat Aug 12: Tulku Orgyen Zangpo Rinpoche in SanRafael

2006-09-05T01:56:37Z

Tulku Orgyen Zangpo Rinpoche will give a public one-day intensive on the Tibetan Art of Dreaming.

The event will be held Saturday, August 12th, 11am-1pm and 3pm-5pm at 61 Unionstone Drive, San Rafael.
The suggested donation is $25 per session or $45 for the full day.
Bring a cushion and a friend.

Tibetan masters have spent thousands of years perfecting ways to awaken our consciousness, using the dream world to see through the great illusion, maya. In the intensive, you can learn how to shift the dream state and the very nature of consciousness itself.

Tulku Orgyen Zangpo Rinpoche is the founder of the Compassion Fellowship, an organization dedicated to sharing the wisdom of compassion. The website is: compassionfellowship.org.

The Rinpoche studied for many years with Tibet's greatest saint, HH Jigmed Puntsok.

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 2 replies

Pali Tipitaka etc in Unicode Fonts (beta)

2006-08-27T13:54:50Z

Chaṭṭha Saṅgāyana Tipitaka - Unicode Version
http://www.tipitaka.org/unicode/booklistframe2.html

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies