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

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:57:11 GMT

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

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

Brandon — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:11:37 GMT

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

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New Temple

Lobo — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:40:08 GMT

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

max — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:22:52 GMT

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

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

j!m — Sat, 10 May 2008 03:26:40 GMT

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.

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Meditation school

chrisodell — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:51:41 GMT

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!

Ajna — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:22:48 GMT

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?

kalsang — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:05:38 GMT

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

max — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 23:50:31 GMT

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

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info about Dhamma Vihara Theravada Buddhist Monastery in Mexico?

ajsender — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:36:46 GMT

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

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Weekly meditation group in the Mission

Michael — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 08:16:11 GMT

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

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Upcoming Neuroscience of Meditation Lectures

snowleopard — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 05:01:44 GMT

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

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Buddhists can unite to end gun violence.

newbie — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 07:31:35 GMT

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

j!m — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:21:05 GMT

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

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

snowleopard — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 01:35:15 GMT

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

j!m — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:47:58 GMT

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

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

SF Blog on SF Burma/Protests

immortal_tara — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:59:45 GMT

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

Charlotte — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:10:52 GMT

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.

DMG/Darkmother.com — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:39:05 GMT

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

Nandi — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 17:57:22 GMT

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

snowleopard — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:30:20 GMT

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

janina — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 01:06:24 GMT

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!

lmbfreespirit — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:26:54 GMT

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

sWitcheroo — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 22:26:07 GMT

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...

Daigan — Mon, 21 May 2007 22:53:14 GMT

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

j!m — Fri, 18 May 2007 04:14:44 GMT

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

janina — Sun, 20 May 2007 18:47:18 GMT

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

Fri, 18 May 2007 23:43:53 GMT

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

janina — Tue, 15 May 2007 01:45:33 GMT

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

dbs — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:37:36 GMT

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

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 20:30:58 GMT

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.

Bo — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 00:53:49 GMT

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

newbie — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 02:24:12 GMT

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

barnaby — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:45:24 GMT

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

TempO — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 02:56:37 GMT

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

max — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 18:32:24 GMT

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?

Doug — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 04:00:19 GMT

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

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:11:21 GMT

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

snowleopard — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 04:56:02 GMT

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

AIRBUTOH — Sat, 23 Sep 2006 21:58:29 GMT

Any meditation temples/sites near the panhandle in sf?

monikah

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 3 replies

Zen Noir

Sat, 16 Sep 2006 19:33:17 GMT

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.

snarb — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 21:33:33 GMT

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

Barbara — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 15:57:38 GMT

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)

Sun, 27 Aug 2006 13:54:50 GMT

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

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche- Buddhist Teaching- Santa Cruz- 8/7/2006- Please come

Dorrene — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 20:51:28 GMT

We are very honored to have Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche teach at Pema Osel Ling Retreat Center near Santa Cruz. He will be teaching on "About Blessings" on August 7, 2006 at 3:30pm.

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche is regarded as one the most important teachers in Tibetan Buddhism alive today. Born in 1961 from a young age he has been active for the preservation of the Buddhist teaching, establishing centers of learning and supporting practitioners.

Pena Osel Ling in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is the main retreat center for the Vajrayana Foundation. The Foundation was founded in 1991 by Lama Tharchen Rinpoche at the request of H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche.

$20.00 Suggested Donation

Pema Osel Ling 2013 Eureka Canyon Road, Watsonville, CA 95076
More Info: www.vajrayana.org 831-761-6266

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Alan Wallace at Spirit Rock next Sunday

snowleopard — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 09:11:49 GMT

Is anyone from this tribe going to Spirit Rock next Sunday to the Alan Wallace Meditraviganza?

http://www.spiritrock.org/calendar/display.asp?id=AW1B06

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 1 reply

Mindfulness In Plain English

snowleopard — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 01:35:18 GMT

One of my few favorite Buddhist books is "Mindfulness In Plain English". The author, Henepola Gunaratana, ordained as a Theravadin monk in Sri Lanka sixty-seven years ago (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henepola_Gunaratana). The book was also ghost co-written by an American technical writer, so it is a smooooth read.

I love this book. I find it so clear, so true, such a great description of mindfulness meditation.

As an act of dana (generocity) Bhanta Gunaratana has allowed his book to be posted online at various sites for free :

http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/mindfulness_in_plain_english.php
http://www.budsas.org/ebud/mfneng/mind0.htm
http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma4/mpe.html
http://www.e-sangha.com/9,34,0,0,1,0.html

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 13 replies

Meditation Class in San Rafael

alxindia — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 02:18:31 GMT

hi, everybody -- !

my husband and I are coming to teach at Open Secret in San Rafael, over the weekend of July 21st. we'll do kirtan with our healing bhajan/kirtan band the Friday night before, and then teach two days of spiritual & meditation classes there over Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd.

full details are on our website, www.karmatalk.com -- but I thought this would be interesting to folks on this tribe. this class explores and explains the actual mechanics of meditation -- what's really HAPPENING in there?!??! (grinning) -- and how the soul, heart, mind, breath and physical body all connect in meditation experiences.

looking forward -- namaste!

Alx

THE MECHANICS OF MEDITATION:
How to Meditate to Gain Maximum Spiritual Energy

Saturday July 22nd
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Open Secret Bookstore
923 C Street, San Rafael
415/ 457-5191

$30 (or $77 for all three classes in the series that day.)

What’s really happening in meditation? If we’re charging the soul, how come so many thoughts are running around in the mind? What is the goal of meditation – is it peace of mind, balance, spiritual growth, greater clarity?

How can we gain maximum spiritual energy through meditating?

This class is designed for meditators of all experience levels, from any tradition, to help gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms in meditation. It includes an exploration of crystal-clear and simple techniques for meditation, using mantra to pull and digest deep spiritual energies -- whether you're a beginner or an experienced meditator.

What They're Saying:

"Thank you for the wonderful Saturday evening, your presence and the knowledge you shared. My inspiration is back on track, I found it not very easy to do it all alone." -- Y., Los Angeles

"In July 2005, I was down with a severe low back injury that all my doctors said would need a minimum of months of physical therapy, and quite possibly surgery. Six weeks after healings from Alx & Jonathan, I was 100% cured and able to hike mountains again. Obviously, these two can work real miracles." -- B.M., Santa Cruz

"Again, Blessings to you both for your wonderful work and sharing the Divine Knowledge. I will certainly do my part to keep the energy going..." -- S., Los Angeles

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

Free Buddhist Audio Sites

snowleopard — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 20:12:53 GMT

There were some posts in the other thread concerning free Buddhist audio. Here are the sites that I am aware of :

* http://www.audiodharma.org/talks-all.html
The talks at Gil Fronsdal's Redwood City meditation center. Mostly Gil himself, some of his guest teachers (mostly in the Theravada and Zen lineages). His introductions to meditation lectures are excellent. His audio probably appeals more to people with a strong analytical side, but he speaks with a calm clear voice, he is deeply experienced and committed, and he knows his shit (PhD in Buddhism, many many years as a monk). I have listened to about 200 of his talks that have been posted online, and look forward to listening to the other 350; I love 'em.

* http://www.shinzen.org/ (click on "Dharma Talks", "Past Dharma Talks")
The guy who got me into Buddhism, seventeen years ago. He has mostly audiotapes for sale, but the short talks he has for free are well worth a listen. Also, for more analytical types, his on-line essays are great reads as well.

* http://www.dharmastream.org/dharmatalks.html
The Vipassana mafia (Spirit Rock, IMS in Massachusetts, and friends) run an audio publishing company of talks by the scene's teachers. This website offers a taster, one free talk per teacher.

* http://www.dhammatalks.org.uk/index2.htm
More Theravada/Vipassana teachings. Looks to me like most of the teachers here have their roots in the Chithurst Monastery in the UK.

* http://www.abhayagiri.org/index.php/main/media#talks
Talks from the Abhayagiri monastery in Redwood Valley. Ajahn Amaro is a wonderful lecturer, with a musical English accent, a sharp and calm mind, a wry sense of humor, and a deep dedication to the Buddhist way.

* http://www.dharma-media.org/
http://www.lamrim.com/index2.html
http://www.world-view.org/aci/online/onlinefr.html
http://www.yogastudiesinstitute.org/audio.html

Tibetan/Vajryana Buddhism. Not my area of expertise.

* http://www.worldtalkradio.com/archives.asp?sid=162
Cheri Huber has written some of the classics of NoCal Buddhism (for example, " The Key: And the Name of the Key Is Willingness" and "That Which You Are Seeking Is Causing You to Seek". She calls herself a Zen teacher, although she has distanced herself largely from religious Buddhism. She is sharp and clear and committed to relieving people's suffering, however, and gives a good lecture.

* http://www.sfzc.org/audio/AudioHome.html
Audio talks from the San Francisco Zen Center. I think that they just put this up in the last few months. Not many talks there now; I expect that they will post more in the future.

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 10 replies

North Bay meditation group

Laurajean — Wed, 31 May 2006 01:09:35 GMT

Just joined this tribe. Thought I would share the website of the sangha I attend (just returned after not going for several years).
In my humble opinion they have a lovely website...
http://www.bsangha.net/index.php?p=about_us
They are called the Benicia Sangha. The website does a good job of explaining all about them, their meditation,, lineage, etc.

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 0 replies

New Group for Folks with Life Threatening Illness

Daigan — Thu, 25 May 2006 17:17:20 GMT

Ongoing Support Group for People Living with Illness, Dying & Death
First Mondays of every month, 7-9pm, beginning Monday, June 5, 2006
Open Enrollment: People are welcome to attend 1 session, or participate ongoingly, as able.
Fee: By Donation ($10 suggested)

This group offers ways to encounter and integrate the very human -- yet not so familiar -- experiences of illness, dying, and death. It is open to everyone, and may be of particular interest to people living with a life threatening illness, those facing death sooner rather than later, and the loved ones who are caring for them. The intention of this group is to foster acceptance, generate inspiration, and create healing together in the face of the great matters of life and death. Each session begins with meditation, followed by experiential exercises and/or discussion.

Facilitator: Jennifer Block, Chaplain & Director of Public Education at ZHP.

For more information, or to enroll, contact Jennifer at 415.863.2910 or jblock@zenhospice.org

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 1 reply

Pot-Luck Brunch And Dharma Talk

creativemuse — Thu, 25 May 2006 05:38:00 GMT

Hello All,

I find myself wanting to have more conversations regarding the Dharma and mostly, how it is working in the Urban / City living we are all a part of… how it is applied to daily life and what are some of the challenges.

So, I thought I would take this opportunity to invite some of you to a pot-luck brunch. I just moved into my studio in Oakland and thought it would be such a great idea to warm my space up. The idea is to have a few people come over to share food and Dharma talk. We would start with a short sitting and then get the party started. =) We can all decide on a topic to discuss. Keep in mind that space is very limited, maybe around 10 people max.

Date: Sunday 6/25
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Please E-mail me for address and to RSVP

Hope to see you there!

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 1 reply

Happiness: Brain Plasticity And Mind Training - free lecture @ UCSF Cole Hall 5/19/06 @ 7pm

marilynmasala — Thu, 18 May 2006 02:08:37 GMT

Happiness: Brain Plasticity And Mind Training
Matthieu Ricard, PhD, in conversation with Paul Ekman, PhD, and Stuart Eisendrath, MD
May 19, 7-9 p.m., Cole Hall
This event is free!
A revolutionary look at happiness from one of the world's most compelling voices on the subject. As a trained scientist and Buddhist monk, Matthieu Ricard is uniquely positioned in the dialogue between East and West. Drawing from works of fiction and poetry, contemporary Western philosophy, Buddhist thought, current psychological and scientific research and personal experience, Ricard weaves an inspirational and forward looking account of how we can begin to rethink our realities in a fast-moving modern world. Sponsored by the Depression Center at Langley Porter and UCSF Department of Psychiatry. No pre-registration is required.

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 7 replies

Dharma seminar with Tibetan Lama Domo Geshe Rinpoche in SF

OmniscientBlue — Fri, 19 May 2006 08:17:54 GMT

Cultivate your True Being while living in the Hotel Karma

A Dharma talk given by
Tibetan Lama Domo Geshe Rinpoche, the Ninth

Wednesday, May 24th
7-8:30PM
at Danzhaus in San Francisco

* This will be Rinpoche's last talk in the Bay Area before departing for her summer teaching tour in the Midwest *

If the Eagles had sung about the Hotel Karma, what would they have said? Domo Geshe Rinpoche teaches that we arrive in this world, this Hotel Karma, with a full suitcase of personal lessons to be learned. Experiencing what we do in life and progressing on our path, we unpack the suitcase and resolve the issues. What will be in your suitcase when it's time to check out?

Contrary to popular belief, it isn't necessary to live out all of your Karma in order to evolve spiritually or become Enlightened. Even though sentient beings are filled with unmanifested Karma, we don't have to experience EVERYTHING in order to grow or before we stop incarnating. So how do we move forward? Find out the ancient Tibetan teachings of how to resolve negative karma and enhance your greatest inner treasure, your seed of spiritual progress.

* All seekers and practitioners are welcome *

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Domo Geshe Rinpoche teaches the joyful path. Through humor, wit and penetrating insight, she reveals to students their own capacity for clarity, understanding and compassion. Rinpoche is a reincarnate Lama of the Geluk tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Her lineage includes Je Pabongka Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, junior tutor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She has accomplished extensive training and retreats in the traditional manner. The current Western incarnation of Domo Geshe Rinpoche has arrived through rare and powerful tantric methods in order to transmit the authentic Dharma within Western culture. She currently teaches and leads retreats in many places around the world.

Rinpoche is also available for one-on-one appointments. If you are interested in seeing her, please speak with Jugney (the one in robes) before or after the teaching.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Location: DANZHAUS (aka The Gingerbread Warehouse)
1275 Connecticut St. @ Cesar Chavez St. in San Francisco

* * * Some seating is available, but we recommend bringing your own cushion * * *

Danzhaus is a large, open professional dance studio with ample free parking in a centralized SF neighborhood between the 101 & 280 freeway Cesar Chavez exits. The #19 Muni line will drop you right on the corner if you don't drive. For more info and directions: danzhaus.tripod.com

Suggested Donation: sliding scale $10-$15

White Conch Monastery & Dharma Center
707-571-0321
CAinfo@white-conch.org
white-conch.org

To view this listing, click here:
http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/listing/Dharma-seminar-with-Tibetan-Lama-Domo-Geshe-Rinpoche-in-SF/san-francisco-ca/a2c103c0-b04d-476a-bf8e-e15aff58c17d

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 1 reply

Extended Practice Retreats

snowleopard — Wed, 17 May 2006 20:29:22 GMT

Another topic for a thread here is ... places for multi-day meditation/practice retreats.

I'd love to hear from people about the places that they have done retreats.

There are three Northern California Buddhist organizations that I have much in-depth retreat experience with:

* My most extensive experience is with the San Francisco Zen Center (http://www.sfzc.org/). As many of you probably know, this organization has three campuses, City Center in Hayes Valley SF, Green Gulch in Marin, and Tassajara in the hills of Monterey County. There are various types of retreats available to the public at these centers:

(1) is public meditation retreat ("sesshin" in Japanese) scheduled at Green Gulch or City Center. These go from about five-thirty am to nine pm, mostly seated meditation but also some walking meditation, chanting, work practice, a lecture, and some short breaks. They are from one day to seven days long. The container is tight - you will be held up against your physical, emotional, and spiritual humanity intimately, burning away your impurities. Both centers also have some fairly frequent one-day beginner event's that start later in the day and end earlier, and are a li'l more chill.

(2) is to sign up as a guest student at Green Gulch or City Center. You can do this any time. You both pay some money and work quite a bit (dishes, gardening, sweeping) but you also get to be a part of the community and sit three periods of meditation a day. Green Gulch is a farm, it's surrounded by hills trees and birds - many people like that.

Similarly, between April and September, one can go to Tassajara and be a guest worker. Tassajara is a long drive away (four hours) and the Summer work is hard, but the scenery is breathtaking and the monastery is indescribably peaceful.

(3) is to visit Tassajara as a guest during the Summer. It's like going to a resort - meditation is available but optional, the food is first-class, etc. This option costs lots of money. They have some multi-day programs with specific focuses, like the four noble truths, nature, yoga, etc.

(4) is to commit to live in Tassajara or Green Gulch for seven-to-thirteen weeks during certain times of year for something called a practice-period ("ango" in Japanese). This is the most intense, and has prerequisites. Most people know about them when they are ready to sign up for one.

* What I think are the good sides of the Spirit Rock center (www.spiritrock.org) in Marin: they always have a meditation retreat of some sort going on that one can sign up for, they provide a lot of teaching about the nuts-and-bolts of meditation, they translate the depths of South Asian Buddhism in a really accessible way, their accommodations and food are super super clean and pleasant, and they have a lot of different teachers available, with lots of different vibes. The downsides: their retreats are pretty expensive, and that their vibe is a li'l Marin rich-hippie/new agey. They are great for beginners, if you can afford it.

They also sponsor residential retreats all over Northern California, through their affiliated teachers. Those retreats are held in all sorts of places, from the super-swanky to the pretty rustic, and with all sorts of focuses (breath meditation, loving-kindness, women and POC, etc).

* And then there is the California Vipassana Center, near Fresno (www.mahavana.dhamma.org). This place constantly offers ten-day intensives for beginners for cheap (basically, by donation - you pay what you can afford). They are all about many hours of sincere, diligent practice, day-after-day. Many of my friends without Zen backgrounds love this place and have done retreats there; it seems to be many people in my world's introduction to Buddhism. I myself would say that their Dharma is a little sectarian, and the meditation techniques that they teach are similarly a little too narrow, and they do not provide much in-person personal support from teachers. But it's a great place to go for a retreat, especially if cost is an issue, and especially if you are looking for something structured, powerful, sincere, and clear.

* Many of my friends are really into the Bay Area Shambhala centers - http://www.shambhala.org/centers/index.html#city. I've never done any retreat or class at any of them, but I've heard good things.

posted in SF Bay Area Buddhism and Meditation - 2 replies