CHANGING THE STORY – a day-long seminar with Sufi teacher and author Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee May 22, 2013
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“There is a new story waiting to be born, waiting to redeem the planet and nourish our souls”. The real stories that can change our lives come from the mythic, archetypal world of the soul. What are the stories that are needed at this time, to help awaken us from the collective nightmare of materialism that is destroying our ecosystem? How can we work to bring these transformative stories into our communities and our daily life?
In the morning there will be a talk and questions. In the afternoon, a simple meditation on the heart followed by time for spiritual discussion.
The event will be held on June 29th, 2013 from 10am – 4.30pm, location:
MERCY CENTER BURLINGAME
2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, California 94010 (South San Francisco)
(650) 340-7454
The event fee is $65.
For more information please visit http://mercy-center.org/Flyers_2013/0629Llewellyn/event.html.
Thank you!
Jannett Behlau
Dana Cafe Kick Off Open House Party, Friday May 3rd 2013 April 9, 2013
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Dana Cafe Kick Off Open House Party, Friday May 3rd 2013
The Dana Cafe is new monthly gathering in Oakland providing vital teachings at no cost to participants. Each month on first Sundays beginning this May, the Dana Cafe invites a different teacher from various arts and healing traditions. Our monthly classes are offered for Dana (donations) and there is no set fee to attend.
We are inviting our vibrant community of friends, family, change agents, artists, healers and practitioners to join us for a Kick Off Open House Party! This 1st Friday event, held at our collaborative space and community partner, Temescal Art Center, will feature light refreshments, live acoustic music with Eileen Hazel and installations by amazing supporting artists to include Shahara Godfrey, Pamela Ybanez, Seneca Beth Miller, and Laurie Halsey Brown of senseofplace LAB. Meet some of our upcoming guest teachers and gather valuable insight on todays emerging gift economy.
Dana Cafe Kick Off Open House Party
Friday May 3rd 7pm – 11pm
TAC: Temescal Art Center
511 48th St. @ Telegraph Ave. Oakland
Visit our website for more info on Dana Cafe and upcoming classes.
http://www.projectroot.org/dana_cafe.html
Join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/DanaCafe
Pay it forward if you’re able and make a contribution to support the Dana Cafe
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/support-the-dana-cafe
‘The Language of Meditation across Religious Traditions’ March 15, 2013
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‘The Language of Meditation across Religious Traditions’
PANEL DISCUSSION AND WORKSHOP
Open to the Public
1-6 PM, Sunday April 7, 2013
Mangalam Research Center
2018 Allston Way, Berkeley
This is an opportunity to enrich your theoretical and practical understanding of meditative practices within, and in dialogue between, the world’s major spiritual traditions. download flyer.
Schedule
1:00-2:30: Panel Discussion
‘Meditation across Traditions: Bridging Theory and Practice’
‘Meditation’ has become widely accepted in the West as a ‘technique’ for relaxation, stress reduction, inner clarity and access to states of ‘elevated’ states of consciousness. Yet the fact that the term ‘meditation’, and the terms ‘contemplation,’ ‘reflection,’ and ‘prayer’, have come to mean so many different things, to some many different people, and in so many different ways — not to mention the growing interest in how to understand ‘meditation’ in terms of modern science — has left many of us overwhelmed and bewildered about where to even begin embarking upon spiritual or meditative practice.
The panel will be followed by an experiential workshop where three scholar-practitioners will share complementary practices from three different contemplative traditions.
3:00-6:00: Experiential Workshop
‘Varieties of Meditative Experience’
You must attend the panel to participate in the workshop.
Three sessions, about 45 minutes each, with time for discussion:
• Prof. Robert Buswell: Zen ‘Questioning Meditation’ (koan) and Buddhist Mindfulness Practice
• Prof. Carl McColman: Christian Meditation, Contemplation and Mental Prayer
• Prof. Alan Godlas: Sufi Vocal and Silent Meditation
Program costs:
• $15: Panel ($10: Student and Seniors’ Discount)
• $45: Panel and Workshop ($25: Student and Seniors’ Discount)
Room for Rent March 15, 2013
Posted by ebmc in Community CONNECTIONS, Housing.1 comment so far
Looking for a woman who would like to rent a room in our household. Rent is $750.00. Room is available as soon as April 1st and no later than May 1st. Looking for someone who communicates easily, is responsible, kind, and respects common space. Eco-friendly home with a large backyard with space if you want to garden. (There are fruit trees and an herbal garden and chickens!) Large bedroom 13′x13′ with a big walk-in closet, wooden floors and a window on the eastern side. The house is open, airy and uncluttered, with washer/dryer. I’m young-at-heart, active 50-plus. I know all my neighbors. Ashby Bart is a 15-minute walk with major bus lines very close by. The house is on the North Oakland-South Berkeley border. Sorry, no dogs. Feel free to email me with any questions or forward this on to anyone you may know would be interested. Much appreciated. Namaste, Rivka 510-502-6450
Free Meditations and Classes March 1, 2013
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Free Meditations and Classes (March 18-21, 7-8:30 PM)
In order to bring more people the benefits of meditation and Tibetan Yoga, the Institute will be offering a series of free classes or meditation sessions. These sessions are free and are open to all.
Spring: Meditation and Healing March 18-21, 7-8:30 PM
Many health benefits come from regular meditation practice. This series of free classes focuses on meditations that balance the emotions and stimulate natural healing. Classes will be primarily experiential and are open to all.
Monday, March 18, 7-8:30 PM:Healing the Heart: Meditations on Love with Olivia Hurd
Tuesday, March 19, 7-8:30 PM: Healing Pain with Santosh Philip
Wednesday, March 20, 7-8:30 PM: Movement as Meditation with Jack van der Meulen
Thursday, March 21, 7-8:30 PM: Meditation and Healing with Hugh Joswick
Free March Talks: The Human Condition, March 3 – 31
When we look at our lives and the lives of others, we may not know whether to laugh or cry. There is so much beauty, goodness, and potential. But, suffering, harm, and greed are also there, like weeds threatening to overtake a delightful garden.
March talks explore the human condition through the lens of Nyingma Institute teachings. In the first two Sundays of March, we examine how pain and knowledge arise with the goal of penetrating needless patterns of suffering. Then, on the eve of spring, Donna Morton describes how our nutritional needs change with the seasons and what vegetarian foods are good spring choices. Sylvia Gretchen then reflects on rebirth, death, and the process of dreaming, gently drawing attention to Buddhist teachings on consciousness as a fearless path of liberation. On the final Sunday in March, Mark Henderson discusses causality and karma in a talk on the Buddhist “Wheel of Life.”
Sunday, March 3, 6-7 PM
Tom Morse on “Penetrating the Dynamic of Pain.” 6-7 PM
The feeling of pain or suffering does not arise in isolation, but is part of a larger dynamic and rhythm within our experience. In this talk, Nyingma Institute instructor Tom Morse leads participants in an experiential analysis of pain utilizing exercises from the Time, Space, and Knowledge vision. With insight into the flowing rhythms that give rise to pain, we can take steps to interrupt the process, easing the resultant suffering.
Sunday, March 10, 6-7 PM
Ken McKeon on “Unexpected Knowledge.”
“Before concepts and ideas, projections and reactions, knowledge is available in the sound of sound, the voice of the voice, the inquiry of the inquiry, the mind of mind.” Tarthang Tulku, Visions of Knowledge.
The premise that knowledge is ‘already’ there, within senses and mind changes the nature of how and where we look for knowledge. Time, Space, and Knowledge instructor Ken McKeon will point out how to discover knowledge in unexpected ways and places. And show how this kind of knowledge can bring creativity and kindness more fully into our lives.
Sunday, March 17, 6-7 PM
Donna Morton on “‘The Healthy Vegetarian: Nourishing Foods of the Season: Spring.”
As the seasons change, nutritional needs shift. In this talk, nutritional consultant and Nyingma Institute instructor Donna Morton will give tips on healthy vegetarian foods that the body needs to thrive this spring.
Sunday, March 24, 6-7 PM
Sylvia Gretchen on “Reflections on Death, Rebirth, and Dreaming.”
“The ability of mind to sustain both waking reality and the very different reality of dreams only hints at its remarkable power. From a Buddhist perspective, mind is the foundation for both samsara and nirvana, the soil in which karma and the positive qualities of the human spirit can take root.” Tarthang Tulku, Mind Over Matter.
This talk is about consciousness, the deeper levels of mind that weave throughout waking and dreaming and all states of being. We chart teachings on how consciousness changes from moment to moment and life to life. Reflecting on death (what ends?) and rebirth (what endures?) and dream (what happens?), can inspire compassion and a fearless, open-minded curiosity.
Sunday, March 31, 6-7 PM
Mark Henderson on “The Wheel of Life.”
The Buddha taught that our destiny is not determined by fate, but by causality. To illustrate this teaching he described existence as an ever-turning wheel. Propelled by positive or negative actions living beings move to more or less favorable states of existence. Nyingma Institute instructor Mark Henderson will introduce the wheel of life as depicted in Tibetan art and will discuss this key teaching on causality, its inner and outer architecture, and how deeper inquiry and understanding lead to freedom
Learn more at nyingmainstitute.org
Spring 2013 Buddhist Retreats at the Nyingma Institute in Berkeley March 1, 2013
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Spring 2013 Buddhist Retreats at the Nyingma Institute in Berkeley
Retreats offer fresh insights and spiritual refreshment in a gentle, meditative atmosphere. Residential costs for retreats include either a shared or private room. Both residential and non-residential retreats include meals. A private tour of retreat facilities available by appointment. See our photo albums on Facebook for a virtual tour.
New retreats are offered all year long, call or email for retreat dates and details. Retreat Schedule at the end of this list.
NPR406 Medicine Buddha Retreat, March 22-23
Tibetan healing mantras and visualizations that evoke the blessings of the Medicine Buddha have been used for centuries to cure illness and increase well-being. This retreat offers instructions in traditional Medicine Buddha practices along with meditations to bring peace of mind.
Cost: $100 (non-residential); $130 residential. Friday, 7-9 PM; Saturday, 10 AM-4:45 PM. Instructor: Rosalyn White.
MED502 Finding Inner Peace Retreat, March 25-30
“The deep relaxation and openness of meditation offer a different perspective on our thoughts and perceptions… A new mind arises, bearing a sense of lightness and calm that ripples throughout all our activities like laughter.” Tarthang Tulku, “Hidden Mind of Freedom.”
Finding tranquility and ease, even in the midst of a busy life, is the goal of this retreat. Calming meditations (shamatha) form the core of the retreat practice with individualized instruction for each participant. Includes instruction in dream yoga.
Cost: $390 (nonresidential); $650 (residential), includes the “Dream Lotus” and “Calm and Clear” workshops. Primary Instructor: Olivia Hurd.
NPR501 Preparation for the Time of Death Retreat, April 1-6
Meditation practices in this retreat help to prepare for the time of death. Rather than waiting for an unknown destiny, students learn to turn inward and learn the nature of their minds. What they discover heightens appreciation for the value of every moment and every type of experience.
Cost: $390 (nonresidential); $650 (residential), includes “The Wheel of Life” workshop.
Primary Instructor: Sylvia Gretchen.
NPR503 Enlightenment Retreat, May 24-26
It is said that the way to enlightenment can be traveled with a fraction of the effort required to survive the endless suffering of samsara. Students bring the goal of enlightenment to mind in this retreat through meditation, mantra, and prayer that focus on the capacity to transcend suffering.
Cost: $175 (nonresidential) $250 (residential). Instructors: Buddhist studies faculty. Retreat begins Friday at 2 PM and concludes Sunday at 10 AM.
Typical Retreat Schedule, Retreat schedules may vary, or be modified to accomodate personal needs.
7 AM Morning meditation
8 AM Breakfast and breakfast clean up
9:30 AM Instruction session
10:30 AM Tea Break
11 AM Instruction session
12:30 PM Vegetarian Lunch
2 – 3:30 PM Work Practice and individual practice/study.
5:30 PM Vegetarian Dinner
6:15 PM Instruction session
Learn more at nyingmainstitute.org
2013 Spring Workshops Nyingma Institute March 1, 2013
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2013 Spring Workshops – Workshops are held almost every Saturday of the year.
The following is a “Title” only listing, learn more at nyingmainstitute.org
Workshops offer fresh insights and spiritual refreshment in a gentle, meditative atmosphere.
Saturday workshops begin at 10 AM, conclude at 4:45 PM, and include a vegetarian buffet lunch, unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all levels of students unless a prerequisite is specified.
Participants may arrange to stay overnight at the Institute for an additional $45 per night.
Stress Reduction through Tibetan Yoga, March 9*
Dream Lotus Evening, March 29, 7—9 PM*
MED403 Calm and Clear, March 30
How to Meditate, March 30, 10 AM-1 PM
The Wheel of Life, April 5-6
Self-Image, April 13*
Power of the Natural World, April 19-20
Tibetan Yoga: Merging Movement, Breath, and Awareness, April 27 *
Challenging Negativity in the Workplace, May 4
Balancing Emotions through Tibetan Yoga, May 11*
Cutting off Negative Thoughts, May 18
* These workshops meet the qualifications for continuing education credit for MFT’s and LCSW’s as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Provider: Nyingma Institute #2513.
Typical Workshop Schedule
10:00 AM Instruction Session
11:30 AM Tea Break
12:00 PM Instruction Session
1:00 PM Vegetarian Lunch
2:00 PM Instruction Session
3:30 PM Tea Break
4:00 PM Instruction Session
4:45 PM Workshop Concludes
Learn more at nyingmainstitute.org
Day-by-Day Spring Course Listings
March 25 —May 31, 2013
Mondays
6:15-7:45 PM MED303 Advanced Meditation
8:00-9:30 PM NPS101 Reclaiming the Heart
8:00-9:30 PM KNR302 Advanced Kum Nye
Tuesdays
10:00-11:30 AM MED103 Beginning Meditation
6:15-7:45 PM: DHS104 A Precious Life
6:15-7:45 PM DHS207 Gateway to Knowledge
6:15-7:45 PM TSK103 Inviting Knowledge
8:00-9:30 PM SKM213 Pioneering Inwardly
8:00-9:30 PM KOF103 Penetrating the Dynamic of Pain
Wednesdays
10:00-11:30 AM MED203 Intermediate Meditation
6:15-7:45 PM KNR102 Beginning Kum Nye
6:15-7:45 PM TSK108 TSK: Perspectives and Practices
8:00-9:30 PM MED209 Shamatha and Vipashyana
Thursdays
1:00-2:30 PM NPS101 Reclaiming the Heart
6:15-7:45 PM DHS207 Gateway to Knowledge
6:15-7:45 PM MED103 Beginning Meditation
8:00-9:30 PM MED203 Intermediate Meditation
8:00-9:30 PM TIB103 Beginning Tibetan, Level III
Fridays
4:30-5:45 PM TIB301 Tibetan Tutorial
6:15-7:45 PM TIB203 Intermediate Tibetan, Level III
Sundays
10:00 AM-Noon KNR107 Sunday Morning Kum Nye
Learn more at nyingmainstitute.org
Spiritual Community/Work Exchange February 6, 2013
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Spiritual Community/Work Exchange
Who we are;
Alameda Contemplative Community
What we have to offer;
A very pleasant sunny upstairs room in a serene environment with compassionate support.
Free rent in exchange for a little assistance.
Who we are seeking;
A person with strong spiritual (religious) practice to assist 85 year old founder of community.
An able-bodied retired person or some one working from home would be good.
We are trying to build a non-profit for the purpose of providing affordable housing for seniors wanting to retire in a contemplative community.
Contact;
Lawrence @ 510-523-7349 between 10AM-4PM Jesse @ 510-435-3644
Professional Event Coordinator/Nonprofit Consultant/Cultural Organizer and Mom Seeking New Home. January 25, 2013
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Professional Event Coordinator/Nonprofit Consultant/Cultural Organizer and Mom Seeking New Home.
I am looking for a peaceful, beautiful home to rent or share, to raise my magical little boy. I often work from home. We need at minimum two bedrooms and a bathroom with tub. As we are veggie, it would be great to live in a home where meat eating is seldom, or extremely conscious. We do eat organic dairy. I don’t smoke, nor do drugs of any kind. I am hoping to stay under $1500, depending on the amount of private space.
Feel free to pass it on! Time is on the essence. We need to move by Feb. 1, if possible.
Thanks! Alli 415-517-0123
