First Thursday Public Talks

with

Geshe Jamyang Tsultrim

On the first Thursday of each month--exceptions will be noticed here--Geshe Jamyang Tsultrim gives a dharma talk that is open to the public on a variety of buddhist topics. The talks begin at 7:00 PM.

Please, Note: All Nalanda Institute teachings and meditation practices will be held at our new Dharma Center, 1620 Fourth Ave E., Olympia, WA - not at the Vietnamese Temple.    NeedDirections?

Thursday, November 29

Stress Management

NOTE: The First Thursday in December teaching is moved to November 29 because Geshe Jamyang has to travel to India.

Is stress or dukha necessarily destructive?  Can it be constructive or necessary for our daily life and spiritual practice?  What are the similarities between Buddhist concept of "dukha" and stress in western science?  If stress is necessary for our life, what are the effective methods of living with stress instead of getting rid of it?  What are the possible sources of stress and antidotes for it?  What degree of stress is healthy and unhealthy for our daily and spiritual life?

Please join us for this timely and thoughtful presentation!

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First Thursday, November 1

Lojong

In November Geshe Jamyang continues his series of monthly teachings on Tibetan Mind Development practices (Lojong) that began in October.

Geshe will begin to discuss the specific Lojong practices, the 59 slogans or aphorisms that are a guide to Buddhist living at its fullest.  The wisdom or "skillful means" of the Lojong practices is an excellent path to a deeper understanding of the Buddhist view and approach to all aspects of life.

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First Thursday, October 4

Lojong

In October, Geshe Jamyang will continue teachings on Tibetan Mind Development practices (Lojong) that started with our August visiting teacher, Lama Pema Wangdak.  Lama Pema, gave an excellent introduction to the teachings with great stories about applying Dharma in adverse situations and the importance of motivation and compassion.  The Oct 4 session by Geshe will start with the reasons for doing Lojong and other Dharma practices.  Nov and Dec teachings will continue with instruction and discussion of specific Lojong practices.

The beloved, western Tibetan Buddhist nun, Pema Chodron, characterizes Lojong as: Powerful Buddhist Practices for cultivating Wisdom, Fearlessness, and Compassion.  Here's more of what Pema Chodron has to say about Lojong:

For many years, the 59 Lojong slogans have been the primary focus of my personal practice and my teaching.  TheTibetan Buddhist slogans are pithy, powerful reminders on how to awaken our hearts in the midst of day-to-day life, under any circumstances.  When I first read these slogans, I was struck by their unusual message: we can use everything we encounter in our lives - pleasant or painful - to awaken genuine uncontrived compassion.

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First Thursday, September 6

Vipassana in Daily Life

Geshe's 1^st "First Thursday" Dharma talk for Fall of 2012 will be on Vipassana meditation.  He will give detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use vipassana to help navigate daily life.  The presentation includes not just verbal instruction but exercises that will greatly help the attendees to understand and apply these techniques.

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First Thursday, June 7

Celebrating the Buddha's Enlightenment

This time of the year falls withing the 4th lunar month of the Tibetan Calendar. This is the month that Tibetan Buddhists remember Buddha Shakyamuni's birth and also his spiritual awakening.  To honor the memory of this inspirational man, Geshe Jamyang will discuss the highlights of The Buddha's life and teachings.

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First Thursday, May 3

The Path of Compassion

Is Compassion/Altruism necessary in our lives?  Why does the Mahayana tradition consider it as the primary path for enlightenment?  How does compassion counteract negative emotions?  What are the effective methods to cultivate it?  How does compassionate mind affect depression or anxiety?  Will compassion bring a state of happiness or suffering in the short or long term, or both?

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First Thursday, March 1

Cultivating and Sustaining Positive Qualities

• Is it possible to develop a continuous state of positive qualities and actualization of indestructible skills in our lives?
• What makes us less attractive and causes us to struggle more to sustain positive qualities??

Bring your questions, comments, hopes, obstacles and doubts about this important element of practicing Buddhism.  Look forward to a great discussion of the issue of positive qualities.

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First Thursday, Feb 2

Resting in the Natural State of Mind

Resting in the natural state of mind through direct experience is the hallmark of Buddhist liberation as well as a key to simple peace of mind.  But what is the natural state of mind? Experiencing and recognizing this state is clearly key.  In this talk, Geshe Jamyang will help us understand the contrast between resting in the natural state and our normal way of experiencing the world. The talk and discussions will explore key questions:

• What role does conceptualization play in our experience of the world?
• Does conceptual based thought have negative consequences for how we live?
• What is our fundamental human nature? Is it positive, negative, or neutral?
• How is conceptualization different than "direct experience"?
• If direct experience is the natural state, how can we achieve and maintain it?

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