Some activities can be accessed using ZOOM, as well as attending in-person.
All meetings to have the password: Nalanda.
We will provide regular updates through email about on-line access to Nalanda Zoom meeting rooms for various practices and programs and the necessary meeting I.D.s to participate.
Either download the Zoom app to your smart phone and set up an account, or you may connect to a Nalanda activity from a desktop or laptop computer directly through the Zoom website without an account.
We provide regular updates through email about on-line access to Nalanda activities. If you are not receiving emails from Nalanda, please message info@nalandaolywa.org.
You may also keep in touch through Nalanda's website, and through our Facebook page, so please check back regularly.
Please stay informed, stay in the moment, and stay healthy!
Nalanda activities accessible through Zoom
Go to zoom.us; click 'join a meeting'; then enter the meeting number. Or on your browser, type in the URL - or click the links - below. Password for all Nalanda meetings is Nalanda
Chenrezig/Tara Practice Saturdays, 10-11:30 AM mtg# 819 0132 9425 [https://zoom.us/j/81901329425] [for info: Zach Z. 360-999-1974]
Tantra Bookgroup Thursdays, 1:30-3 PM mtg# 878 935 457 [https://zoom.us/j/878935457] [for info: Jan V. 360-584-5972]
Thursday Evening Meditation Thursdays, 7-8:30 PM mtg# 459 433 559 [https://zoom.us/j/459433559] [for info: Jan V. 360-584-5972]. If you wish, download the Sadhana we use on Thursday evenings.
The planned teaching focus for 2024 will be on the "original" Tibetan Buddhist conception of how to meditate, as organized and articulated by Kamalashila in his classic "Stages of Meditation" book. This will be a great foundation for new meditators, while offering ways for more experienced meditators to expand their practice, and for advanced meditators to refine their skills.
Kamalashila's writings are well respected and have proven their appeal over centuries. His Holiness the Dalai Lama often teaches on this topic. Typically most attention goes to the middle of three volumes on the stages of meditation - for example we studied the 'middle stages of meditation' text at Nalanda nearly 20 years ago. Loppon Jamyang plans to include also insights and methods from the first and third volumes, which are not generally accessible in English.
The First Thursday Dharma Teaching on January 4, 2024 will introduce the scope of this year-long foundation for effective, complete meditation.
All are welcome at the Dharma Center or To join online, click on Zoom, or go to Zoom meeting # 459433559 and use the password Nalanda.
ZOOM MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
For ZOOM access information see Quick Reference to Nalanda's On-Line Zoom Activities, or Contact Jan Vleck, 360-584-5972 or email.
This meeting I.D. will remain the same for every upcoming Thursday night practice also.
Some of you may be new to Zoom, so we’ve included these instructions. Zoom is fairly user friendly and the learning curve is relatively quick for newcomers.
If you are using a laptop or desktop PC to participate:
Go to the Zoom Meeting # 459433559 for this meeting.
You do not have need a Zoom account. All you need is the meeting I.D. 459433559 and password: Nalanda
You will see a button near the top right that reads “join meeting”.
Enter the meeting I.D and then the password, Nalanda, to join the meeting.
You may have to click a button to start the video and the audio
You should be able to see Jamyang and the other participants as well as hear them.
They will be able to see you, assuming you sit in front of the computer camera.
If the host takes up the whole screen, when someone else talks, the view shifts to that person, the next person talking, etc. That’s how the discussion will occur.
You can also have a “gallery” view where everyone is on the screen at the same time.
If you are using a mobile phone or a tablet to participate:
You will need to download the Zoom app to your device. The app is free.
From the app, “join the meeting” by entering the meeting I.D. 459433559 and then the password: Nalanda.
When you tap the screen, a menu pops up at the bottom of the screen. That is where you will find controls to turn on video and audio if they are not initially on.
As with the PC, you will see everyone and they will see you (if video is on).
Stay safe, stay in the moment, and stay well.
Class for People New to Buddhism
Tuesdays 7 to 8:30 pm through
Course at Nalanda (no Zoom)
Buddhism 101 The Fundamentals
with Bob Harris
Bob Harris will facilitate this 5 session class in-person (no Zoom) at Nalanda's Dharma Center at 1620 4th Ave. E. This will be a great foundation for beginners, and reminder for advanced students or meditators. The last two classes are Apr 9 & 16. Even if you haven't attended the preceding classes, the life of Buddha is a rich source of insight that helps us understand where Buddhism as we know it came from. Suggested donation is $5 per session.
Bob has decades of learning so if you want to expand your understanding of Buddhism you owe it to yourself to take this class.
Course on some fundamental principles of Buddhism
Thursdays, - 12:30 - 2 pm
At Olympia Senior Center
222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia, Washington 98501
Middle Way Buddhism
class by George Forson
Nalanda's George Forson will be teaching an in-person course on some fundamental principles of Buddhism, continuing a series originated by Bob Saunders some years ago. [We miss you, Bob! Thanks, George!] Explore the nature of dependent origination and emptiness, and how the two truths can bring freedom in this every day life.
George Kishor Forson has been studying and practicing Yoga and Buddhism since 1971, and has been active with Nalanda since moving here a few years ago. For him, it all started when his dear older sister gave him the book, "Be Here Now".
George says just show up even if you're not a member with Senior Services, but if you are a member please register for the class -- this will help keep the doors open for this class. Senior Services' target audience is 55+, but I don't see an age requirement to join ($20 for a "Seasonal" membership, which support senior programs). Membership details and course catalogue can be found at https://www.southsoundseniors.org/courses
Refuge Ceremony & Four Immeasurables
Refuge Vow Ceremony
and
Transmission of the Four Immeasurables Meditation Practice
Before our annual Nalanda Retreat, Loppon Jamyang plans to offer the opportunity for taking Refuge Vows, in combination with a transmission of the foundational practices of the Four Immeasurables (Lovingkindness, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy, and Equanimity). He would like this to take place in the context of his First Thursday Dharma Teaching at the Dharma Center, so of course all are invited. If you have taken refuge vows in the past, you may renew them. If you have not taken the vows before, you may observe and support the ceremony, or learn more before May to help decide if the vows are for you. Jan Vleck [vleckjan@gmail.com] will offer a preparation class (1 session) before May 2 if there is interest.
If you have not taken formal refuge vows, please indicate your interest in advance so Geshe-la can prepare. It's OK to attend the preparation class before your decide, but indicate your interest in the preparation class to Jan in the next few weeks so we can arrange a date for the class.
Peer Support Group for Contemplative Practice
First and Third Tuesdays of the Month, First Meeting:
Kalyanamitra // Spiritual Friend: A Peer Support Group for Contemplative Practice
Join Jenna Mallon and Nick Cowden for this twice monthly informal support group at Nalanda. Nick & Jenna have studied under Loppon Jamyang and elsewhere at the university level, and share his conviction that training the mind can be very beneficial to our daily lives. Total beginners are welcome, as introductory meditation instruction can be provided on the spot. Advanced practitioners also welcome, as everyone needs support on the path.
When Buddhist monks take their vows, they do so in groups of three or more, as the support of others is viewed as necessary for a sustainable practice. In that spirit, we will practice meditation together and then hold a discussion on practice itself. This is a place to ask questions, address obstacles, gain inspiration, normalize your experience, discuss teachings and concepts, and reflect on meditation’s impact on your life. It is normal to find these practices difficult, to struggle with consistency, and to question what you’re doing – community can help.
Planning for a New Opportunity presented by Lisa O'Block
Wellness Program coming from Nalanda
Sangha member (and Board Secretary) Lisa O'Block is developing a comprehensive wellness program for later this year. It will probably meet once monthly, perhaps on a Sunday morning starting in April or May -- stay tuned. This is an area of her particular interest in her professional work, and will address skills and behaviors in an evidence-based manner. Although our brain health is influenced by our genetics, lifestyle choices along the way have a huge impact on how injuries and genetics play out. Monthly topics could include nutrition, wellness-related creative and "purposeful" physical activities (as distinguished from gym-oriented), social well being measures, etc.
Lisa's program will be a wonderful reinforcement for Loppon Jamyang's teachings on meditation practices, but of course will benefit non-meditators as well. Make it a family thing?
Visiting Teacher - Anam Thubten
Social Hall, United Churches, Olympia WA
Free Public Talk
- register for this event
Courtesy of https://insightla.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Anam-Thubten.jpg
Anam Thubten Teaches in Olympia
Anam Thubten grew up in Tibet and at an early age began to practice in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. His most formative teacher guides were Lama Tsurlo, Khenpo Chopel, and Lama Garwang. As the founder and spiritual advisor of Dharmata Foundation, he teaches widely in the U.S. and abroad. His English language books include Choosing Compassion; No Self, No Problem; The Magic of Awareness; and Embracing Each Moment.
Schedule:
Fri, May 3; 7-9 PM free public talk; donations will be gratefully accepted.
Sat, May 4; check in by 9:15 AM, ends about 4:30 PM (with a break for lunch): day-long retreat of dharma talks and meditations, by advance registration, the fee is $75. No one will be turned away for lack of money, but you still need to register and request an adjustment if you feel you cannot afford $75. Chair seating will be available so if you prefer a cushion be sure to bring your own.
The registration link opens next week. I will send an email when I receive that information, or you may directly contact Sherry Walton [WaltonSherry38@yahoo.com] to receive the link and more information about the topics. Sherry may also need more volunteers to help with set up, clean up, snack table, etc. so if you can take on this generous action let her know.
Preparation for Death
Support End of Life Practices at Nalanda: the Kunrig Fund
Bob Saunders 1943-2023
Bob Saunders made his own preparations for the end of his lifetime, and communicated his wishes to family and to Geshe-La. As Buddhists, we may focus some of our regular practices on our personal preparation for death, and we are aware that our Dharma friends can also offer us beneficial support during our transition. An important part of how we supported Bob was through arranging a "Kunrig" practice ritual at Mundgod Monastery, which was made possible through a family donation. We would like to be able to have Nalanda offer this kind of support to our own Dharma community in years to come.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
Inspired by Bob's example, Loppon Jamyang suggested establishing a dedicated Kunrig fund [Kunrig Choga] at Nalanda. Indeed, we received donations in from Bob's friends and supporters in response to our request, and respectfully renew our request for special financial donations to this new fund.
Please specify "Kunrig" or "End of Life" on your donations. You can mail a check to Nalanda Institute (PO Box 11361, Olympia, WA 98501-1361). You may also donate on line through our website's PayPal link: touch the "Donate" button found among the main links at the top of this web page and enter "Kunrig Choga" or "memorial fund" in the description line so our treasurer will classify the donation properly.
If you are available and interested, consider joining this ongoing Nalanda bookgroup (Thurdsays, 1:30 - 3 pm by Zoom]. We read aloud and discuss. The group is usually about 6-8 people including Sonam Dorje. Call Jan Vleck to learn more 360.584.5972
This group is starting a new book so it's a good time to check it out if you are free on Thursday afternoons. We tend to read classical texts, but it varies. We will be starting "The Lankavatara Sutra" (2012, Counterpoint Press). It may be a challenging text, but this group hasn't shied away from heavy lifting in the past, and we have the help of Sonam. If you'd like to learn more or observe a meeting (on Zoom), contact either Grace Owen [gracemieleowen@gmail.com] or Jan Vleck [vleckjan@gmail.com]. We read aloud and then discuss -- it often takes us a year to finish a book!
Currently we are still meeting on Zoom. Anyone is welcome to sign in and check it out -- you don't have to have the book to get a feel for the group.
Ritual Chanting
Every Saturday 10 - 11:30 am in person
Chenrezig and Green Tara Practices at Nalanda
If you are not a current participant and wish to join, contact Zack Zinn (before the meeting time!).
Lama Lungrik leads a practice to transform our body, speech, and mind into the Dharma, the union of compassion and emptiness. Once a month closest to the full moon we do Green Tara practice, drawing closer to the action aspect of compassion.
You must wear a mask and be fully vaccinated to participate. Do not enter the Dharma Center if you are not vaccinated. Keep a social distance. Air filters will be in use.
The Nalanda Study Group
1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month
1 - 3 pm
Note: Practices with "Zoom" Go to Zoom Meeting # 892 6668 2112 password: Nalanda
You're Invited!
The Saturday Study Group meets on zoom from 1 - 3 PM on the first and third Saturdays of each month. The book is "Enlightened Courage" by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. The topic is Lojong mind training using 59 slogans. We will read a slogan and Rinpoche's commentary on the slogan out loud. Then participants who own other books on Lojong can volunteer to read commentaries from those books to the group. The group takes ample time to discuss the slogans.
2nd & 4th Sundays of the Month 10 am - Noon at the Dharma Center
www.kenroizu.com; Courtesy of Howard Greenberg Gallery. NYC; Tricycle Magazine
Long Meditation
Are you curious to try out longer meditation sessions? Come to the monthly long sit, where the conditions are highly conducive to practice: you will be with other meditators and surrounded by a beautiful dharma center! Mark your calendar for the second Sunday each month.
Art Costantino leads.
Ideas: Traditional & Modern
Buddhism East and West
Nalanda’s Buddhism East and West study group explores cross-cultural themes in traditional and Buddhist modernism as well as in Western philosophy and science. We explore the philosophy, phenomenology, and psychology of nonduality both East and West by reading both traditional and modern texts and essays. We explore the many dimensions of both waking up and growing up, what they mean and how they differ.
By request of the participants, the group is ongoing and meets fluidly by agreeing on the dates of the next one or two sessions and what the focus will be. The past four Zoom sessions have been exploring the nonduality of Advaita Vedanta and comparing it to the nonduality of the Mahayana schools. These sessions have featured a teacher from California who’s trained in both Buddhism and Advaita. Although the current format is primarily study, past formats have included some practice in addition to study.
Book Review: Blaine has written a scholarly review of Evan Thompson's book, Why I Am Not a Buddhist.
"There's quite a bit of Buddhist content in it, both Buddhist modernism, Buddhism and science, as well as Buddhist teachings. As you'll see, I'm critical of the book even though I adore Thompson's other books." - Blaine Snow
Kim Abbey's Tara Circle is starting activities once again. Contact her for information and updates. 206.387.6134
The Nalanda Community Meets
The Dharma Center
Social Gathering and General Member Meeting of The Nalanda Institute
Please attend the 2024 General Membership Meeting of TNI, at the Dharma Center. We will have refreshments and social time starting at 6:30, and a brief business meeting starting at 7 PM. You are encouraged to bring snacks to share. You can meet the Board members who work behind the scenes to keep Nalanda and our Dharma Center functioning, and we will talk about the vision and goals of Nalanda, a more formal structure for membership, and your ideas for the kinds of programs and support you would like to see offered by Nalanda.
Events & Resources from other nearby centers
Sakya Monastery (Seattle) Calendar of Events
Sakya Monastery is always a treasure box of opportunity for Dharma practitioners, and despite the pandemic they have put together an incredible set of virtual events. Check out Sakya's Event Calendar.
Or check Sakya's News page
Recordings
Selected Teachings from Nalanda
Some of Geshe Jamyang Tsultrim's teachings on the first Thursday of each month as well as teachings from Nalanda's Retreats are now available online at Talks.
Many thanks to our Pledge Donors!
Just like many struggling small businesses, Nalanda has ongoing expenses and reduced income in this plague time. Because we are not able to meet at the Dharma Center, our 'in-person' donations (such as cash or checks in the Dana box) have dried up, yet we still have costs related to owning and operating our physical Dharma Center. We also have the new cost of a monthly Zoom account to support our programs, and Nalanda also made an emergency donation to support food security in our local community during this pandemic. Please, if you can, include Nalanda in your charitable giving.
Nalanda's programs are supported in large part by those who have pledged regular financial contributions. Thank you so much! Your generosity is an inspiration, and the benefits have far reaching effects. To learn more about making a one-time on-line contribution, please click on Dana or the "Dana" link at the top of this page. To set up on-going on-line contributions, please contact us at info@nalandaolywa or use your bank's electronic payment options. ("Dana" means giving or generosity, and is one of the Six Perfections of Buddhism.)
Celebratory Video
Re-living the Dalai Lama's 86th Birthday Party
Evolution of the Heart, 36-minute film from The Mind & Life Institute, powerfully conveys the inter-relatedness of beings, through conversations between the Dalai Lama, evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson, and social scientist Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela. It features very concrete examples including stories about chickens and the wolves of selfishness, and from the South African Truth & Reconciliation Commission.
We are fortunate that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is still teaching so actively at age 85. Take advantage of this precious resource by watching either live or taped versions of his talks. Many of them are convenient 1-hour presentations. For details on his upcoming teachings, go to Schedule. A library of taped videos is at Video Library.
His Holiness's videos offer such a variety you are sure to find something of interest. Some are informal Dharma presentations (like the book launch), some are formal Dharma teachings (like an upcoming three-day teaching on Nagarjuna's Commentary on Bodhicitta), and some are conversations with scientists (three events in Nov and Dec).
When seeking a live event be careful to adjust for the time difference between Dharamsala and Olympia - the announcements typically cite a time for Los Angeles, and provide a link to a time zone calculator. (PS: don't forget daylight savings time ends on Nov 1!)
Debut Album
Audio album from His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Inner World is the debut album by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, and is recommended by Geshe Jamyang. It is a combination of especially recorded mantras and messages by His Holiness, set to a backdrop of beautiful music. The mantras were all chosen specifically to support us in our everyday lives. To act like medicine, and change our energy according to what we need, for example, finding courage, healing, wisdom, and protection to name a few.
My understanding is that if you purchase the CD it comes with an explanatory book. Net proceeds from sales of Inner World will go to His Holiness's chosen programs:
Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning), an international education program and part of an academic collaboration between Emory University and His Holiness;
and the Mind & Life Institute, which brings science & contemplative wisdom together to better understand the mind & create positive change in the world.
Recommended Videos
Geshe Jamyang shares two videos of Tibetan life and culture. (The Jamyang hosting the video is a tour guide in Tibet--different person.) The first video is a look at how Tibetans in Lhasa celebrate Enlightenment Day (Saka Dawa), and the second shows the process of a master artist painting a thangka.
Evolution of the Heart (36 min) powerfully conveys the inter-relatedness of beings, through conversations between the Dalai Lama, evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson, and social scientist Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela (who served on the South African Truth & Reconciliation Commission).
Geshe-la has also recently suggested some videos by His Holiness the Sakya Trichen. Specifically recommended are:
"Living a Virtuous Worldly Life According to the Dharma"
“How to Face Difficult Circumstances from a Buddhist Perspective”
"Ten Questions for His Holiness" [on American life in 15 minutes!]
Buddha's Biography (28 min) From Nalanda's own Bob Harris. Also, connect through the Nalanda web page by selecting TALKS at the top of the screen and then "Bob Harris".
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