Most ongoing Nalanda programs will continue during the summer on their regular schedules. Check with the usual leader if any questions.
During Loppon Jamyang's summer break (June 27- August), Thursday evenings will be a little different. We are thinking of supplementing chanting and meditation practices with discussions of short readings and possibly movie nights. When feasible, these will be hybrid in-person + Zoom. Main leaders during the summer will be Jan Vleck, Liz Frey, and Quita Terrell. We'll use these emails to give you heads up. Readings may be posted on the website in advance when we do that. Join in on Zoom or in person at the Dharma Center, 1620 Fourth Av E, Olympia 98506.
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.
2024-2025 new teaching & study program: Learning about Buddhism
Loppon Jamyang is offering an ambitious 3-part course about Buddhism, starting in late October (probably 10/24), using part of our regular Thursday evening practice time. I'll try to get further information on the website soon, but here is a brief description, and the book list. You should order the first 2 books right away for the first discussions, which will be a good introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, from writings by Geshe-la's teacher Khenpo Appey, and one of his colleagues (Lama Migmar).
Fall 2024: Introduction to Mahayana - Bodhisattva
The essence of Mahayana (Universal Vehicle) Buddhism is the aspiration to attain Buddhahood to liberate all beings from suffering. This aspiration (bodhicitta) is the basis of bodhisattva practice.
"Reality and Wisdom: Exploring the Buddha's Four Noble Truths and The Heart Sutra" [Wisdom Publications, 2023] by Khenpo Migmar Tseten.
"Teachings on Sakya Pandita's Clarifying the Sage's Intent" [Vajra Publications, 2008] by Khenchen Appey Rinpoche.
Winter 2024-2025: Philosophy of Mind
We will consider the classic Tibetan Buddhist understanding of the mind in terms of existence, perception of reality, karma, and the path to liberation [abhidharmakosha].
"SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY IN THE INDIAN BUDDHIST CLASSICS, VOL. 2: The Mind" [Wisdom Publications, 2020] edited by Thupten Jinpa – we've used this book before so you may already have it.
Spring 2025: Introduction to Tantrayana – Vajrayana
This introduction will continue Loppon Jamyang's recent increasing teaching at Nalanda about Vajrayana, a higher level of understanding and practice that is a hallmark of Tibetan Buddhism.
"The Yogini's Eye: Comprehensive Introduction to Buddhist Tantra" [Xlibris, 2012], by Sonam Tsemo.
NOTE: CHANGE IN STARTING TIME
Beginning October 24, we will meet at 6 PM (1 hour earlier than usual), due to the time zone difference in Nepal so Loppon Jamyang can teach before we start the main practice at 7 PM.
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.
Jangyang Is Traveling
Our Founder and Spiritual Director, Loppon Jamyang Tsultrim, is marking his recent TESC retirement with extended travel. Over the next 5 months he will visit locations in India and Nepal to attend significant Sakya events, visit his "roots" for his monastic training, and share Tibetan cultural experiences with his family.
In September, he expects to be able to resume leading most Thursday practices and perhaps attend other Nalanda events through the miracle of internet connectivity.
Peer Support Group for Contemplative Practice
First and Third Tuesdays of the Month, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Kalyanamitra // Spiritual Friend: A Peer Support Group for Contemplative Practice
Join this twice monthly informal support group at Nalanda. Leaders are Jenna Mallon and Nick Cowden, who have studied under Loppon Jamyang and elsewhere at the university level. They 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.
Journey to a Healthier You
presented by Lisa O'Block
First Sundays, Through June 25, 2025 10 - 11:30 am
Wellness Program
Are you interested in learning the importance of establishing healthy behaviors while modifying unhealthy ones? Join us for the Nalanda Center's ten-month wellness program, "Journey to a Healthier You," designed to provide information to improve your well-being. Each month, we will cover different topics to help you and your community live a healthier life.
You can participate via Zoom or in person at Nalanda. We will discuss the impact of current health practices in the US and lay the foundation for Lifestyle Medicine, aimed at equipping you with the tools to cultivate sustainable, lifelong health habits. Additionally, we will explore the stages of habit change and how to evaluate your readiness.
Live at the Dharma Center, 1620 fourth Avenue East, Olympia, WA or
On Zoom: Meeting number: 875 4920 1879
Passcode: Nalanda
To see the first segment from Sunday, 04 August, 2024Click Here.
NOTE: If you are asked for a passcode to view the video, note that the passcode is not "Nalanda" but in this case h6P$k8=h.
On Zoom: Meeting number: 875 4920 1879
Passcode: h6P$k8=h
Click Hereto see the second Wellness program of 10-06-2004. Same story, weird passcode. Passcode: SX@zj@z1
DISCLAIMER: Our presentation is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. For personalized medical advice, we recommend consulting a licensed physician. Always seek the advice from your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.
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.
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
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
Sakya Monastery Funding
Auction to Support Sakya Monastery, Seattle
Sakya Monastery will host a silent online auction on October 2 – 11, followed by a live auction via Zoom on Saturday, . We are excited to announce that this auction will include special items that once belonged to our founder, His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Dorje Chang.
All proceeds will go towards remodeling the Monastery’s kitchen and dining space and upgrading facilities for the resident sangha. Most of our kitchen appliances are outdated and some malfunction. The cast iron stove we use is nearly 100 years old! And the kitchen area lacks adequate space to prepare multiple meals. These long overdue improvements will serve our community and its activities.
Your generous support will help continue the sacred legacy of His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Dorje Chang who founded this beautiful Monastery in Seattle and will help fulfill His Eminence Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche’s aspirations for the flourishing of the resident sangha, the growth of the community, and the expansion of Marici Fellowship’s meal offerings to homeless communities. Sakya Monastery deeply appreciate everyone’s generosity.
On Wednesday, , Sakya Monastery’s online (silent) auction will open for bidding on BiddingOwl
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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