Noon Meditation on Mon, Wed, and Fri, 12:15 - 12:50 PM. Bob Harris and Kim Abbey share leadership of these brief, non-sectarian midday sessions.
Long Sit, 10 AM - Noon on 2nd Sundays of the month. Art Costantino leads.
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,
attend in person or on Zoom 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 Class: Learning About Buddhism, 7 - 8:30 PM beginning Oct 24, 2024 through June 2025, attend in person or on Zoom: mtg# 459 433 559 [https://zoom.us/j/459433559].
Attending Activities on ZOOM
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!
Loppon Jamyang will lead practice on Thursdays at 7 PM in the Dharma Center. He plans to emphasize development of our practice skills, so the chanting, recitation, and meditation sessions will be about 7-8 PM, followed by up to 30 minutes of discussion and teaching.
Contemporary Mindfulness
8 week class
Thursday, -
7 - 8:30 PM
Loppon Jamyang will teach this series of classes on Thursday evenings in March and April, substituting for our regular practices. We will use "The Mindful Way Workbook" by Teasdale et al. We will order a bunch of copies to make available at cost ($30). It's a workbook with spaces to write about thoughts and experiences, so if you buy a used one try to get a clean copy.
This will also serve as a fundraiser for Nalanda, so we are requesting donations of $80 for the course, but will not turn anyone away from Thursday evenings. Loppon Jamyang has taught this material before and is well versed in the research base supporting this approach to mindfulness and self-regulation (and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, or MBCT. For us he will of course also bring his deep understanding of the Buddhist understanding of mind.
Join us in person at the Dharma Center (1620 Fourth Avenue East) or online
Looking ahead to 2026
Loppon Jamyang has been thoughtfully considering how best to sustain Nalanda in the coming years. His recommendation, which the Board supports, is that in 2026 we focus on developing additional structure to encourage support individuals in making definable progress in their knowledge, understanding, and practice of Buddhism. We've dipped our toes in that approach but now is the time to solidify our guidance. Here's what 2026 Thursday nights look like.
Mahayana - Bodhisattva Buddhism: In about May - June, Loppon Jamyang's Thursday evenings would change focus to the ideas and practices of Mahayana Buddhism, probably using Shantideva's text (such as A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life, or The Way of the Bodhisattva. For those interested in Buddhism, this course will provide the background and the opportunity "become Buddhists" through taking the Refuge and Bodhisattva vows if desired. This course would also become self-perpetuating through trained students.
Nalanda's Annual Meditation Retreat June 5-7: will review and expand these teachings. Loppon Jamyang has agreed to teach this retreat to assure its alignment with the two preceding courses.
Vajrayana Buddhism: Loppon Jamyang will offer a Vajrayana course in Fall 2026, with enrollment restricted to qualified students who have received a highest tantra initiation (such as Chakrasamvara). Successful participation and completion of the two courses described above would provide the background knowledge, and Nalanda will facilitate an opportunity for a highest tantra initiation.
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 meetin g 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.
Sakya Monastery in Seattle
Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony
bestowed by
H.E. Khöndung Abhaya Rinpoche
His Eminence Khöndung Abhaya Rinpoche will be bestowing The Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony at Sakya Monastery. Traditional offerings of flowers, incense, etc. may be offered at 9:30 am for the monks to arrange on the shrine before the ceremony begins.
To embark on the path of a Bodhisattva, one who has gone for refuge in the Mahayana tradition aspires to cross the ten levels. Through this, they reach complete Buddhahood in order to free all sentient beings from suffering. The foundation for achieving that goal is to formally take the Bodhisattva vow. In this beautiful traditional ceremony, Abhaya Rinpoche will confer the vow and explain its profound significance according to the classic teachings of the Sakya Masters.
Commitment: To keep bodhicitta.
Registration is required, and closes on Friday, May 8th at 10:00 am PT. Please reach out to monastery@sakya.org if you would like to register with financial assistance.
Learn about Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows
In person at the Dharma Center
Vow Preparation Class
Those who have grown up in a non-Buddhist society typically have questions about how a formal commitment to the Buddhist path fits into their lives. What is the significance of taking vows? What is my commitment? How does it fit with my upbringing? Can I keep the vows I make? These questions are worthy to consider, and it can be helpful to discuss them with others.
I (Jan) had these questions before I was ready to take the refuge vow, so I searched for information from reliable sources, relying heavily on teachings from Sakya Masters, and HH the Dalai Lama, and others. I've assembled some of these materials into a Q&A format that respects traditional teachings. This optional class will be an opportunity to study perspectives and instructions from recognized teachers and discuss them with like-minded people. I expect the class to last 1 - 2 hours. We'll address both Refuge Vow and Boshisattva Vow.
I'd appreciate knowing who is planning to attend so I can have enough handouts. Drop me a note at vleckjan@gmail.com.
Taking the Vows
At the Dharma Center 1620 Fourth Avenue E.
Refuge and Bodhisattva Vow Ceremonies
with Saga Dawa Celebration
Saga Dawa honors the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana. Nalanda will emphasize this important day with practices, the offering of formal vow ceremonies, and lunch. It's doubtful we'll stream the activities, so best to attend in person. You don't have to attend the entire day, and can come and go if you need to, but be patient if we don't hold exactly to this planned schedule:
9 - 10 AM set up and preparation by Loppon Jamyang & Lama Lungrik
10-11 AM practices
11-12 noon formal refuge vow ceremony
noon - 1 PM lunch (it's OK to come just for this; bring potluck items)
1 - 2 or 2:30 PM formal bodhisattva vow ceremony
2:30 - 4 PM further Saga Dawa practices
For those considering undertaking either of the formal vow ceremonies (this year or even in the future) you're invited to attend a preparation class and discussion on Sun May 17. It's not required, but might be helpful to you. Jan Vleck will provide information, answer questions if he can, and let you know what to expect at these steps on the Buddhist path. I'd like to be sure we have enough handouts for those attending.
Advance registration by is required so we can confirm the number of meals to be prepared by Gwinwood staff. The requested donation is $225 per person for all or any part of the retreat, to cover fixed expenses at the Gwinwood Retreat Center. Vegetarian meals and dorm lodging is included for this residential retreat, although we understand some may wish to commute. Click HERE to complete registration form.
We have access to set up at Gwinwood starting at . WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO ARRIVE AT THAT TIME AT GWINWOOD, AND EVEN EARLIER AT THE DHARMA CENTER TO PACK UP MATERIALS. Formal retreat activities begin on and conclude on . If you can't volunteer for setup, please be in the building ready to start at .
Social Media
Check Out the Nalanda Facebook page!
Nalanda members who use Facebook can see posts on ‘The Nalanda Institute Olympia’ page. Click HERE and enjoy photos and videos of our event. You may react and reply there also!
Are you more media savvy than most? Then PLEASE volunteer to help Nalanda using your skills. Website, social media, archiving, video editing, etc...
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.
The Thursday afternoon study group will soon be starting a new book. So this might be a good time to check it out to see if you'd like to join up for the next book: Nagarjuna's "In Praise of Dharmadhatu" (Karl Brunnholzl, translator).
We meet over Zoon to read aloud and discuss - it will probably take at least a year to get through this book. We have about 6-8 regular attendees including our Tibetan special consultant Sonam Dorje. The group focuses mainly on foundational Tibetan Buddhist texts in English translation, typically with accompanying classic and modern commentaries. Drop a line to either Grace Owen or Jan Vleck to ask any questions or learn how to sit in on a meeting to see if it suits you. Both of us have gmail addresses, either gracemieleowen@ or vleckjan@. Or see Jan in person at the Dharma Center before or after Thursday practice.
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. We will read & study contemporary and classical texts, with help from Sonam Dorje. 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
Nalanda offers two longer meditation sessions at 10 am on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. The meditations contain two 50 minute periods of seated or cross-legged meditation and one 10 minute period of walking meditation. Many practitioners find that longer sessions can lead to improvement in attention span, sustained focus, and mindfulness. The longer sessions can also amplify the various physical benefits associated with mediation as you give the body more time to center, restore, and rejuvenate.
Drop in! You are welcome.
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
Tara, an emanation of Chenrezig (Avelokiteshvara), is associated with compassion and protection. Tara practices are present in all schools of Buddhism, and she is especially beloved in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Here at Nalanda, a 'Tara Circle', is led by Kim Abbey.
Kim is thinking of changing the content and schedule of the practice, and seeks input. Contact Kim for information and updates at kabbey48@gmail.com or 206-387-6134 (VM or Txt).
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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