• Welcome
  • Latest News
  • About Pema Khandro
  • Upcoming Events
  • Links
  • DONATE

Buddhist Yogis News

Pema Khandro and Buddhist Yogis News Archive

New Year Meditation Marathon

Upcoming Events

Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course

With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath

Open Dates
Teachings on Death and Dying Facing realities of dying, death, and grief are central to our human experience. This program offers practical instructions for helping others in the process of dying and an overview of essential knowledge on death, bardo, and rebirth. This includes self-paced lectures on dying, loss, grief, and illness from Lamas and scholars of Buddhist Studies.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course

With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan

Open Dates
Join Pema Khandro and a group of esteemed Buddhist Studies scholars for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course

With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro

Open Dates
This is the missing history of women in Tantric Buddhism. This course addresses the fascinating story of nuns, mothers, teachers, consorts, prophets, and disciples. Taught by scholar-practitioners whose groundbreaking research on women and Buddhism has changed the way we think of Buddhist history. This course will address the history of women in Buddhism, the history of yoginis and dakinis in India and Tibet, the stories of important Buddhist women, Buddhist philosophy on gender, sex, and sexuality, and the role of the consort in historical Tibet, and contemporary manifestations and so much more. Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for…
Register Now

January 5, 2021 by pemacom

rc-c-tl.gif spacer.gif rc-c-tr.gif
spacer.gif

Buddhist Studies Institute


New Year Meditation Marathon

Guided Meditation and Community Support

FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY

Meditate daily with certified Meditation Instructor Training teachers
and teachers-in-training.


Upcoming Events

ONLINE OPEN TEACHINGS
*All times are listed in Pacific Time UTC-8 (Timezone Converter)

Now – Feb 12th Tibetan New Year (Losar)
New Years Meditation Marathon
Free, Short, Daily.

Thursdays – Resuming on Jan 7th, 8am
A Course in Valid Cognition with Geshe Sonam
Winter Pramana Study


Members-Only Classes

*The Curriculum below is for Members Only
Learn More about Membership
 
1st and 2nd Wednesdays – Vajrayana Training with Pema Khandro
For students on the path of Vajrayana and Great Perfection (Dzogchen) 
 
3rd and 4th Wednesdays – Ngakpa Training with Pema Khandro
In-depth study of the Ngakpa Tradition
 

Every Monday – Meditation Mondays
Group Meditation with Janak Kimmel & Guest Teachers

spacer.gif
rc-c-bl.gif spacer.gif rc-c-br.gif

Letter from Pema Khandro

Upcoming Events

Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course

With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath

Open Dates
Teachings on Death and Dying Facing realities of dying, death, and grief are central to our human experience. This program offers practical instructions for helping others in the process of dying and an overview of essential knowledge on death, bardo, and rebirth. This includes self-paced lectures on dying, loss, grief, and illness from Lamas and scholars of Buddhist Studies.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course

With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan

Open Dates
Join Pema Khandro and a group of esteemed Buddhist Studies scholars for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course

With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro

Open Dates
This is the missing history of women in Tantric Buddhism. This course addresses the fascinating story of nuns, mothers, teachers, consorts, prophets, and disciples. Taught by scholar-practitioners whose groundbreaking research on women and Buddhism has changed the way we think of Buddhist history. This course will address the history of women in Buddhism, the history of yoginis and dakinis in India and Tibet, the stories of important Buddhist women, Buddhist philosophy on gender, sex, and sexuality, and the role of the consort in historical Tibet, and contemporary manifestations and so much more. Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for…
Register Now

December 31, 2020 by pemacom

Dear Friends,

I still remember when the pandemic was first announced – our first meeting when our team was faced with so many decisions. We eventually scrapped the year’s calendar we had planned and re-imagined our activities one month at a time until we faced that the whole year would be online. Instead of flying to California to stay at Dakini Mountain for our summer retreats, I remained in Virginia. That was the beginning of letting go of everything we had imagined for the year. 

When the pandemic first hit we had just finished a year-long study on the Buddhist philosophy of impermanence. And suddenly, impermanence seemed so obvious to everyone. The stories of losses started coming in from the community. The loss of social life to the lock downs, the job losses and the loss of structure and security. Sadly, the loss of loved ones too. I grieve with you for the family members and friends we lost this year.  May they rest in peace and find freedom.

The biggest challenge our team faced early on in the pandemic was how to go forward with our consecration of Dakini Mountain. It was a day we had been waiting for and looking forward to for so long. We knew that auspicious energy would be needed for Dakini Mountain since it became clear that we would have to cancel our entire retreat season. In the end we re-imagined the consecration through a weekend long online event – a Vajrayogini retreat taught by myself and Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche. I taught the Vajrayogini Chod cycle with Rinpoche giving the empowerment into Vajrayogini generation stage. The weekend culminated with the consecration at Dakini Mountain. Here is a photo of that beautiful event. 

 

 

Throughout the summer, in place of the retreats we offered three series featuring 12 guest teachers. The first series was In the Presence of Dying, which featured talks on Buddhist views and practices for death and dying. This was followed by a daylong teaching on instructions for dying from Dzogchen. I also taught the Zhitro practice, which is the Tibetan funerary rite to guide the deceased ones through the post-death state.  If you missed the teaching on Dying but wish to attend, I will be teaching this for Zen Mountain Monastery in New York via an online program – click here to find out more. And this winter I will give an advanced class on Dying, Death & Living in the Bardo.

 

Can Vajrayana be taught online?

We also had, for the first time, our Dzogchen retreat online. This is usually our big annual retreat in person together, and would have been at Dakini Mountain, but we brought it online. It was a stunning experience for me actually. The students who were committed and focused on the retreat, dedicating their time in a focused way and showing up to every practice had a deep and profound experience. It was so moving. Before the pandemic, the thought of doing Dzogchen online was of course out of the question. There are traditional reasons for this which orbit around what constitutes transmission, the essential ingredient in Vajrayana practice. But this year the opinions about this shifted and opened up in the Vajrayana communities. I saw the intense dedication of the community who practiced and studied through so many obstacles. Through job losses, wildfires, illness, loss of loved ones and intense uncertainty, we all kept practicing. Seeing this, I felt the highest integrity would be to support the students who wanted to keep their commitment to practice through this crisis. So we did the annual Dzogchen retreat online and it was a beautiful experience. It was touching to see the home shrines of the participants and to feel our connection to one another.

 

Can Buddhists be Angry?

In September, we had a series focused on the “Bodhisattva in Troubled Times,” to address this issue. The point of this program for me was to reflect with our guests on the complex relationship between anger and our bodhichitta- the altruistic enlightened intent. Some people believe the stereotype that Buddhism is all about suppressing anger, and there are forms of Buddhism that have anti-anger rhetoric. Meanwhile, others criticize Tibetan Buddhist tantra for its radical engagements with wrath, anger, power and at times the rhetoric of domination and control. For my community, the role of anger in terms of moral outrage was very clear in the wake of racial violence in the U.S. The anger and moral outrage rallied awareness and momentum for change. 

So how does this all interface with the bodhisattva ideal? What is the role of anger if we seek to live compassionate altruistic lives? In Buddhist tantra we think of anger in terms of the “Vajra” family in the five Buddha families, an energy that can arise as clarity or it may trigger a cascade of aggressive neurosis. It is an energy that requires great care, meticulous presence, lest we lose our altruistic enlightened intent. I suggested that we can realize that anger may be natural, acceptable, and have its place in healing and social change, while at the same time recognizing that we must be very careful with it. Like a sharp weapon, we carry it mindfully realizing that we could easily hurt ourselves and others. We recognize that it is, as one of the sangha members so aptly put it, a bardo. In other words, it is an impermanent state, one that has to be met with care and wisdom. 

In October, we turned to the topic of Buddhist Sexuality reflecting on everything from non-celibate practice to sexual abuse and responses to sexual abuse in Buddhist communities. This had been preceded by study of texts about sexuality in Buddhist tantra that we conducted during the Vajrayana training. But the ultimate context of this was the #metoo movement in Buddhism. We covered so much but there is so much more to cover and I hope we will do that in the times to come. I realized through this program, how much emotional labor it takes to talk about these issues, especially because my scholarly research is also touching on this subject. But I had this sense that the emotional labor is worthwhile, for the awareness and potential for change it produces. For me, the motivation is that Buddhist community would be a safe place for women and for all vulnerable people since abuse harms every kind of person.

We also had our annual Vajra Sangha retreat online. This is an event where usually the Vajra Sangha members all come to stay with me at Khandro Ling and is one of the most memorable events of the year. But this year, with the pandemic and everyone’s safety in mind we canceled that and instead had a one-day Vajra Sangha day of practice, teaching and reflecting. Although we met online this time, there was still some sense of the special energy we have together. Actually I was startled by that, how we could cultivate a sense of connection and a palpable sense of the sacred space we hold together – even though it was through an online medium. 

 

Season of Practice

As we turned towards the winter, despite the pandemic we have continued in our annual tradition of a “season of practice” from November to February. This is a period from November until Losar, the Tibetan New Year (this year on February 12). Thanks to our project, the Buddhist Studies Institute, this season has been one of support for practice on multiple fronts.

 

100 Days of Practice Daily Meditation

For the first time we decided to create an online daily free meditation class for the entire practice season. Usually we all brave this period alone and it has been beautiful to see this period led by our Meditation Instructor Training Alumni as well as Group Leaders. 

This year the 100 days of practice has been led by Janak, Tsal’gyur, Fa Jun, Zat, Dedzin, Norbu, Kundini, Namkhai, Tashi, Detsal, Kalsang, Darius, Ngawang and Sonam. It is continuing every day at 12pm San Francisco time (PST), 3pm New York (EST), and 8pm London (GMT).

It has featured the refuge, bodhichitta and bodhi vows followed by twenty-four minutes of Zhine, Calm Abiding meditation. It is twenty-four minutes because that is the length of our daily practice cycle – one minute for every hour of the day. This is followed by a short reading of one of the five precepts and then followed by group conversation. Congratulations to everyone who has been attending. I imagine that these last two weeks are the hardest to maintain as we headed deep into winter and the holidays. But this is how discipline is forged, one day at a time, regardless of obstacles and distractions. 

Discipline and structure keep us in tune with life’s meaning.

 

Ngondro – Iron Mice Sangha

In 2020, we also started a year-long Ngondro training to support a group to finish ngondro. It began in November in this year of the Iron Mouse. We have been wanting to do an online ngondro program for a long time and now we finally have set it in motion. Ngondro is the foundational training for Vajrayana. But to accomplish Ngondro requires determination, it is a practice which is traditionally repeated 100,000 per practice totaling 400,000 – 500,000 repetitions per practice. It is hardcore training of the body and mind!! But it is more than just repetition – at best it is a sense of lingering with great attention in the poetry, prayers, songs and postures of Tibetan Buddhist meditation. Therefore, it is beautiful for those who can allow it to be.

We have been doing the Longchen Nyingthig Ngondro, which means the preliminaries of the Heart of the Vast Expanse. As you are reading this now, someone is doing Ngondro. We have a whole group performing it daily so that the whole group will be ready for the second module in February.
You can read more about it here and you can still join.

If you are in the Ngondro program and have fallen behind, you can still catch up before the next module by doing 185 repetitions a day starting January 1st. 

For those of you doing Ngondro now, we added additional Ngondro videos to watch at home. You can watch them here.

 

Meditation Instructor Training

We are also in the midst of Meditation Instructor training attended by students from around the world. It started in October and goes through February. This is a 150-hour training for experienced meditators and teachers to integrate Buddhism’s most powerful supports into their meditation instruction – from ethics to empathy, Trauma-informed practice to Buddhist philosophy, it provides this firm support for teachers to develop skills to teach meditation at its highest level. For some of our instructors in training, they are in quarantine, others live in countries where there is no coronavirus crisis right now. Whatever their circumstances they are all coming together diligently to practice, study and develop their leadership skills. You can read more about it here.  Or if you’d like to meet the new instructors, they will be leading MIT as student-teachers for the New Year Meditation Marathon (the last forty days of our 100-day period).

 

Dakini Mountain

Dakini Mountain has also made it through this year despite California having its worst fire season ever – 4.1 million acres burned. Dakini Mountain is our new retreat land and it is in Northern California in the Tahoe National Forest, the native land of the Washoe and Nisenan tribes. Although we canceled our in-person retreats, the land has been the site of intense focus and time-consuming efforts on the part of our team (and especially my right-hand-woman, Aruna). The wildfires in California darkened the skies but did not reach this land, and we were blessed that Dakini Mountain did remain safe. My heart goes out to everyone who lost their homes or who were adversely affected by the fires. So many of our sangha members had to temporarily relocate until the fires calmed down. While the fires were blazing, a water crisis touched Dakini Mountain. This happened more than once in 2020 as we discovered broken pipes and a troubled irrigation system that needed a lot of work. We were able to start a fire clearance to protect the land and started repairs on the water system and if we meet our fundraising goal of $20,000 by January 1st, we will cover the cost of these repairs and stage 1 fire clearance – Click Here to Donate. The land itself has been changing dramatically through the seasons. Here is a photo from last winter of Dakini Mountain in the snow to give you a sense of what happens there. Rigdzin pond becomes ice and the land gets blanketed by snow which sparkles like diamonds. 

 

 

Yogic Medicine Institute

Even though our retreats were closed, we did conduct some small versions of the Panchakarma retreats in personalized form. This is the Ayurvedic detoxification, cleansing and rejuvenation program led by the Yogic Medicine Institute. It is an intensive process and three to five of our sangha staff these retreats. They work incredibly hard and the results are stunning. The people who come for PK at Dakini Mountain leave looking ten years younger. I am so proud that we were able to offer this support for healing and health during the pandemic when it is so important. Satya and Aruna have been coordinating these events with great skill and care.

 

The 21 Taras

Our final event of the year was the 21 Taras transmission with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche. May this be the beginning of many more occasions where we sing this beautiful prayer together. This was also my birthday celebration – thank you to everyone who sent notes and messages, who donated and supported this year and this event. I am touched by your care and feel grateful for our beautiful connections. 

“Homage Tara, swift heroic, eyes like lightning instantaneous,

Sprung from opening stamens of the lord of three world’s tear-born lotus.

Homage she whose face combines a hundred autumn moons at fullest…”

If you would like to listen to us singing it you can listen here.

Through all this practice and activity that has taken place we have had a dedicated team of volunteers, leaders and staff. I feel grateful and honored to be working with a community of such kindness and collaboration. I know that the programs have brought comfort, inspiration and stability to so many and that is only possible thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, leaders and staff.

Thank you especially to everyone who donated to the Dakini Mountain Emergency Fund for my birthday. Thank you for your notes, letters and well-wishes, it touches me deeply. I am honored to be connected to such a lovely community. 

Also, thank you to our Leadership – Aruna, Satya, Janak, Tsal’gyur, Dedzin and Kundini for helping make our programs possible. Your service is greatly appreciated.

It is the end of the year but still so much uncertainty lies ahead. In the U.S. where the coronavirus is raging and many of us are on lock down or curfews, there is this looming sense of the unknown. But one thing we learned this year remains with us – the sense of interdependence, the urgent need to relieve suffering. The importance of continuously training our body and mind.

Whatever comes, this too is what we have been training for. To face whatever comes with bodhichitta, to meet life wakefully and bear what is as best we can. 

Yours always,

 

 

Upcoming Events

Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course

With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath

Open Dates
Teachings on Death and Dying Facing realities of dying, death, and grief are central to our human experience. This program offers practical instructions for helping others in the process of dying and an overview of essential knowledge on death, bardo, and rebirth. This includes self-paced lectures on dying, loss, grief, and illness from Lamas and scholars of Buddhist Studies.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course

With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan

Open Dates
Join Pema Khandro and a group of esteemed Buddhist Studies scholars for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course

With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro

Open Dates
This is the missing history of women in Tantric Buddhism. This course addresses the fascinating story of nuns, mothers, teachers, consorts, prophets, and disciples. Taught by scholar-practitioners whose groundbreaking research on women and Buddhism has changed the way we think of Buddhist history. This course will address the history of women in Buddhism, the history of yoginis and dakinis in India and Tibet, the stories of important Buddhist women, Buddhist philosophy on gender, sex, and sexuality, and the role of the consort in historical Tibet, and contemporary manifestations and so much more. Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for…
Register Now

December 30, 2020 by pemacom

Dear Friends,
One important reason to Donate Today is that there is a need for more Buddhist organizations dedicated to gender equality in Buddhism.

Pema Khandro’s teachings consistently emphasize waking up to liberate ourselves from harmful gender conditioning. Her teachings emphasize creating safe Buddhist communities for women and creating inclusive affirmative spaces for all gender identities.

Her straightforward approach to teaching about abuse and sexism are greatly needed in Buddhism. Pema Khandro herself is rare as a female lama leading an organization run by women. This is extraordinary and necessary for the future of Buddhadharma. Help Pema Khandro’s projects flourish and thereby support women in Buddhism in a direct and practical way with your financial support.

There are 3 days left in 2020 and 3 days left in the end of the year fundraising drive to support the work of Pema Khandro and the Buddhist Studies Institute.

We are a grassroots organization. Your donation makes a huge and decisive impact. It is individual donations that have allowed us to survive the pandemic so far.

Will you help us continue?
We can survive the pandemic with your help!

May your generosity bring great benefit to this world!

Kind Regards,
Dr. Satya
Chief Operations Officer,
Ngakpa International
Buddhist Studies Institute
Dakini Mountain
Yogic Medicine Institute

https://pemakhandro.com/1122-2/

The 21 Taras with Drupon Rinpoche

Upcoming Events

Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course

With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath

Open Dates
Teachings on Death and Dying Facing realities of dying, death, and grief are central to our human experience. This program offers practical instructions for helping others in the process of dying and an overview of essential knowledge on death, bardo, and rebirth. This includes self-paced lectures on dying, loss, grief, and illness from Lamas and scholars of Buddhist Studies.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course

With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan

Open Dates
Join Pema Khandro and a group of esteemed Buddhist Studies scholars for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course

With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro

Open Dates
This is the missing history of women in Tantric Buddhism. This course addresses the fascinating story of nuns, mothers, teachers, consorts, prophets, and disciples. Taught by scholar-practitioners whose groundbreaking research on women and Buddhism has changed the way we think of Buddhist history. This course will address the history of women in Buddhism, the history of yoginis and dakinis in India and Tibet, the stories of important Buddhist women, Buddhist philosophy on gender, sex, and sexuality, and the role of the consort in historical Tibet, and contemporary manifestations and so much more. Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for…
Register Now

December 12, 2020 by pemacom

The 21 Taras
Teaching and Practice with Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche
December 16th, 6pm Pacific Time

Timezone Converter

Tara is considered to be the mother of all Buddhas. Prayers to her counteract illness and obstacles. There are numerous prayers, praises and meditations upon Tara, one of the most precious is that of the 21 Taras. The 21 Taras meditation is a poetic supplication of the female bodhisattva Tara in her many forms. It is practiced in all the lineages of Tibetan Buddhism as a prayer for protection from fears, calamities, and harm. It celebrates the manifold powers of the divine feminine as nurturing, magnetizing and fierce in her many forms as mother, teacher and tamer.

The beautiful practices of Tara were revealed as treasures and commented on by great masters of Tibetan Buddhism including an oral commentary tradition of Rongzompa, Taranatha, Jigme Lingpa and Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. In this program, Drupon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche will give the oral transmission (lung) which is the initiation to practice the meditation known as the Praises to the 21 Taras. He will also give an explanation of the practice. Following this, chanting of this profoundly inspiring practice in English will be led by sangha members.

This program is offered as part of our seventh annual year-end celebration of Tara on the birthday of Lama Pema Khandro Rinpoche. Every year on Pema Khandro’s birthday, the community celebrates with a practice of Tara led by guest Lamas.

All the proceeds from this event will go to support the Dakini Mountain Emergency Fund. Pema Khandro’s birthday wish is for donations to go to Dakini Mountain Emergency Fund  Due to the temporary closure of Dakini Mountain due to the pandemic, this year’s year-end fundraiser is more important than ever!


2020 Fall Calendar

ONLINE OPEN TEACHINGS
*All times are listed in Pacific Time UTC-8
 Timezone Converter

Now – Feb 12th Tibetan New Year (Losar)
100 Days of Practice – Meditation Marathon
Free, Short, Daily.

Starts December 10th, 8am
A Course in Valid Cognition with Geshe Sonam
Winter Pramana Study

December 16th, 6pm
The 21 Taras – Teachings and Practice with Drupon Rinpoche
Pema Khandro’s Birthday Celebration and Fundraiser


Members-Only Classes
Learn More about Membership

1st & 2nd Wednesdays – Vajrayana Training

3rd & 4th Wednesdays – Ngakpa Training

Every Monday – Meditation Mondays
Group Meditation with Janak Kimmel & Guest Teachers

Dec 21st, 6-7pm – Tara Day
White Tara Meditation is a Buddhist prayer offered in times of calamities, natural disasters, wars, and major obstacles in order to bring peace and healing to the community and environment. Learn the mantra, mudras and visualization practice of White Tara, and also practice the 21 Taras. Led by Dr. Satya.


Dakini Mountain Emergency Fund
BSI_fundraising_Make a Difference_1000dpi 2

BUDDHIST YOGIS INFO  ♦  DONATE  ♦  VISIT OUR WEBSITES

Ngakpa.org
PemaKhandro.org
BuddhistStudiesInstitute.org
DakiniMountain.org
YogicMedicineInstitute.org

share

Copyright Ⓒ 2019
Ngakpa International • PO Box 2396 • Nevada City, CA • USA

 

We Need Your Help

Upcoming Events

Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course

With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath

Open Dates
Teachings on Death and Dying Facing realities of dying, death, and grief are central to our human experience. This program offers practical instructions for helping others in the process of dying and an overview of essential knowledge on death, bardo, and rebirth. This includes self-paced lectures on dying, loss, grief, and illness from Lamas and scholars of Buddhist Studies.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course

With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan

Open Dates
Join Pema Khandro and a group of esteemed Buddhist Studies scholars for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course

With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro

Open Dates
This is the missing history of women in Tantric Buddhism. This course addresses the fascinating story of nuns, mothers, teachers, consorts, prophets, and disciples. Taught by scholar-practitioners whose groundbreaking research on women and Buddhism has changed the way we think of Buddhist history. This course will address the history of women in Buddhism, the history of yoginis and dakinis in India and Tibet, the stories of important Buddhist women, Buddhist philosophy on gender, sex, and sexuality, and the role of the consort in historical Tibet, and contemporary manifestations and so much more. Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for…
Register Now

December 1, 2020 by pemacom

 

Together we have built a beautiful community.

We have continued to meditate and study throughout a most difficult year. Now we need your help to continue.

Giving Tuesday is today! Please don’t forget to make a year-end contribution to support the work of Pema Khandro, Ngakpa International and its projects – Dakini Mountain and the Buddhist Studies Institute. We need your support, your donation can make a huge difference in helping these projects flourish.  

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The pandemic has had a drastic impact on our finances. Dakini Mountain, our budding retreat center, as well as our membership both suffered serious losses. For the safety of our community, we cancelled all in-person events, including our summer retreats. This would have been the main source of support for Dakini Mountain and for our operations. In response to the crisis catalyzed by the pandemic – our goal is to raise $350,000 for our Year-End Fundraiser  – to ensure that our projects can continue.

Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, we have continued to offer service, with even more programs than in previous years. Our goal was to provide comfort, practical tools, community connection and the reprieve of dharma study to help our friends weather these tough times.

In 2019
We offered 261 retreats, classes and trainings.
161 of these were free.
Over $20,000 in financial aid was given.

In 2020
We offered 304 retreats, classes and trainings.
248 of these were free.
Over $25,000 in financial aid was given.

This expansion of our programs was met with responses from all over the world, our community has grown and flourished in this pandemic year. To continue to provide this service, we need your help!

Throughout all these programs we have offered Tibetan Buddhism in the context of today’s world with an emphasis on the following:

  • Making Buddhist education accessible through online classes and by creating a robust portfolio of live online classes and a rich online library of recorded teachings.
  • Promoting gender equality through teaching about women in Buddhism, making all gender identities welcome and giving equal opportunity for leadership and participation.
  • Promoting embodiment of compassion by teaching empathy skills, self-care and healing of trauma.
  • Speaking out against colonialism and ethnic, racial and gender bias.
  • Respecting diversity within Buddhism and promoting the value of open mindedness, healthy boundaries and cooperation.
  • Promoting awareness of the body mind connection and natural healing methods to support healthy life and successful Buddhist practice.
  • Having clearly stated ethics and zero tolerance of abusive behavior.

I invite your support for this Giving Tuesday to keep this school and its programs growing.

PLEASE CONSIDER AN URGENT GIFT TO OUR EMERGENCY FUND!

The Dakini Mountain Emergency Fund is our plan to sustain our retreat center and our operations through this year of the pandemic. We are optimistic, as we hold onto our retreat center, not only as a sound investment for the school but also for the days when we will be able to gather in person again. In order to make it to that time, we will need your help to make it through the pandemic.

  • If a hundred friends donated $300 today we would be able to complete to the fire clearance at Dakini Mountain. You can help by clicking here.
  • If a hundred friends donated $500 today we would be able to keep our operations going through the next two months of the challenging winter of the US pandemic. Please donate by clicking here. 
  • If three hundred and fifty friends donate $1000, we will have met our total fundraising goal and the Dakini Mountain Emergency Fund will be a success. Since the community we serve is much larger than this, this goal is reachable! Please give by clicking here.

Ngakpa International is a non-profit organization. To keep our volunteer run organization here in the U.S. we run two centers, keep lawyers, accountants, bookkeepers, three staff, insurance, permitting and many other legal expenses, technology and equipment costs and so much more. We have only been able to continue to meet all these expenses for the last twenty years through the generosity of individual donations. But this year, due to the drastic effects of the pandemic, donations are more important than ever. We ask for our friends and members to help us continue our service and sustain our programs for another year.

YOUR DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE!

Here are some more ways to express your support on this Giving Tuesday:

  • If you are not already, Become a Member at $12 per month.
  • If you are already a member, consider increasing your monthly contribution.
  • Make a one time donation.  Large or small, one time donations add up to more Buddhist teachings for more people.
  • Donor Rewards. Without large individual donations, Dakini Mountain will not make it through the pandemic. Take a look at these remarkable Thankgas (Tibetan deity art) available as donor rewards.

Thank you!  May your generosity bring great good karma to you and life changing teachings to more and more beings.

Best wishes!

Janak (he, him, his)
Ngakpa International/Buddhist Studies Institute
www.ngakpa.org
janak@ngakpa.org
P.O. Box 2396
Nevada City, CA 95959
USA

P.S. If you wish to make your donation by check, please make it payable to Ngakpa International and mail to the above address.

Ngakpa International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit EIN 68-0529687 and all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.

 


LATEST NEWS

Meditation Instructor Training
Our robust Meditation Instructor Training launched last month and is now in its third module. The combination of self-paced classes and online learning culminates in over 150 hours of training. It is currently being attended by 15 people from 8 countries.

100 Days of Practice
This year has had its challenges, reminding us all that learning to self-regulate and return to calm and clarity are crucial skills. In support of our world-wide community, we are offering a daily free meditation class – in the 100 days of practice. It is not too late to join! Come on the days you can or come every day.

Thanks to Pema Khandro’s teachings and thanks to so many leaders and volunteers in the community this 100 days of practice will continue every day through the winter.

And its Free!
Register here to join 100 Days of Practice.


WINTER SCHEDULE

Meditation Mondays for Members will continue to be offered throughout the month of December.

A White Tara Meditation has been added on December 21st led by Dr. Satya during the regular Meditation Mondays for Members time slot.

Wednesday December 16th is Lama Pema Khandro Rinpoche’s Birthday. We will host an online fundraiser and year-end celebration that evening. Stay tuned for more details. In lieu of birthday gifts, Pema Khandro’s birthday wish is for donations to the Dakini Mountain Emergency Fund. Click here to make a gift.

There will be no Wednesday Night classes on December 23rd and 30th due to the Holidays. Wednesday night classes will resume on January 6th with Vajrayana Training.


Winter Pramana Study
Valid Cognition Course with Geshe Sonam

Thursdays Mornings for One Hour Starting December 10th

 8am San Francisco / 11am New York / 4pm London

What is Valid Cognition?
What are reliable Ways of Knowing?

Study Buddhist logic and epistemology to understand how mind knows, (in Sanskrit, Pramana or in Tibetan, tshad ma) and identify how wrong knowledge causes cyclic suffering. This is the study of a classic text on Valid Cognition, the Pramanavaritika, translated into English by Geshe Sonam.

To register – email info@buddhiststudiesinstitute.org

Geshe Sonam
Following his more than twenty years of intensive monastic studies on the five major treatises of Buddhism, and upon clearing all the six successive years of examination, in Jan 2019, Geshe Ngawang Sonam was formally conferred the highest degree of Geshe Lharampa [Traditional degree equivalent to PhD in Buddhism] by Gelugpa Monastic Seat of Learning [Gelugpa Monastic University]. In Nov. 2016, His Holiness the Dalai Lama called him to work in His Office, and presently he works there as a translator and a Buddhist scholar. Geshe Ngawang Sonam’s first book ‘In the Footsteps of Siddhartha’ was published in 2010. His translation of Shantideva’s work Bodhisattvacharyaavatara is going to print very soon. Alongside his office work, he also finds time to teach and attend conferences with modern scholars and scientists as a speaker.

 

It’s Giving Tuesday!

Upcoming Events

Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course

With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath

Open Dates
Teachings on Death and Dying Facing realities of dying, death, and grief are central to our human experience. This program offers practical instructions for helping others in the process of dying and an overview of essential knowledge on death, bardo, and rebirth. This includes self-paced lectures on dying, loss, grief, and illness from Lamas and scholars of Buddhist Studies.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course

With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan

Open Dates
Join Pema Khandro and a group of esteemed Buddhist Studies scholars for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course

With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro

Open Dates
This is the missing history of women in Tantric Buddhism. This course addresses the fascinating story of nuns, mothers, teachers, consorts, prophets, and disciples. Taught by scholar-practitioners whose groundbreaking research on women and Buddhism has changed the way we think of Buddhist history. This course will address the history of women in Buddhism, the history of yoginis and dakinis in India and Tibet, the stories of important Buddhist women, Buddhist philosophy on gender, sex, and sexuality, and the role of the consort in historical Tibet, and contemporary manifestations and so much more. Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for…
Register Now

December 1, 2020 by Buddhist Yogis









*|MC:SUBJECT|*




*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*


Dear *|FNAME|*,

Please remember to support the work of Pema Khandro and the Buddhist Studies Institute on this Giving Tuesday.

*|FNAME|*, your support makes a huge difference in helping Buddhism flourish in the 21st century.  

In 2019, 261 retreats, classes and trainings were offered. 161 of these were free and for the others, over $20,000 in financial aid was given.

In 2020, 300 retreats, classes and trainings were offered.  244 of these were free and for the others, over $25,000 in financial aid was given.

All of this was possible because of people like you.

Pema Khandro and the Buddhist Studies Institute focus on teaching traditional Tibetan Buddhism in the context of today’s world with an emphasis on the following:

  • Making Buddhist education accessible by creating a robust portfolio of live online classes and a rich online library of recorded teachings.

  • Promoting gender equality through teaching about women in Buddhism, making all gender identities welcome and giving equal opportunity for leadership and participation for all.

  • Promoting embodiment of compassion by teaching empathy skills, self-care and healing of trauma.

  • Speaking out against colonialism, ethnic, racial and gender bias.

  • Respecting diversity within Buddhism and the value of keeping an open mind in the spirit of cooperation.

  • Promoting awareness of the body mind connection and natural healing methods to support healthy life and successful Buddhist practice.
  •  
  • Having clearly stated ethics and zero tolerance of abusive behavior.

I invite you on this Giving Tuesday to keep this school and its programs growing.  

Here are some ways to express your support:

  • Become a member at $12 per month.

  • If you are already a member, consider increasing your monthly contribution.

  • Make a one time donation.  Large or small, one time donations add up to more Buddhist teachings for more people.

  • Donor Rewards – take a look at these remarkable Thankgas (Buddhist meditation deity art) available as donor rewards.

Thank you!  May your generosity bring great good karma to you and life changing teachings to more and more beings.

Best wishes!

Janak (he, him, his)

Ngakpa International/Buddhist Studies Institute
www.ngakpa.org
janak@ngakpa.org
P.O. Box 2396
Nevada City, CA 95959
USA
P.S. If you wish to make your donation by check, please make it payable to Ngakpa International and mail to the above address.

Ngakpa International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit EIN 68-0529687 and all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.




Looking Ahead to 2021

Upcoming Events

Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course

With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath

Open Dates
Teachings on Death and Dying Facing realities of dying, death, and grief are central to our human experience. This program offers practical instructions for helping others in the process of dying and an overview of essential knowledge on death, bardo, and rebirth. This includes self-paced lectures on dying, loss, grief, and illness from Lamas and scholars of Buddhist Studies.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course

With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan

Open Dates
Join Pema Khandro and a group of esteemed Buddhist Studies scholars for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course

With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro

Open Dates
This is the missing history of women in Tantric Buddhism. This course addresses the fascinating story of nuns, mothers, teachers, consorts, prophets, and disciples. Taught by scholar-practitioners whose groundbreaking research on women and Buddhism has changed the way we think of Buddhist history. This course will address the history of women in Buddhism, the history of yoginis and dakinis in India and Tibet, the stories of important Buddhist women, Buddhist philosophy on gender, sex, and sexuality, and the role of the consort in historical Tibet, and contemporary manifestations and so much more. Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for…
Register Now

November 19, 2020 by Buddhist Yogis









*|MC:SUBJECT|*




*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*


Dear *|FNAME|*,

Have you thought much about 2021?  

When you do, are you excited and optimistic?  Or anxious or discouraged?

Either way, I have just the thing for you, the Buddhist teachings!

2500 years ago, the Buddha began his teaching with the Four Noble Truths. What was his goal?  Freedom from Suffering!   Living with the greatest love! Embodying authentic joy!

The great Tibetan Buddhist practitioner, Shabkar said, “If anyone here does as I do, the sun of happiness will surely dawn.”

I know it’s not always easy.  You don’t just sit down, say a Buddhist prayer, meditate for a bit and all problems and obstacles dissolve immediately (although I do think that is entirely possible :-).  

Life has challenges for all of us and they are often obstinate.

But let us not underestimate the power of the teachings.  The goal of
Pema Khandro and the Buddhist Studies Institute is to continue the effort started so long ago by the Buddha, to promote freedom from suffering, love, increasing joy and great wisdom.

How do we bring this goal to fruition?

By training, by practicing, by learning how.  Step by step, day by day, good action by good action.  Never giving up and eventually perfecting our ability to take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.

This is not a dream to become frustrated about.  It’s a dream to realize for oneself and all beings, the way of the Bodhisattva.

Pema Khandro and the Buddhist Studies Institute are doing everything we can think of to support your success.

In 2019, 261 retreats, classes and trainings were offered. 161 of these were free and for the others, over $20,000 in financial aid was given.

In 2020, 300 retreats, classes and trainings were offered. 244 of these were free and for the others, over $25,000 in financial aid was given.

Pema Khandro continues to excel in teaching traditional Tibetan Buddhism in the context of today’s world with an emphasis on the following:

  • Making Buddhist education accessible by creating a robust portfolio of live online classes and a rich online library of recorded teachings.
  • Promoting gender equality through teaching about women in Buddhism and making all gender identities welcome with equal opportunity for leadership and participation.
  • Promoting embodiment of compassion by teaching empathy skills, self-care and healing of trauma.
  • Speaking out against colonialism, ethnic, racial and gender bias.
  • Respecting diversity within Buddhism and the value of open minded communication and cooperation.
  • Promoting awareness of the body mind connection and natural healing methods to support healthy life and successful Buddhist practice.
  • Having clearly stated ethics and zero tolerance of abusive behavior.

If you feel this offering is valuable and of service to yourself and others, I am writing today to ask for your financial support.  Funds are needed to support these activities to continue in 2021.

Here are some ways to help:

Become a member at $12 per month.

If you are already a member, consider increasing your monthly contribution.

Make a one time donation.  Large or small, one time donations add up to more Buddhist teachings for more people.

Donor Rewards – take a look at these remarkable Thankgas (Buddhist meditation deity art) available as donor rewards.

Thank you for your support!  May your generosity bring great good karma to you and life changing teachings to more and more beings.

Best wishes!
Janak (he, him, his)
Ngakpa International/Buddhist Studies Institute
www.ngakpa.org
janak@ngakpa.org
P.O. Box 2396
Nevada City, CA 95959
USA
P.S. If you wish to make your donation by check, please make it payable to
Ngakpa International and mail to the above address.

Ngakpa International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit EIN 68-0529687 and all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. 

Ngakpa International has three main projects: the Buddhist Studies Institute, Dakini Mountain Retreat Center and the Yogic Medicine Institute.
 

Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
 




Entering the Heart of the Vast Expanse

Upcoming Events

Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course

With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath

Open Dates
Teachings on Death and Dying Facing realities of dying, death, and grief are central to our human experience. This program offers practical instructions for helping others in the process of dying and an overview of essential knowledge on death, bardo, and rebirth. This includes self-paced lectures on dying, loss, grief, and illness from Lamas and scholars of Buddhist Studies.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course

With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan

Open Dates
Join Pema Khandro and a group of esteemed Buddhist Studies scholars for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course

With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro

Open Dates
This is the missing history of women in Tantric Buddhism. This course addresses the fascinating story of nuns, mothers, teachers, consorts, prophets, and disciples. Taught by scholar-practitioners whose groundbreaking research on women and Buddhism has changed the way we think of Buddhist history. This course will address the history of women in Buddhism, the history of yoginis and dakinis in India and Tibet, the stories of important Buddhist women, Buddhist philosophy on gender, sex, and sexuality, and the role of the consort in historical Tibet, and contemporary manifestations and so much more. Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for…
Register Now

November 16, 2020 by pemacom

 

Starts this Wednesday
Join Live or By Recording

Ngondro means ‘before going.’ In traditional Vajrayana practice, it represents the cognitive, physical, emotional and philosophical components which are keys to the practice of liberation. 

Pema Khandro offers Ngondro teachings for serious students who wish to do intensive contemplative training. Dedicated to training yogis, householders and lay people outside the monastery, Pema Khandro presents these practices in their concise, essential form. This comprehensive course on Ngondro will be taught in four modules to support the accomplishment of practice over the period of one year, with the training modules completed in nine months.

find out more_red


2020 Fall Calendar
Buddhist Studies Institute

FALL QUARTER – ONLINE OPEN TEACHINGS
*All times are listed in Pacific Time UTC-7 (Timezone Converter)

Nov 1st – Feb 12th Tibetan New Year (Losar)
100 Days of Practice – Meditation Marathon
Details Coming Soon!

Nov 18-20, 12-2pm 
Ngondro Training – Entering the Heart of the Vast Expanse
Ngondro are the foundational practices for purifying, training and empowering the body-mind. They form the basis of Vajrayana meditation and serve as the foundation for the highest practices.

December 16, 6pm

Pema Khandro Birthday Celebration & Fundraiser
Details TBA


FALL QUARTER – MEMBERS-ONLY CLASSES

*The Curriculum below is for Members Only. Learn More about Membership

1st & 2nd Wednesdays – Vajrayana Training

3rd & 4th Wednesdays – Ngakpa Training

Every Monday – Meditation Mondays
Group Meditation with Janak Kimmel & Guest Teachers

Nov 23rd, 6-7pm
Tara Day

White Tara Meditation is a Buddhist prayer offered in times of calamities, natural disasters, wars, and major obstacles in order to bring peace and healing to the community and environment. Learn the mantra, mudras and visualization practice of White Tara. Led by Dr. Satya.


BUDDHIST YOGIS INFO  ♦  DONATE  ♦  VISIT OUR WEBSITES

Ngakpa.org
PemaKhandro.org
BuddhistStudiesInstitute.org
DakiniMountain.org
YogicMedicineInstitute.org

share

Copyright Ⓒ 2019
Ngakpa International • PO Box 2396 • Nevada City, CA • USA

 

Your opportunity to succeed

Upcoming Events

Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course

With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath

Open Dates
Teachings on Death and Dying Facing realities of dying, death, and grief are central to our human experience. This program offers practical instructions for helping others in the process of dying and an overview of essential knowledge on death, bardo, and rebirth. This includes self-paced lectures on dying, loss, grief, and illness from Lamas and scholars of Buddhist Studies.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course

With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan

Open Dates
Join Pema Khandro and a group of esteemed Buddhist Studies scholars for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course

With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro

Open Dates
This is the missing history of women in Tantric Buddhism. This course addresses the fascinating story of nuns, mothers, teachers, consorts, prophets, and disciples. Taught by scholar-practitioners whose groundbreaking research on women and Buddhism has changed the way we think of Buddhist history. This course will address the history of women in Buddhism, the history of yoginis and dakinis in India and Tibet, the stories of important Buddhist women, Buddhist philosophy on gender, sex, and sexuality, and the role of the consort in historical Tibet, and contemporary manifestations and so much more. Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for…
Register Now

November 12, 2020 by Buddhist Yogis









*|MC:SUBJECT|*




*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*


Dear *|FNAME|*,

Have you ever wanted to do something important to you, went through cycles of trying and failing, given up in frustration and then later went back to it and found, to your extreme joy and possibly to your surprise, that, yes, you could do it?

I know this has happened to me in many areas of my life and certainly in my Buddhist practice.  I have failed often and yet with some persistence and very often, with lots of help, I succeeded.

Through the Buddhist Studies Institute, Pema Khandro has made your successful practice her top priority.  And perhaps the most seminal of the practices of Tibetan Buddhism is the Ngondro (pronounced “Non dro”) which literally translates as “Before Going.”

Completing the Ngondro is required before one goes on to advanced practices that the Vajrayana tradition is known for, such as Yidam, Tsa Lung, and Dzogchen meditations.

More importantly, Ngondro provides a firm basis for living the meaning of Buddhist practice by training the body, speech and mind in the vast view.  It provides an immersion into the core techniques of Buddhist tantra.  It is said that the great master Patrul Rinpoche received and completed the Longchen Nyingthig Ngondro twenty-five times.

Although many aspire to complete the Ngondro, large numbers have not.  Ngondro is known for being difficult to do.  Often people think of completing the Ngondro “some day” when they carve out time for an extended retreat or when their family or business responsibilities are at their nadir.

My friends, procrastination has never been a key to success or the hallmark of victory.  You don’t have to wait.  It is not helpful or necessary to consider Ngondro as too difficult – something that someone else does but not you.

Pema Khandro and the Buddhist Studies Institute are focused on making the key elements of advanced practice attainable for everyday people who live ordinary lives in modern society, busy people who have jobs and families.

How can we make advanced practices available to “ordinary” people?  How is this done?  One of the key elements of accomplishing this is through accessible education.  Many times possibilities are not known or understood due to lack of exposure and knowledge.

We are not in favor of the idea of missing out on our ability to practice Buddhism through lack of access to education.  Hence, you are invited to Ngondro Training where you can learn and be supported in accomplishment of the Ngondro, a vital and wonderful accomplishment for any practitioner. 

The Ngondro is a highly effective practice.  It’s an education that teaches you the attitudes, mindset and ways of a successful practitioner.

The practices of Ngondro and Buddhism in general are designed to alleviate and counteract the ways that society unconsciously trains us to fail in being happy and loving.  Instead these time honored practices help us to be more and more free of suffering, the original goal as stated by the Buddha.

The Ngondro Training begins November 18.  As I said earlier, this training is designed with busy people in mind and if you cannot attend a segment of the training live, you will have access to the recording so you can view at a time that fits your schedule.  The training is in four modules of approximately 3 classes each spread out over one year.  You will receive plenty of support for your practice in between the times of the class modules.

This Ngondro training focuses on the The Heart of the Vast Expanse Ngondro revealed by the brilliant eighteenth century Buddhist yogi, Jigme Lingpa, poet, leader, historian, and treasure revealer, whose texts are based on the quintessential Longchenpa teachings.

The 4 modules and their subjects look like this:

Module 1: The Field of Buddhas

Purification of Speech
Generating A Refuge Field
Raising Enlightened Intent 
 
Module 2: Purifying the Mind

Vajrasattva Meditation
Purification of Karma

Module 3: Mountain of Jewels

Mandala Offering
Vajrayogini Practice
Seven Line Prayer

Module 4: Intrinsic Wisdom
 
Receiving the Four Empowerments
Merging into Buddhahood

If this sounds like the training you are interested in, find out more and register here:

https://ngakpa.org/upcoming-programs/1134/ngondro-training-heart-of-the-vast-expanse/

Best wishes!

Janak (he, him, his)
Ngakpa International/Buddhist Studies Institute
www.ngakpa.org
janak@ngakpa.org
P.O. Box 2396
Nevada City, CA 95959
USA

Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.




Have you ever practiced Chod?

Upcoming Events

Bardo Teachings – Self Paced Course

With Pema Khandro, Father Francis Tiso, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, Chagdud Khadro, Shugen Roshi, Julie Rogers, Jim Tucker, M.D., Koshin Paley Ellison and Dr. William McGrath

Open Dates
Teachings on Death and Dying Facing realities of dying, death, and grief are central to our human experience. This program offers practical instructions for helping others in the process of dying and an overview of essential knowledge on death, bardo, and rebirth. This includes self-paced lectures on dying, loss, grief, and illness from Lamas and scholars of Buddhist Studies.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Buddhism & Sexuality – Self Paced Course

With Dr. Nicole Willock, Julie Regan, Ph.D., Pema Khandro, Lama Willa Miller, Amy Langenberg , Dr. Ann Gleig, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Lama Rod Owens, Dr. Jim Hopper, Dr. Elizabeth Call and Damchö Diana Finnegan

Open Dates
Join Pema Khandro and a group of esteemed Buddhist Studies scholars for an exploration of the history of Buddhist Sexualities from celibacy, to sacred sexuality in Buddhist Tantra and a simple approach to embodied integration with nature in Dzogchen.   Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for these precious teachings. Your contribution, big and small, helps makes in-depth Buddhist training and education more accessible for all. May the teachings spread and flourish!
Register Now

Women in Tantric Buddhism – Self Paced Course

With Holly Gayley, Judith Simmer-Brown, Sarah Jacoby, Amy Langenberg , Damchö Diana Finnegan, Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Pema Khandro

Open Dates
This is the missing history of women in Tantric Buddhism. This course addresses the fascinating story of nuns, mothers, teachers, consorts, prophets, and disciples. Taught by scholar-practitioners whose groundbreaking research on women and Buddhism has changed the way we think of Buddhist history. This course will address the history of women in Buddhism, the history of yoginis and dakinis in India and Tibet, the stories of important Buddhist women, Buddhist philosophy on gender, sex, and sexuality, and the role of the consort in historical Tibet, and contemporary manifestations and so much more. Support the Buddhist Studies Institute by donating for…
Register Now

November 7, 2020 by Buddhist Yogis









*|MC:SUBJECT|*




*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*


Dear *|FNAME|*,

 

Have you ever practiced Chod, a Tibetan meditation practice?

The purpose of the Chod is to engage our afflictions and fear in such a way that they are transformed to clarity and inspiration.  This is done not by analyzing or thinking about our issues but meeting by them in a symbolic way that is also visceral and vivid.

The Chod is a meditation practice indigenous to Tibet.  It was developed and brought forward by Machig Labdron, a 11th century female Tibetan master.  The Chod involves musical instruments like the drum, bell and thigh bone trumpet.  It involves singing, visualization and mantra.  You can view a sample of Pema Khandro Rinpoche doing the practice on Youtube at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEkdpwVBAtA

If you are interested to learn more about Chod, to see the full practice or to try it yourself, I invite you to Dakini Day Chod with Pema Khandro this coming Tuesday, November 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time.  This will be the last Chod class online for this year.

This class is open to the public and there is no fee to participate.  You can find out more and register at:

https://ngakpa.org/upcoming-programs/1111/dakini-day-chod-the-black-feast/

Best wishes!

Janak (he, him, his)
Ngakpa International
www.ngakpa.org

janak@ngakpa.org
P.O. Box 2396
Nevada City, CA 95959
USA
P.S. Feel free to invite your friends.

 

 

  

 

Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
 




  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • …
  • 36
  • Next Page »

Recent Posts

  • A Private Room Has Opened – Join Us in San Diego for Three Dakinis Chöd
  • Ngöndro Starts Tomorrow – Monday Feb 23
  • Ngöndro Begins Monday Feb 23
  • Rare Dzogchen Teaching with Top Scholars — Begins Friday
  • Early Bird Extended to December 1 – Meditation Teacher Training
  • Awakening to the Expanse
  • Experience Bhutan with Pema Khandro
  • Journey to Bhutan with Pema Khandro: October 14 – 26
  • First Time Ever
  • Last Day to Register!
  • Chakrasamvara Empowerment and Teaching
  • Choying Dzod starts tomorrow!
  • Unwavering Awareness
  • Tomorrow: Love as the Path to Liberation
  • Love as a Path to Liberation
  • Ngondro Starts Today
  • Ends Jan 24 – Final Chance for Early Enrollment Discount on Meditation Teacher Training
  • Deepen Your Practice
  • Finding Community in Ngondro
  • Meditation Teachers Needed: Extended Enrollment Dates
  • Message from Pema Khandro

News Archives

Share the News

Search this Site

Contact

Email: info@BuddhistYogis.org

return to top of page

Copyright © Pema Khandro · 2026