Archive

5th -11th May, 2013

Kashmir Shaivism

with Bettina Bäumer ‘Sharada’

"The Heart of Recognition" The Pratyabhijna Hrdayam of Kshemaraja Meditation and Text Study in the tradition of Kashmir Shaivism  more »

April, 2013

Writing Workshops with Janet Thomas

“Travel Writing with Meaning” *April 7-9*  more »

April 12-16, 2013

Teaching on the 9th Wisdom Chapter of The Way of the Bodhisattva

Led by Khenpo Ngawang Woser

April 12-16, 2013  more »

1st April- 1st June, 2013

8 weeks Tibetan Language Program

Intensive Course

with Lopen Pema Longdrol

Lopen Pema Longdrol is from east Bhutan. Lopen has been practicing the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism since the age of 10 when he joined Chokling Monastery in India as a monk. During his 4 year stay at that monastery, he learned about Tibetan culture, as well as to read and write the classical Tibetan language. In 1994, Lopen joined Dzongsar Institute. There he completed the Madhyama Diploma in 1998, the Shastri degree (Bachelor of Arts) in 2001, and Acharya degree (Master of Arts) in 2002. Lopen also taught some classes for at least one year at Dzongsar Institute.  more »

March 4-29, 2013

"Encountering The Praises To Tara"

Prof. Kurt Schwalbe

The Twenty-One Praises to Tara are much beloved in the Tibetan speaking world and widely appreciated in translation.   For those who have read only the translations, it is a powerful experience  to read the "Praises" in Tibetan, engaging with the tightly coiled muscularity of these poems.  Students should have completed an introductory course in Classical Tibetan (or equivalent) to participate.  Bring along your favorite translations to contribute to the discussion. We'll ask, "What do we like about that translation?" and "How can we improve that other one?"  This group will meet Mon-Fri 2:00-3:30*.  more »

Exhibit will continue through November, December...

"Jagatoddharini Tara"

a very rare and blessed opportunity....

Exhibition of paintings of Twenty One forms of Tara inspired by Ven. Dugu Choegyal Rinpoche

Art reflects the persona and this expression comes alive when one views the paintings of Ven. Dugu Choegyal Rinpoche. Like most of his previous incarnations, Choegyal Rinpoche is a highly gifted and well known artist. What is most striking about his paintings are  the lyrical quality and a spiritual experience that puts the onlooker in meditative trance . The soft gentle colours lifts ones spirits and the poetical lines transport one to a world of simplicity and grace.  more »

November 16-18, 2012

Haiku and Tanka (Japanese Poetry Workshop)

By K. Ramesh

Both *haiku and tanka *are Japanese poetic forms. Now poets all over the world write haiku and tanka in English and also in their own languages.  more »

Oct. 20-22, 2012

The Second Turning of the Wheel of Dharma

- Arya Nagarjuna's Interpretation of it in the context of Dharmadhatu (Ultimate Reality) and its relevance to our emotional life.

By Geshe Dorji Damdul

Arya Nagarjuna's Interpretation of it in the context of Dharmadhatu (Ultimate Reality)  and its relevance to our emotional life.  more »

October 5-7th, 2012

Introduction to Jainism

Samani Aagam Pragjna and Samani Rohit Pragya

*October  5-7th, 2012*  more »

September 24, 7-830pm.

The Shiva-Sūtras

An introductory lecture

The Shiva-Sūtras are, after the Tantras, the basic text of the non-dualist Shaivism of Kashmir. They are centered around the theme of consciousness and in terse aphorisms they show the way to mystical experience.  more »

August 31-September 2, 2012

3rd part- of teaching on Chandrakrti’s Madhyamakavatara

By Khenpo Choyin Dorjee

*August 31-September 2, 2012*  more »

August 7-11, 2012

5 Day Meditation Retreat

Led by Venerable Aggacitta and senior students of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.

August 7-11th  more »

July 8 - July 12, 2012

Introduction to Buddhism and meditation

Facilitator: Melitis Kwong

*July 8 - July 12, 2012*  more »

2nd part: June 15-17

Introduction to the Middle Way (2)

Series of Teachings on Chandrakirti’s Madhyamakavatara

Khenpo Choying Dorjee

2nd part: June 15-17 * *  more »

17th June - 24th June 2012

Tuning Fork Film Workshop

Ankit Pogula, Sachi Maniar

Tuning Fork Film workshops are about..        Learning how to make films with minimum resources        How to get creative in film making        Evaluating what one wants to convey through this captivating medium        Demystifying the medium of film  more »

May 21-27th, 2012

DVD Dharma study group Madhyamakavatara - Introduction to the Middle Way (San Francisco, 2004)

Teachings on Chandrakirti’s Madhyamakavatara

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche (recorded teaching)

The Madhyamakavatara, considered to be a masterpiece on the Madhyamika “Middle Way” philosophy, is a treatise on the two types of selflessness composed by one of the most well-known Indian Buddhist panditas, Chandrakirti.  more »

May 12-16, 2012

Introduction to the Middle Way

Series of Teachings on Chandrakirti’s Madhyamakavatara

Khenpo Choying Dorjee

The Madhyamakavatara, considered to be a masterpiece on the Madhyamika “Middle Way” philosophy, is a treatise on the two types of selflessness composed by one of the most well-known Indian Buddhist panditas, Chandrakirti.  more »

May 5-6, 2012

Words of My Perfect Teacher

10:00am- 12noon 2:00pm-4:00pm

Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

We are very honored to host three talks by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche on, "Words of My Perfect Teacher", one of the favourite works of practioners of Tibetan Buddhisim and recommended by many senior Buddhist masters. This practical guide to inner transformation introduces the fundamental spiritual practices common to all Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Patrul Rinpoche, the author of this book, makes the technicalities of his subject accessible through a wealth of stories and references to everyday life. It is a wonderful opportunity to go through this text with Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche.  more »

April 18-22,2012

Occupy your Memoir

Write, Reflect, Retreat

Janet Thomas

Explore your life for meaning and memoir and get a grip on the momentum that keeps the writer writing. The hardest part of writing about your life is sitting down to write. These five days are about diving into the depths of your life and diving into the writing chair and staying there. It takes a certain quality of attention to write deeply, meaningfully and consistently. It is a meditative attention, an attention than can be difficult to attain in these sound-byte disposable times. This workshop is about writing from the heart of your life, honoring the human experience, celebrating the story, and wrestling with the discipline it takes to keep on writing.  more »

April 13-15, 2012

DVD Dharma study group

Madhyamakavatara - Introduction to the Middle Way (San Francisco, 2003)

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche (recorded)

The Madhyamakavatara, considered to be a masterpiece on the Madhyamika “Middle Way” philosophy, is a treatise on the two types of selflessness composed by one of the most well-known Indian Buddhist panditas, Chandrakirti.  more »

Mar 31 - Apr 1, 2012

Writing the Wild

Walking the foothills of the Himalayas in the writing spirit of Gary Snyder

Janet Thomas

Two days in the hills, connecting to nature, writing poetry and reading the work of Gary Snyder, poet, essayist, Buddhist and elder statesman of the natural world.  more »

March 23-25,2012

Travel writing with meaning

Travel Writing with Meaning

Janet Thomas

Wherever we go, we takes ourselves with us. Travel writing is about the inner journey, the outer landscape, the politics of place and people, and the ways in which we navigate through the mundane, the sublime and the terrifying. It is also an opportunity to wake up to the "other" in ways that can help heal the world. How do we write and travel at the same time? What's the difference between a travel blog and a travel book? How do we transform our personal journey into a universal experience? "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness." (Mark Twain) Good travel writing is too.  more »

March 7-11, 2012

Four Noble Truths

Teaching on the Four Noble Truths based on the Pali Canon

Ven. Bhikkhuni Dhammananda

   The Four Noble Truths (Cattāri ariyasaccāni in Pali) -the truth of suffering, the truth of origin of suffering, the truth of cessation of suffering, and the truth of the path leading to cessation- formed part of the first sermon Buddha gave after he attained enlightenment.  Buddha expounded this teaching in Deer Park, at Sarnath near Varanasi, and this teaching has been kept alive ever since. In this 5-day program, Venerable Dhammananda will give commentary based on the Pali text on the Four Noble Truths Teaching. There will be morning and evening daily guided meditation. In addition, a small booklet will be available for participants to further their study and understanding.  more »

December 8-12, 2011

Subtle Consciousness Meditation Retreat

Ven. Sudhammacara

In this "Subtle Consciousness Meditation Retreat", people practice One Dharma Meditation Method compiled by Ven. Sudhammacara. It consists of three kinds of practice: mindfulness of body sensation, compassion meditation and ana-pana sati (mindfulness of in-breath and out-breath).   These practices enables us to dwell in the present moment.  Here and now, we are discovering little by little  Subtle Consciousness which is usually clouded by our deluded, non-stop thinking, We are going back to our  true home with peace and joy after traveling abroad so many years.   These intensive silent retreats will include regular sessions of sitting and walking meditation, accompanied by Dharma teachings and personal guidance. The retreats are open to both beginners and experienced meditators. (The retreat starts with an introductory talk on the previous evening, Dec.7th)  more »

November 16-23,2011

Silent Meditation Retreat

Based on the teachings of the Yoga Vashista and the Bhagavad Gita

Ajay Pal Singh

A silent meditation retreat is a place where we can let go of many habitual ways of being and relating to the world. Allowing us to turn our attention inwards to gently investigate our inner world.  more »

September 23-24,2011

Lectures on Chinese Phiiosophy - Taoism and Confucianism

Taoism and Confucianism

Visiting Chinese scholars

This is a private lecture and only open to invited guests. We are sorry for the inconvenience.    more »

August 20 -27, 2011

9th Wisdom Chapter of The Way of the Bodhisattva

Geshe Dorji Damdul

The Bodhisattvacharyāvatāra or Bodhicaryavatāra, sometimes translated into English as A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, is a famous Mahāyāna Buddhist text written c. 700 AD in Sanskrit verse by Shantideva (Śāntideva), a Buddhist monk at Nālandā Monastic University in India. It has ten chapters dedicated to the development of bodhicitta (the mind of enlightenment) through the practice of the six perfections (Skt. Pāramitās). The text begins with a chapter describing the benefits of the wish to reach enlightenment. The sixth chapter on the Pāramitā of patience (Skt. Kṣānti, kshanti) is considered by many Buddhists to be the pinnacle of writing on this subject and is the source of numerous quotations attributed to Śāntideva. Tibetan scholars consider the ninth "Wisdom" chapter to be one of the most succinct expositions of the Madhyamaka view. The tenth chapter is used as one of the most popular Mahāyāna prayers.  more »

July 25-30,2011

Intensive Hatha Yoga Retreat

Krishna Chaitanya

This is an intensive program to detox and rejuvenate the body and breath through twice daily yoga sessions, pranayamas (breathing techniques) and yoganidra (yoga sleep). Guided mediation and a theory class on the basics of yogic tradition are also included.  more »

May 25-30,2011

The Extraordinary Aspiration of the Practice of Samantabhadra

Sanskrit Mantra Chanting of King of Aspiration Prayer

Raji Ramanan

“The Extraordinary Aspiration of the Practice of Samantabhadra” , extracted from the Gandavyūha chapter of the Avatamsaka sūtra, is one of the most favored prayers of the Buddhist liturgy and rightfully called “The King of Prayers”, for it summarizes the extraordinary activities of bodhisattvas as well as both the profound and extensive paths. A closer look at the Sanskrit meaning of Samantabhadra’s name suggests this prayer’s reach. Samanta is a being on every side, universal, complete, whole; whereas Bhadra connotes auspiciousness, blessing, goodness. Thus Samantabhadra is translated as "The Universal Good," or “The Completely Good or Auspicious”. And what could be interpreted as completely good, auspicious in every way? In Buddhist terms it is the practice of bodhichitta, which transforms our state of mind in every moment; it is the mind that aspires after the welfare of all sentient beings, and it is the path of a bodhisattva. Through the recitation of this prayer, plus the right motivation, sincere effort, open-mindedness and wisdom, we can strive to put our mind in this rightful direction.  more »

May 16- 23, 2011  

A Retreat with Vijnana Bhairava

Dr. Bettina Bäumer

The Vijnana Bhairava is a root Tantra of Kashmir Saivism which teaches 112 ways (dharana) of entering the Supreme Consciousness, comprising meditational practices as well as practices leading from ordinary experiences to enlightenment or divinization. It is one of the most extraordinary spiritual texts of the Indian tradition, also because of its highly practical nature.  more »

April 22-24, 2011

Arya Tara teachings

based on cycle of Chime Phagma Nyingtik

Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche

Tara is the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion upon seeing the misery and suffering of the confused beings in the world.  more »

April 9-11, 2011

Writing Out Loud - Opening Hearts and Changing Minds

3 Day Writing Workshop for Social Change

Janet Thomas

We are in an a global struggle against economic, social and cultural injustice. How do we use our writing to make a difference? Effective and meaningful writing about important issues embraces the human story as well as the collective predicament. It offers possibilities for change as it exposes the impossible tragedies of these times. It gives hope as it embraces despair. It illuminates the interdependence that sees us through. This workshop explores rage, anger and despair and the ways in which they can become useful on the page through thoughtful, impassioned writing.  more »

March 28-April 2

Insight

exploration of the self through the medium of photography and visualization

Nrupen Madhvani

“ We do not see things as they are. We see things the way we are.”                                                      Talmud  more »

March 14 &16, 2011

Engaged Buddhist Dialogues

Buddhist Intellectual Practice Tools for Integrating Spirituality & Social Change

Think Sangha

Deer Park Institute is privileged to host interactions with some of the world's leading socially engaged Buddhist practitioners on:  more »

December 5-9

Songs of Milarepa and Drukpa Kunley

Drubgyud Tenzin Rinpoche

Deer Park is very honored to host this really interesting teachings on Songs of Milarepa and Drukpa Kunley, two of the most famous Tibetan saint poets, led by Drubgyud Tenzin Rinpoche. Songs and poems sang by these masters express immense poetic realization they had.  more »

October 21-22

Comparative View of Buddhism and Hinduism

Narayan Prasad Rijal

In this course, Mr. Narayan Prasad Rijal will lead teachings, discussion on Buddhist and Advaita systems of Hindu Philosophy, practice and logic. * *  more »

October 8-10

Three-Day Silence Mindfulness Meditation Retreat

Ven. Aggacitta and Melitis Kwong

Meditation is a way of training and transforming the mind. It is a very simple exercise allowing ourselves to be mindful and clearly present to whatever thoughts, sensations, or emotions occur. If we continue to simply allow ourselves to be aware of the activity of our minds, we will gradually come to recognize the transparent nature of the thoughts, emotions and perceptions we once considered solid and real.  more »

September 20-23

The Way of the Bodhisattva

Four Day Study Group

The study group will watch the video teachings of Bodhicarayavatara taught by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in 2008 at Deer Park. The video teachings will be followed by discussions.   more »

Aug 28 - Sep 6, 2010

The Vibration of Consciousness: A Retreat-Seminar with the Spanda Karika

Dr. Bettina Bäumer

The Spanda Karika, or Verses on Universal Vibration, is one of the essential texts of *Kashmiri Shaivism*. Introduced by Vasugupta (c. 800 AD), the Spanda system is usually described as 'vibration/movement of consciousness'. The central tenet of this system is 'everything is Spanda', both the objective exterior reality and the subjective world. Nothing exists without movement, yet the ultimate movement takes place not in space or time, but inside the Supreme Consciousness. So, it is a cycle of internalization and externalization of consciousness itself, relating to the most elevated plane in creation (Siva-Sakti Tattva).  more »

July 24-25

Maintaining Sanity and Benefitting Others in a Challenging Era

Venerable Sumati (Kabir Saxena)

In this two day course Venerable Sumati will lead us to explore through talks, meditations and discussions the very skilful and accessible teachings presented in two somewhat contrasting methods of presenting the teachings on liberating ourselves and others.  more »

June 28-30

Wisdom and Method

Three Day Study Group Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche's DVD teaching

This teaching was given in 2007at Deer Park Institue and the DVD teaching will be showed during these 3 morings with discussion afterwards.  more »

April 15 - June 15

Yoga Classes and Retreat

Krishna Chaitanya

Morning Yoga Class  more »

May 29-30, 2010

Talks on Buddhist Masters of the Rime Movement

Sonam Phuntsok

Lama Sonam Phuntsok is one of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche's senior monks. He was trained at Dzongsar Institute in classical Buddhist philosophy, and also completed a 3-year meditation retreat in Bhutan. He is currently engaged in translation projects under Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.  more »

May 6 -12, 2010

Kamalashila's Stages of Meditation (Bhavanakrama)

This program includes teachings, guided meditation and discussions.

Geshe Lhakdor

Kamalashila was the main disciple of the great abbot Shantarakshita, who helped establish Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century. Kamalashila famously defeated the Chinese master Heshang in the great debate at Samye, which took place around 846 AD, thereby ensuring that the Tibetans followed the Indian tradition of Madhyamika which had flourished at the great Nalanda Monastery. His most famous compositions are the three texts entitled Stages of Meditation (Skt. Bhavanakrama; Tib. Gomrim), on which H.H. the Dalai Lama has taught several times. They are the fundamental texts for the study and practise of shamatha and vipashyana in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.  more »

April 16-18, 2010

Opening the Dharma

written by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro

Sonam Phunts

Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro (1896-1959) was an incarnation of the great master Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, one of the leading figures in the Non-Sectarian (Rime) movement which revitalized Tibetan Buddhism in the 19th century. He was renowned as an authority on all Tibetan Buddhist traditions and holder of all the major lineages, one of the most outstanding Tibetan masters of the 20th century.  more »

March 10-14,2010

Writing From the Inside Out

Janet Thomas

*Part I: Exploring Our Lives for Meaning and Memoir*  more »

March 2-6, 2010

Nature and Art

2010 Deer Park Arts Retreat

Deer Park Institute is pleased to present the 2010 Arts Retreat exploring the connection between art, nature and spiritual practice. This year the emphasis is on the Five Elements and brings together five highly accomplished instructors from India and the Naropa Institute in Colorado, USA. The collaborative workshops encompass classical Indian music, poetry, painting, Vedic chanting, Chinese calligraphy and the Chinese five element system. The retreat includes lectures and discussions, readings, film evenings and daily meditation.   more »

February 26 -March 1,2010

Bodhicaryavatara by Shantideva

The Way of the Bodhisattva

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

Shantideva was an 8th-century Indian Buddhist master, who hailed from Kathiawada in Gujarat. He was a renowned scholar and adept at Nalanda University and an adherent of Prasangika Madhyamaka philosophy.  more »

December 23, 2009 - Jan 1, 2010

Ten-Day Longchen Nyingtik Ngondro Practice Retreat  

Longchen Nyingtik Ngondro (LNN) is a preliminary practice of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.  more »

November 8 - December

Zazen Retreat

Venerable Sudhammacara (Ippo Ryodo)

Deer Park is honoured to host another series of retreats and teachings led by Venerable Sudhammacara (Ippo Ryodo).   more »

October 5-13

Thus Spoke Hinduism and Buddhism

Narayan Prasad Rijal

Deer Park is very privileged to host Mr. Narayan Prasad Rijal, a Nepali Buddhist teacher and translator of Sanskrit and Tibetan texts. A member of the Byomakusuma sangha (www.byomakusuma.org), he was granted the title Sahayak Dharmadhara (assistant holder of the Dharma) in 2008 by Acharya Mahayogi Sridhar Rana Rinpoche. He teaches Buddhist meditation and comparative philosophy of Buddhism and Hinduism. The son of a Nepali pandit, Narayan has been steeped in Sanskrit studies from an early age and has translated numerous texts from Sanskrit and Tibetan into Nepali. He is also a lecturer of physics at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu.   more »

October 3-4

How Negative Thoughts Create Our Difficulties

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo is a renowned Buddhist teacher, popular worldwide for her warm, clear and down-to-earth presentation of the Dharma and its application in daily life.  more »

May 9-17, 2009

Essential Sanskrit course

Raji Ramanan

Students of this course will taste the authentic classical Sanskrit tradition, learning the correct pronunciation of mantras and verses while contemplating their meaning. The daily schedule will include mantra chanting and meditation, as well as classes on selected verses from the classic Mahayana Buddhist text Bodhi Patha Pradipika by Atisha. Beginners are welcome, as are students with some prior knowledge of Sanskrit.   more »

April 6 - May 1

Bodhicaryavatara

The Way of the Bodhisattva

Sonam Phuntsok

Bodhicaryavatara is a renowned Mahayana Buddhist text composed by Shantideva, a Buddhist master at Nalanda Monastic University in India (around 700 CE).   more »

April 25 - 26

The Thirty-seven Practices of a Bodhisattva

Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

This seminal text of Tibetan Buddhism gives a concise and poetic outline of the Mahayana practices of mind training. Composed in the 14th century by the great Tibetan master Ngulchu Gyalse Togme, it has inspired generations of practitioners.   more »