Archive

  • 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 26-30,2011

    Tuning Fork Film Workshop

    Ankit Pogula

    Tuning Fork Film Workshops” are about learning how to make films with minimum resources, how to get creative in filmmaking and above all how to evaluate the relevance of what one wants to convey through this powerful and captivating medium.    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 »

  • November 12-13,2011

    The Four Noble Truths

    Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo

    The Four Noble Truths-the truth of suffering, the truth of the origin of suffering, the truth of the cessation of suffering and the truth of the path leading to this cessation- formed part of the first sermon the Buddha gave after he was enlightened.   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 »

  • September 2-4,2011

    The Way of the Bodhisattva Study Group

    Based on Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s teaching

    This is a DVD Dharma Teaching Study Group of one of the most important text in Tibetan Buddhism - The Way of the Bodhisattva.  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 »

  • Auguest 13-15,2011

    View and Meditation: A three-day retreat

    3 Day Retreat

    Khenpo Nawang Osel and Melitis Kwong

    “In Buddhism, the view is essential for both theory and practice. All the various Buddhist schools and paths have been established based on the right view, and the result of the Buddhist path – enlightenment – is none other than the complete understanding or realization of the view.” Quote from Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, teaching on Madhyamakavatara.  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 31-June 1,2011

    Words of My Perfect Teacher

    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 »

  • 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 26-29,2011

    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 »

  • 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 »

  • May 7-11, 2011

    The Seven Points of Mind Training

    Geshe Lhakdor

    The seven points of mind training consists of fifty-nine slogans. These slogas are designed as a set of antidotes to undesired mental habits that cause suffering. They contain both methods to expand one's viewpoint towards absolute bodhicitta, such as "Find the consciousness you had before you were born." and "Treat everything you perceive as a dream.", and methods for relating to the world in a more constructive way with relative bodhicitta, such as "Be grateful to everyone." and "When everything goes wrong, treat disaster as a way to wake up."  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 15-17, 2011

    Whose Trip Is It, Anyways?

    3 Day Travel Writing Workshop

    Janet Thomas

    *Whose Trip Is It, Anyways? How to Travel Honestly and Write About It, Too*  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 »

  • April 4-9, 2011

    Learning Societies Conference

    Contemplation, Compassion, Creativity and Courage

    It is our great pleasure to invite you to participate in the *6th Learning Societies Conference* on “*Contemplation, Compassion, Creativity and Courage*,” organised jointly by Deer Park Institute, Shikshantar, Multiversity Network, Earth Care Designs, Possibilities, Manzil and Swaraj University.  The conference will take place from April 4-9, 2011 in Deer Park Institute.  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 23-27, 2011

    Exploring Our Lives for Meaning and Memoir

    5 Day Writing Workshop

    Janet Thomas

    When we reclaim our lives in writing, we make clear who we are, what we mean, where we come from, how we got here, and why. We get to live our lives twice; complete with the grace of hindsight as well as with the honesty that makes each life compelling and true. This memoir workshop is about getting away from these dastardly sound-bite, disposable times and diving into the depths of our lives where our stories save the world. There is nothing to be critical of, nothing to judge, and nothing to correct.  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 »

  • February 28 - March 2, 2011

    Avasthá Vinyása

    Dr. Robert Svoboda

    Vinyása means “arrangement, ordering”; avasthá is “state, condition.” Avasthá Vinyása is the active, adept systematizing of the many life stages that each of us passes through, performed with the intention to live life as well as possible, during pravrtti and nivrtti alike. Drawing on the Vaidika, Pauranika, and Tantrika traditions, and from the teachings of India’s many vidyas (including Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotisha, Vastu, and Rasa), this presentation will explore how individuals can fruitfully employ the principles of the Four Ashramas [Brahmacarya, Grhastha, Vanaprastha, Sannyasa] and the Four Purusharthas [Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha] to live fully, richly, and intelligently at every stage of their lives.  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 »

  • Nov 27- Dec 1, 2010

    Present Moment Meditation Retreat

    Ven. Sudhammacara

    Deer Park is honored to host another series of retreats and teachings led by Venerable Sudhammacara (Ippo Ryodo).  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 13-19

    Letter to a Friend by Nagarjuna

    Narayan Prasad Rijal

    The great Indian Buddhist master Nagajuna wrote his celebrated poem “Letter to a friend” as a gift of advice to a South Indian king, and it has since become a monument in the Indian Shastra tradition.  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 »

  • October 1-2

    Arya Tara Teachings

    Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

    We are overjoyed to announce that Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche will give Arya Tara blessing at the Deer Park Institute. Arya Tara is known as a protection deity - protecting us from all kinds of ailments and obstacles and more importantly from inner conflicts, kleshas and other mental distractions... Arya Tara is well-known as a wish fulfilling deity and supposed to be prompt in answering the prayers. She is the goddess for giving the boons of fertility, communication and more importantly the blessing of enlightened qualities such as love, compassion, Bodhicitta and ultimately enlightenment. Arya Tara is also a most popular deity among the panditas of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda University.   *Timings: 9:30 to 11:30 am  & 3 to 4.30 pm* Day 1: Morning Blessing ceremony, followed by informal teachings during the afternoon session. Day 2: Two sessions of teaching and practice together.   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 »

  • September 11-15

    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 »

  • 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 »

  • August 5-8

    Zero Waste for Zero Warming Conference

    Towards Zero Waste Himalaya

    GAIA, Thanal & Deer Park

    Please email us at info@deerpark.in if you are interested in participating in this program.   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 »

  • July 2-9

    Intensive Retreat on the Buddhist View

    Two Truths as Interpreted by the Four Schools of Buddhism and their Significance on the Path to Enlightenment

    Geshe Dorji Damdul

    Deer Park Institute is very fortunate to host teachings by Geshe Dorji Damdul on the core foundation of the Buddhist path-the View. Geshe la’s  approach draws from the vast Nalanda tradition, in which he was trained in, along with an abundance of lore of past masters, their lives and experiences treading the path of the Buddha.  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 »

  • June 26-27

    Eight Verses for Training the Mind by Langri Tangpa

    Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo

    Composed by the Buddhist Master Langri Tangpa (1054-1123), Eight Verses for Training the Mind is a highly-revered text from the Mahayana Lojong (mind training) tradition. These instructions offer essential practices for cultivating the awakening mind of compassion, wisdom, and love. Langri Tangpa is an important figure in the lineage of the Kadampa and Gelug schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He is said to be an emanation of Buddha Amitabha.  more »

  • April 15 - June 15

    Yoga Classes and Retreat

    Krishna Chaitanya

    Morning Yoga Class  more »

  • May 28–30

    Shamatha Meditation Retreat

    Based on the Bodong Madhyamika tradition

    Geshe Lopsang Tsepel

    Teachings, meditation, and discussions of this program are based on Shamatha, Vipassana tradition of Bodong Panchen. All level of practitioners are welcome.  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 17 -21

    Workshop on Classical Charya Dance

    Rajendra Shrestha

    Charya dance and songs are the part of Buddhist Tantric Ritual. In Tibetan Buddhism, it is called Mudra Dance. In He-Vajra Tantra, this dance is called Vajra Nritya Vajra Dance - 'The Dance of Meditation'. Charya songs are written by 84 Maha Siddhas and other Practiceners.  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 »

  • May 6-10

    Sanskrit Chanting of 21 Praises of Tara

    Raji Ramanan

    The poetic text entitled Twenty-One Praises of Tara & Their Benefits is the most popular prayer to Tara, invoking the 21 different manifestations of the savories. The daily session will include chanting of the verses in Sanskrit along with an emphasis on the correct pronunciation.  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

    Ordinary Life Extraordinary Images

    Using the dynamic art form of collage to explore ideas, making the unseen visible

    Thrinley Di Marco

    The mystery and magic of creativity is simply seeing what everyone sees but thinking what no one else has thought. Out of the commonplace images all around, if one looks at them carefully and sensitively, one can create extraordinary images.  more »

  • March 10-14,2010

    Writing From the Inside Out

    Janet Thomas

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

  • March 6-9, 2010

    Exploring Mind and Embodiment Through Theatre Improvisation

    4 Day Theatre Workshop

    Susan Campbell-Webster

    Based on the ground-breaking theatre work of Viola Spolin, students will self-explore in groups using improvised theatre games.  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 15-25 & March 2-12

    Intensive Classical Tibetan Language course

    Prof. Kurt Schwalbe

    This is the third time Prof. Schwalbe is offering this wonderful course at Deer Park. Students from the last two years have given very positive feedback. In particular, this intensive and enjoyable course has high success rates with people who had previously started to study Tibetan and given up in frustration. Two levels are offered: introductory and intermediate. English is the language of instruction. Below is the approximate outline of the language course as a week by week plan.   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 »

  • Feb 15-25

    Tai-chi Workshop

    Tai Chi for Health and Well-being

    Kira Liu

    Tai Chi is an expression of the unity of body and mind moving as a powerful single unit in a fluid manner through a set of prescribed movements.Participants will learn the basic principles and practice of Tai Chi. Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcomed.  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 »

  • December 5-8

    Wisdom in Healing

    Dr. Vinod Verma, Barbara Gerke, Dr. Pema Yangzom & Melitis Kwong

    This four-day workshop will introduce participants to three Asian wisdom traditions of healing and maintaining health: Chinese medicine, Tibetan medicine, and Indian Ayurveda. Professionals trained in these ancient systems of health care will each provide a day-long introduction into the tradition’s background and basic principles.  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 23 - November 1

    The 21 Praises of Tara from the Sanskrit tradition

    Raji Ramanan

    The female Buddha Tara finds mention in almost any work on Buddhist history or culture in South Asia and the Himalayas, for one cannot ignore her presence in the religious and social landscape. Her worship includes devotional ritual and tantric practices. Tara is said to embody compassion and wisdom. As a saviouress, she helps to relieve the sufferings of the world. Motherhood being central to the conception of Tara, she is invoked in Sanskrit and Tibetan as the mother.  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 5-15

    From Nalanda to Gandhi & Tagore

    civilizational streams of Indian thought

    Prof. Prabodh Parikh

    In this workshop we will explore the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, through the mediums of music, cinema and art.  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 »

  • September 20 to 27, 2009

    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 »

  • 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 »

  • Stages of Shamatha and Vipassana

    Explanation based on the Mahayana Tradition

    Khenpo Choying Dorjee

    Shamatha is the single-minded concentration in which one reaches the mind's basic or natural state of bliss, clarity and awareness, free from mental dullness, agitation and wandering.  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 4 & 5

    The Profound Method for Bringing Forth the Nature of Mind

    Sogyal Rinpoche

    Deer Park is honoured to again host teachings by Sogyal Rinpoche, author of the highly acclaimed Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. With his remarkable gift for presenting the heart essence, spirit, and flavour of Tibetan Buddhism in a way that is both authentic and profoundly relevant to the modern mind, Sogyal Rinpoche is one of the most renowned teachers of our time. The atmosphere Rinpoche creates is one of incredible warmth, love, and penetrating insight, as if he were speaking directly to the heart of each and everyone present. He is often called an incredible communicator, and people around the world remark on the power his teachings have to reveal a glimpse of the innermost nature of mind and bring lasting transformation and confidence in how to face the challenges of daily life.  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 »