Program Guide Jan – April 2011
TEACHINGS with GELEK RIMPOCHE
The SONGS OF SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE are inspirational verses spontaneously composed by the great 14th century Tibetan Buddhist scholar, Je Tsong Khapa. As commentary on the stages of the path to enlightenment, Je Tsong Khapa’s deep understanding and personal experience offers us the opportunity to similarly transform ourselves and how we participate in the world.
GELEK RIMPOCHE will teach these verses over the coming months from both Jewel Heart in Ann Arbor and New York. Among the last generation of incarnate lamas tutored by the great masters of Old Tibet, Rimpoche’s command of western culture allows him to convey the Tibetan Buddhist tradition with wisdom, kindness and wit. Rimpoche is the Founder and Spiritual Director of Jewel Heart.
LIVE VIDCASTS FROM NEW YORK TO ANN ARBOR:
Sat, January 22: 10am – 12pm, 2 – 5pm
Sat, March 12:
10am – 12pm, 2 – 5pm
LIVE IN ANN ARBOR:
Sat, February 5, 10am – 12pm, 2 – 5pm
Sat, April 2
10am – 12pm, 2 – 5pm
Saturday May 21
10am – 12pm, 2pm – 5pm
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KARMA and INTERDEPENDENCE
Sunday April 3: 10am – 12pm
Karma’s four properties raise awareness of personal responsibility and introduce us to how interconnected we truly are. Join us for a taste of Buddhism through introductory talks on contemporary issues followed by tea and cookies or brunch. Open to all. Also available by live video webcast.
Your donations and/or Jewel Heart membership are appreciated and help to present, preserve, and distribute Gelek Rimpoche’s teachings.
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Special Event Workshop
JATAKAS ARE US:
Embodying the Way and Being Embodied by It!
with
RAFE MARTIN
Noted Author and Storyteller
Saturday, April 9
9:30am – 12:30pm
Jataka tales are mythic sources of depth for spiritual seekers of all traditions. Take care not to mistake them as quaint tales for children only! For the Jataka tales tell us the ways of bodhisattvas, those with boundless hearts dedicated to the happiness and enlightenment of all beings.
In this workshop, finding ourselves reflected through the experience of the jataka mirror, we will take up the work of bodhisattvas, embodying these stories through our own body, speech and mind and bringing renewal to our lives, our understanding, and our spiritual practice.
You don’t want to miss Rafe Martin and this inspiring workshop, geared to energize our life relationships in all their opportunities for creative delight.
Register in advance or pay at the door $45
Contact: [email protected]
or 734 994 3387 x 223, 221, 224
For flyer and more details, click here
Friday, April 8, 7pm Rafe Martin will also offer an evening of storytelling – World Tales of Wisdom and Compassion – at the Ann Arbor Zen Temple, 1214 Packard Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
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‘PRAYER TO SEE THE DAKINI’S LOVELY FACE’ – TEACHINGS with GELEK RIMPOCHE
Open to those with qualifying highest yoga tantra initiation. No webcast.
Sat, January 29: 10am – 12pm, 2 – 5pm
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Ann Arbor Sangha Presentation
Sunday, April 10 at 11:00
Curious about how you can participate at our Jewel Heart Center? Would you like to know more about our sangha and our relationship with the community? Interested in finding about the benefits of membership?
Then please join us on Sunday, April 10 at 11:00 for an overview on how folks participate in Jewel Heart, and how Jewel Heart members participate in the community!
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Ann Arbor GOM Practice Weekend
Friday/Saturday/Sunday, April 29, 30 & May 1
GOM, or concentrated meditation, is an essential tool that helps develop peace and joy as well as the power to deeply understand wisdom. This meditation weekend intensive, offered according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, will include practice sessions with light guidance. Silence will be maintained between sessions. Practice sessions will include sitting and walking meditations. Instructors will be available for your assistance.
Click Here for more information.
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CREATING SPACE: CLARITY and INSIGHT through MEDITATION – Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Meditation provides a clear stable mind, necessary for a happy life and foundation for deepening our spiritual journey. This course offers hands-on experience with the basic elements of meditation, using breath, posture and techniques for coping with distractions and laxity of the mind.
January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, 28, March 7 (No class February 21)
$80/ Jewel Heart Members – Free
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GATEWAY TO THE SPIRITUAL PATH – Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30pm
The main focus here is developing a reliable spiritual foundation. Gelek Rimpoche’s transcript, Gateway to the Spiritual Path, serves as the basis.
January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, March 3, 10, 17 (No class February 17, 24)
$80/Jewel Heart Members – Free
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ODYSSEY TO FREEDOM – Section 1 and 2 – Wednesdays, 7 – 8:30pm
Gelek Rimpoche created Odyssey to Freedom as an accessible and concise Lam Rim, encompassing the stages of the spiritual path from our current situation, as it is, to full enlightenment.
Transcript is available from the Jewel Heart Store.
Section 1 – Continued – January 12, 26, February 9
Section 2 – March 9, 23, April 6, 20, May 4, 18, June 1, 15
$80 / Jewel Heart Members – Free
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GUIDE TO THE BODHISATTVA’S WAY OF LIFE – CHAPTER 1 – Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Commentary by Gelek Rimpoche details the writing of the Indian saint and scholar Shantideva on the activities of a bodhisattva. This first chapter focuses on the benefits of developing bodhimind. Course transcript is available through the Jewel Heart Store.
Continued – January 5, 19, February 2, March 2, 16
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YAMANTAKA – SECTION 4 – Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Open to Vajrayana members interested in deepening their daily Yamantaka sadhana practice. This five section course follows Gelek Rimpoche’s Yamantaka transcript.
Continued Section 4: January 10, 24, February 7, March 7, 21, April 4
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DEEPENING AWARENESS: THE PRACTICE OF MINDFULNESS MEDITATION – Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Becoming more aware of our thoughts, feelings and sensations through meditation opens the door to understanding the nature of our mind and how it creates our experience. Recommended pre-requisite: Creating Space: Clarity and Insight through Meditation.
March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9
$80 / Jewel Heart Members – Free
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GANDEN LHA GYEMA
One of the most popular practices in the Tsong Khapa tradition, Ganden Lha Gyema deepens our connection with the enlightened through meditational exercises and enriches our inner development. With grounded appreciation for the spiritual teacher, this practice uplifts through generosity, respect, purification, rejoicing and many beneficial activities. Instruction on specific visualization practices with the Migtsema mantra.
March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19
$80 / Jewel Heart Members – Free
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DHARMA DISCUSSION AND DEBATE – Tuesdays, Monthly, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Drawing on the traditional Tibetan Buddhist mode of learning through open debate, you are invited to participate in groups of two to five participants to analytically challenge and deepen your relationship with the Dharma. Join in for free pizza and discussion!
January 25, February 15, March 29, April 26
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CELEBRATED TSOH DATES and HOLIDAYS:
January 28 (Friday), 4pm – Compulsory Tsoh. Those with highest yoga tantra initiation will meet to begin at 4pm at Jewel Heart. Vajrayogini Long Sadhana prayer books will be available for the session. Questions? Call 734-994-3387 extension 2.
February 13 (Sunday), beginning about 5:00 pm – Compulsory Tsoh. Lama Chopa. Open to all. Live video webcast.
February 27 (Sunday) – Details to come.
March 5 (Saturday morning) – LOSAR/Tibetan New Year. Details to come.
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FREE FILMS AND DISCUSSION – Fridays – Monthly, 7:00pm
Bring your friends and enjoy a free film and discussion about dharma and the film. Concessions are also available.
December 17 – Imitation of Life. Hosted by John Madison.
January 7 – Ann Arbor Film Festival Screening Salon – Special screening of short films submitted for the March 22 – 27 AAFF. Hosted by Ann Arbor Film Festival’s Executive Director, Donald Harrison.
March 25 – The Night of the Hunter. Hosted by John Moran.
April 29 – Mystic Tibet: An Outer, Inner and Secret Pilgrimage. Hosted by John Schramm.
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JEWEL HEART READERS – Tuesdays, Monthly, 7 – 8:30pm
Enjoy lively discussion of dharma related book selections monthly.
December 14, January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12
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LOVING KINDNESS KNITTING & CRAFTS – Sundays, Monthly, 1-4pm
All are invited to this monthly Sangha Council social gathering. Loving Kindness Knitting & Crafts includes all crafts, arts and handiwork. Bring your current project(s) if you have one or join our Squares project. We have lots of yarn to go around.
January 16, February 6, March 6, April 3
Donations accepted.
Food Drive
From November through spring, we will be collecting non-perishable food to donate to those in our community who are in need. Bring your donations to any Jewel Heart event. Please donate only items you would be happy to eat yourself.