Cleveland Programs November – December 2016
Je Tsongkhapa Day Tsoh: The Tibetan Festival of Lights
This year Friday, Dec. 23, is Ganden Ngam Chu or Je Tsongkhapa day, a time to commemorate the life and teachings of Je Rimpoche, founder of our Gelug tradition. We will chant the Lama Chopa Tsoh offering ceremony in English with a few verses sung in Tibetan. A flyer describing the practice is available for newcomers. Our center will be illuminated by light offerings, with flowers and water bowl offerings on the altar.
Please bring a food offering, such as bread, fruit, cake or cookies. Canned goods will be donated to local charities, while other food will be shared after the ceremony. All are welcome, children included!
Friday, December 23, 7-9 pm
Jewel Heart Study Program
New classes for 2017
Two new classes, An Introduction to Tibetan Buddhist Meditation and White Tara Practice, will be held early in 2017. Both of these 4 week classes are great for beginners or more experienced students, and are open to all. Watch for more details to follow in email updates and the Jan-Feb newsletter.
Continuing classes:
Gateway to the Spiritual Path
This eight-week class shows us how we can shape our thoughts and actions in daily life in a positive direction through developing a reliable spiritual foundation. Each session will include guided meditation, a presentation by the facilitator and plenty of time for discussion. A perfect class for beginners or those with beginner’s mind!
Facilitators: Dawn Wegenek and Bill Kirchner
Open to all, without charge. Donations gratefully accepted. Come 10 minutes early to the first session to register and purchase a copy of the transcript.
Nov. 3, 10, 17 & Dec. 1
Vajrayogini
Those who have received both a Highest Yoga Tantra initiation and the blessing initiation of Vajrayogini are eligible for this class which uses Rimpoche’s Vajrayogini transcript to guide us through learning the practice of the long sadhana.
Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm through Dec. 6, then resuming Jan. 3.
Vajrayana Salons
For those with Highest Yoga Tantra initiation only, these informal discussions are a chance for us to relax and discuss our practice with its difficulties and delights in a group of supportive sangha friends.
Sunday, November 13, 1-2;30 pm
Vajrayogini Self-Initiation Practice
Limited to those who have completed a Vajrayogini retreat with fire puja. Please bring your red Vajrayogini practice book and ritual implements, as well as a tsoh offering.
Sunday, November 6, 1-4:30 pm
Practice Sessions – free and open to all:
Monthly White Tara practice, 3rd Sunday each month, 1-2 pm
Buddha Tara is known as the compassionate wisdom mother in Tibetan Buddhism, always quick to help. She is particularly associated with healing and long life. Join us for a guided meditation using visualization techniques and mantra to help ourselves and others.
Led by various senior students.
3rd Sundays, 1-2 pm, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18
Open meditation evenings
Learn and practice focusing meditation in this small group, beginner friendly setting. Brief meditation instruction followed by two silent sittings are included each week. You may use a cushion (we have various types available) or a chair for your practice.
Led by Mike Sherman and other senior students
Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 pm NO SESSION NOV. 23
November – December Tsohs
We hold Tsoh offering ceremonies about twice a month, on or near the 10th and 25th by the lunar calendar. All are welcome to attend the Lama Chopa Tsohs, which will be chanted mostly in English with just a few tunes in Tibetan. You are invited to bring an offering of fruit or cookies if you will.
Vajrayogini Tsohs are restricted to those who have received the Vajrayogini initiation.
Friday, Nov. 11, 7-8:30 pm Vajrayogini Tsoh (restricted)
Friday, Dec. 9, 7-8:30 pm
Friday, Dec. 23, 7-9 pm. Lama Chopa Tsoh for Je Tsongkhapa day
Webinar Programs:
go to www.jewelheart.org for details or to register
NOTE: The following programs are online only
Sundays with Gelek Rimpoche
Weekly teachings by Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche
Sundays, beginning at 11 am, lasting about 1 hour. Free of charge
SEM: The Nature of Mind
Based on teachings by Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche, this course addresses the relationship between energy and mind, the mind’s capacity for liberation and wisdom, and the continuity of consciousness. One needn’t be Buddhist to benefit from this course. Class lasts 12 weeks.
Fee: $50-75, sliding scale for 12 classes including transcript.
Thursdays, beginning Oct. 13, 7-8:30 pm Register at www.jewelheart.org
Watch for new webinar programs In 2017! Check the Jewel Heart website or our updates in late December
Winter Retreat will be Feb. 5-Feb. 11 at the Jewel Heart center in Ann Arbor
The topic is The Secret Practice of Ganden Lha Gyema. The retreat is restricted to those who have already received Highest Yoga Tantra initiation. Registration is due to begin shortly
Cleveland Programs September – October 2016
Open House and Photography Show, Friday, Sept. 9, 6-9:30 pm
New work by David Larsen and Sarah Ralston. All are invited to come and enjoy the art, check out our center, and explore the various venues of Tremont’s ArtWalkabout. www.walkabouttremont.com
Friday, Sept. 9, 6-9:30 pm
Visit Our Table in Lincoln Park!
The Tremont Arts and Cultural Festival will be held this year in Lincoln Park on Saturday, September 17 (11-6), and Sunday, September18 (12-5pm). For those who haven’t attended this festival before, it has great art and artisans, great food (from local churches including Korean and Mexican) and live entertainment. The festival is free of charge.
Come visit and rest your feet or take a shift at the Jewel Heart Cleveland non-profit table, which will have informational flyers and freebies as outreach to festival goers.
Saturday, September 17, 11am-6 pm
Sunday, September 18, noon-5 pm
Two Introductory Evenings, Sept. 16 & 23 – free and open to all
The Varieties of Tibetan Buddhist Meditation
While many assume that meditation is simply a way of reducing stress and calming the mind, the Tibetan tradition of Buddhism has much more to offer, including a variety of methods to help us transform our minds through developing focus, stability and understanding. This presentation will include guided meditations and time for questions.
Presentation by James Jorah
Friday, September 16, 7-8:30 pm
The Buddhism of Tibet, Gelek Rimpoche and Jewel Heart
What are the special qualities of the Buddhist tradition in Tibet, and how can they be of use to us in the 21st century? This talk will present a brief introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, and how Gelek Rimpoche and Jewel Heart, the organization he founded, continue to make this authentic tradition relevant and accessible today.
Presentation by Bill Kirchner, with time for questions and discussion
Friday, September 23, 7-8:30 pm
Practice Sessions, – free and open to all
Monthly White Tara practice, 3rd Sunday each month, 1-2 pm
Buddha Tara is known as the compassionate wisdom mother in Tibetan Buddhism, always quick to help. She is particularly associated with healing and long life. Join us for a guided meditation using visualization techniques and mantra to help ourselves and others.
Led by various senior students.
3rd Sundays, 1-2 pm, Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Dec. 18
Open meditation evenings, beginning September 21
Learn and practice focusing meditation in this small group, beginner friendly setting. Brief meditation instruction followed by two silent sittings are included each week. You may use a cushion (we have various types available) or a chair for your practice.
Led by Mike Sherman and other senior students
Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 pm beginning September 21
September-October Tsohs
We hold Tsoh offering ceremonies about twice a month, on or near the 10th and 25th by the lunar calendar. All are welcome to attend the Lama Chopa Tsohs, which will be chanted mostly in English with just a few tunes in Tibetan. You are invited to bring an offering of fruit or cookies if you will.
The Vajrayogini Tsohs are restricted to those who have received the Vajrayogini initiation.
NOTE: The Lama Chopa Tsoh originally scheduled for Sunday, September 11, has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict
Sunday, September 25, 1-2:30 pm, Vajrayogini
Wednesday, October 12, 7pm, Lama Chopa
Tuesday, October 25, 7-8:30 pm, Vajrayogini Tsoh (replaces Vajrayogini class)
Jewel Heart Study Program
New Class Begins October 6: Gateway to the Spiritual Path
This eight-week class shows us how we can shape our thoughts and actions in daily life in a positive direction through developing a reliable spiritual foundation. Each session will include guided meditation, a presentation by the facilitator and plenty of time for discussion. A perfect class for beginners or those with beginner’s mind!
Facilitators: Dawn Wegenek and Bill Kirchner
Open to all, without charge. Donations gratefully accepted. Come 10 minutes early to the first session to register and purchase a copy of the transcript.
Time: 8 Thursdays, 7:30-9:00 pm, beginning October 6
Continuing Class:
Vajrayogini
Those who have received both a Highest Yoga Tantra initiation and the blessing initiation of Vajrayogini are eligible for this class which will use Rimpoche’s Vajrayogini transcript to guide us through learning the practice of the long sadhana.
Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Vajrayana Salons
Note: The Vajrayana Salon originally scheduled for Sunday, September 11, has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict.
For those with Highest Yoga Tantra initiation only, these informal discussions are a chance for us to relax and discuss our practice with its difficulties and delights in a group of supportive sangha friends.
Sunday, October 9, 1-2;30 pm
Vajrayogini Self-Initiation Practice
Limited to those who have completed a Vajrayogini retreat with fire puja. Please bring your red Vajrayogini practice book and ritual implements.
Sunday, September 4, 1-4:30 pm
Sunday, October 2, 1-4:30 pm
Webinar Programs
go to www.jewelheart.org for details or to register
NOTE: The following programs are online only
Sundays with Gelek Rimpoche
Weekly teachings by Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche
Sundays, beginning at 11 am, lasting about 1 hour. Free of charge
SEM: The Nature of Mind
Based on teachings by Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche, this course addresses the relationship between energy and mind, the mind’s capacity for liberation and wisdom, and the continuity of consciousness. One needn’t be Buddhist to benefit from this course. Class lasts 12 weeks.
Fee: $50-75, sliding scale for 12 classes including transcript.
Thursdays, beginning Oct. 13, 7-8:30 pm Register online.
Events at Other Jewel Heart Centers
Jewel Heart is honored to announce two Special Weekend Teachings
ARYADEVA’S 400 STANZAS ON THE MIDDLE WAY
with GESHE YESHE THABKHE
Friday – Sunday, September 9–11, 2016
Jewel Heart International
1129 Oak Valley Drive
Ann Arbor,MI 48108
Also available via Webinar.
Aryadeva’s poetic verses illuminate how to rely on positive action, reduce disturbing emotions, and understand the true nature of reality.
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LOJONG: HOW TO DEVELOP A GOOD HEART
with GESHE YESHE THABKHE
Friday, September 16 – Saturday, September 17, 2016
Onsite at Jewel Heart Chicago
4043 N. Ravenswood Ave., Suite 105
Chicago, IL 60613
Also available online via Webinar.
Lojong is a set of profound practices that help us to clear our hearts and minds of selfishness and delusion. In this 2-day workshop, Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe explains these practices on the basis of the text “7-Point Mind Training.”
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For further information on either of these two weekend teachings by Geshe Rinpoche or to register for either event, go to www.jewelheart.org and check out the upcoming events.