by Lama Jigmé Namgyal

What is real meditation
Real meditation has nothing to do with feeling good. Feelings always change. In real meditation one is not disturbed by emotions or feelings, but one can abide in a stable and calm and clear state of mind. This is when meditation brings clarity and leads to recognition of ones true nature which is hidden underneath our continuous flow of thoughts, feelings and emotions, like the sun is hidden behind the clouds.

The course is aimed especially at beginners with no experience in meditation. Lama Jigmé Namgyal will offer wisdom teachings on starting the contemplative path of training one’s mind.

(only for students who attended the previous term)

by Lama Jigmé Namgyal

The classic treatise, the Bodhicaryavatara, by Shantideva was written in 700 A.D. in Sanskrit, nowadays often translated as “A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life”. It is the most widely read, practiced, and cited text in the whole Tibetan Buddhist tradition. H.H. the Dalai Lama says that this text is the primary source of most of the Tibetan Buddhist literature on the cultivation of altruism and that it teaches the complete Mahayana path to enlightenment.
Shantideva, a Buddhist monk at Nalanda Monastic University in India, where he also composed this text, is one of the most renowned and esteemed figures in the entire history of Mahayana Buddhism.
The Bodhicaryavatara has ten chapters dedicated to the development of bodhicitta (the mind of enlightenment) through the practice of the six perfections (Skt. Pāramitās). 

Lama Jigmé Namgyal will continue to give his commentary on this text in the Monday class.

We will be using the translation of the root text by B. Alan Wallace (A Guide To The Bodhisattva Way Of Life, by Shantideva. Translated by Vesna A. Wallace and B. Alan Wallace).

Dates: Mondays from 7 pm to 9 pm

January:   9, 16, 23, 30
February:  6, 20, 27
March:      6, 13

(Due to the travel agenda of Lama Jigmé changes in dates might occur during the course).

If we wish to lead a life that is fulfilling and successful, and even more so if we seek to go deeper and discover the spiritual meaning of our life, we need to make sure that our conduct is in line with our lofty aspirations. The Buddhist teachings explain very clearly that happiness and success can only be achieved by following certain basic principles of ethical conduct. This is because of the unfailing nature of karmic cause and effect: positive deeds of body, speech and mind produce the seeds of happiness, whereas negative actions are the causes of further suffering. Moreover, those aspiring to follow a spiritual path can only do so based on the accumulations of merit and wisdom, and again ethical conduct is fundamental to our spiritual progress. 

This course explores the principles of ethical conduct as they apply both to our day-to-day existence and to our spiritual path. The text serving as the basis for the course is “A Treatise on Ethics for Kings: An Ornament for Rulers” written by the extraordinary Tibetan master and polymath of the 19th century, Jamgön Ju Mipham Gyatso (1846-1912). The English translation can be found in José Cabezón’s book “The Just King: The Tibetan Buddhist Classic on Leading an Ethical Life”, but you do not need the text to follow the teachings.

by Lama Jigmé Namgyal

What is real meditation
Real meditation has nothing to do with feeling good. Feelings always change. In real meditation one is not disturbed by emotions or feelings, but one can abide in a stable and calm and clear state of mind. This is when meditation brings clarity and leads to recognition of ones true nature which is hidden underneath our continuous flow of thoughts, feelings and emotions, like the sun is hidden behind the clouds.

The course is aimed especially at beginners with no experience in meditation. Lama Jigmé Namgyal will offer wisdom teachings on starting the contemplative path of training one’s mind.