Midwest Dharma

Tibetan Chanting before and during the visit of Dalai Lama's sister to Minneapolis

Jetsun Pema, sister of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, will be in Minneapolis at the end of May.  The following details appeared in an article on www.edgelife.net:

Year of Tibet in Minnesota
In celebration and honor of the Tibetan community in the Twin Cities, the second largest such group in the United States, a festival entitled "2007: A Year of Tibet in Minnesota" will take place in May, featuring the Gyoto Monks of Tibet, the personal assistant to the Dalai Lama, a Tibetan Film Festival and a visit from Mrs. Jetsun Pema, sister of the Dalai Lama.

The Gyoto Monks of Tibet will be in the Cities May 11-21 to demonstrate their worship rituals, performing with flutes, horns, drums and unique multiphonic singing and chanting. The monks also are known for their intricate sand mandalas and butter sculptures, which will be created in front of live audiences at the Minnesota Institute of Art.

The keynote speaker will be the personal assistant to the Dalai Lama, Mrs. Jetsun Pema, sister of the Dalai Lama. She will be speaking at St. Catherine's on two occasions, and a local Tibetan dance group will perform a series of traditional folk dances in costume. Like her famous brother, the 14th Dalai Lama, Mrs. Pema is known for her personal warmth and wisdom. She has taken on the task of caring for the welfare of the thousands of orphaned and destitute children who continue to flee from oppression still imposed by the Chinese government.

THE CHOIR'S PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

Next Saturday: 8 p.m., Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis; tickets $15 ($10 for seniors and students); 612-333-1381 or www.mary.org.

May 13: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Minneapolis Institute of Art's Family Day; free.

May 20: 6:30 p.m., Center for Religious Inquiry at St. Mark's Cathedral, Minneapolis; tickets $15 ($10 for seniors and students); 612-870-7800 or www.religiousinquiry.com.

May 24: 7:30 p.m., Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis; tickets $15 in advance, $20 at door ($10 for students); 612-338-2674 or www.thecedar.com.

May 27: 7 p.m., St. Joan of Arc Church, Minneapolis; tickets $15 ($10 for seniors and students); 612-823-8205 or www.stjoan.com.

Pema will be keynote speaker at the following venues, which will also feature the choir:

May 29: 7 p.m., Children's Theatre, Minneapolis; tickets $22-$28 ($15 for children, seniors and students); 612-874-0400 or www.childrenstheatre.org.

May 31 and June 1: 7 p.m., Jeanne D'Arc Auditorium, College of St. Catherine, St. Paul; tickets $20; 651-690-6000 or www.ticketworks.org.

Schedule provided by an article in the Star Tribune.

 

Teachings by Khen Rinpoche in Minneapolis

WEDNESDAY EVENING CLASSES
7:15 to 9:00 – Location: Shambhala Center

    * Peace of Mind - The Fundamental Practice of Tranquility Meditation
      – Wednesday evenings, Jan. 17th to Feb. 7th

      The practice of shamatha, or tranquility meditation, is designed to still the mind and bring about a profound state of peace and relaxation. Once this state is achieved, the practitioner will be well-equipped to begin more advanced forms of practice that aim to cultivate wisdom and connect directly with the nature of mind. In this series of teachings, Khen Rinpoche will explain the subtleties of this practice, bringing his own extensive experience as a meditator to bear on the topic. All are invited to attend. Drop-ins welcome.

      Suggested donation: $20 per class or $60 for the 4 class series

Details available at the Rime website.

NOTE: Check it out...I went to the first class - Rinpoche is a very accessible and knowledgeable teacher.  The translating is top-notch and Rinpoche's good grasp of English makes the students feel very "understood." - Debe 

Five Wisdoms Institute

The Five Wisdoms Institute is delighted to announce the Minneapolis
launching of Five Wisdoms @ Work, a two-year personal and professional
development training. It is for professionals in the service of others:
Health Caregivers, Educators, Organizational Leaders, Artists and anyone
else interested.

Module I Five Qualities of Authentic Presence will take
place Feb 2-4. The modules can be taken on an individual basis. Everyone in
invited to the free Friday evening talk.

The training is located at the Studio for Creative Leadership at 2637 27th Ave, Suite 224 in Minneapolis.

For information go to www.FiveWisdomsInstitute.com

October Events & Programs

Here's a list of upcoming programs and events for the Midwest Centers featured on this site.  Each center offers a wealth on ongoing practices (meditation sessions, etc.)-please go to their individual site for details.

Each monthly post will feature a particular event or program that is of particular interest and  importance.

FEATURE EVENT

Oct 14-Dec 16 Dzogchen Mind Training -  The Preliminaries of the Great Perfection 

Taught by Khen Rinpoche Sherab Sangpo and sponsored by the Rimé Foundation.  The Rimé Foundation is proud to host the Nyingma lama Khenpo Sherab Sangpo Rinpoche during his two year stay in the Twin Cities. Khen Rinpoche has been a monk since the age of seven and has trained with some of the greatest Tibetan masters of the last century. He has completed over a decade of philosophical training and contemplation, spent nearly five years meditating in retreat, and taught at some of the most prestigious institutions in the Buddhist world. Click here for a detailed biography of Rinpoche.

The foundational teachings of Ngöndro are common to all sects and lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. In the Nyingma tradition, however, these practices are rooted in the teachings of the Great Perfection,   or Dzogchen, and are presented in a unique and profound manner. In this series of teachings, Khen Rinpoche will introduce a series of seven ancient contemplations that are drawn from the Heart      Essence, or Nyingtik, tradition. These practices are designed to lead the student to an increasingly profound insight into the nature of the mind and reality. The basis for these teachings is a        beautiful text composed by the great saint Jigmé Lingpa, titled The Steps to Liberation. To read more about these teachings, please click here. These teachings are open to all. One need not attend all the teachings as cds will be made available to those who have missed classes or wish to catch up.

Shambhala Meditation Center of Minneapolis
Oct 20-22 Shambhala Training Level 2-Birth of the Warrior

Ongoing:
Sep 26-24 (Tue) & Sat Oct 28 Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies:Life of the Buddha class

Coming in November:
Nov 10-12 Shambhala Training-Great Eastern Sun
Nov 14-Dec 12 & Dec 16 SSBS Emptiness

Windhorse Retreat Center
Oct 20-22 Shambhala Training Level 2

Coming in November:
Nov 10-12 Shambhala Training -Drala
Nov 17-19 Vajrayogini & Werma: Self Liberating Fixation on Passion & Aggression (restricted practice)

Rime Foundation/Khen Rinpoche Sherab Sangpo
Oct 7-Nov 4 Outer Ngondro-Foundation Teachings of Tibetan Buddhism

Coming in November:
Nov 18-Dec 16 Inner Ngondro-Foundation Teachings of Tibetan Buddhism

Northfield Buddhist Meditation Center
Oct 21 Half-Day Retreat led by Mark Nunberg

Dharma Field Zen Center
Ongoing-
Sep 19-Oct 24 The Four Noble Truths
Sep 11-Oct 16 Middle Way Studies:Nagarjuna series Causation and Change

Clouds in Water Zen Center
Oct 27-29 The Consciousness Revolution: Compassionate Communication Learning Labs

Ongoing-
Sep 20, Oct 4 & 18, Nov 1 Understanding our (Racial) Selves

Coming in November:
Nov 10-12 Five Wisdom Energies and the Practice of Inner Disarmament

Minnesota Zen Center
Oct 2-30 (Mondays) Zen Buddhism The Basics
Oct 21 Mindfulness Day Retreat (morning only option available)
Oct 4-Nov 15 (Wednesdays) & Nov 20 Fall Practice Period: Dogen's Commentary on Chinese Koans
Oct 29 Work Practice Day

Common Ground Meditation Center
Oct 21 Healing from the Disease of Anger
Oct 28 Daylong Retreat

Ongoing-
Sep 14-Oct 19 (Thu)  Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation
Sep 18-Nov 6 (Mon) Buddhist Studies: The Five Hindrances

Coming in November:
Nov 10 Untangling the Tangle

Compassionate Ocean Dharma Center
Ongoing-
Sep 26-Nov 14 Introductory program in Mindfulness (Minneapolis location)
Sep 28-Nov 16 Introductory program in Mindfulness (St. Paul location)
Sep 25-Nov 13 Continuing Program in Mindfulness

Coming in November:
Nov 4 & 11 One Day Retreats

Shambhala Meditation Center of Chicago
Oct 13-15 Shambhala Training Level 2-Birth of the Warrior
Oct 20-22 Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche in town to run the Chicago Marathon

Coming in November:
Nov 3-5 Shambhala Training Perky
Nov 10-12 Ari Goldfield teaching from Moon of Wisdom
Nov 17-19 Shambhala Training Level 3

Ongoing:
Sep 14-Oct 26 Working with Aggression: Pema Chodron Tape Class

Shambhala Center in Milwaukee
Oct 13-15 Shambhala Training Windhorse
Oct 21-22 Shambhala Training Level 2 (at Windhorse Retreat Center)

Coming in November:
Nov 10-12 Shambhala Training Drala

Shambhala Meditation Center of Madison
Ongoing-
Sep 25-Nov 6 (Mon) Taming the Mind-Introduction to Shambhala

Coming in November:
Nov 3-4 Shambhala Training Level 1

Although these centers do not have any events or programs listed for October, please check their sites for their ongoing practice schedules.
Minnesota Sakya Center
Gyuto Wheel of Dharma Monastery

Buddhist nun speaking at Northfield

Email today from Northfield Buddhist Meditation Center-

This coming Sunday we have an opportunity to hear Pema Tsultrim,  a nun in the Kagyupa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Coming from India, she has lived and taught in the U.S. for more than two years.  As is common in the Tibetan tradition, there is no title for her talk. Pema Tsultrim has met previously with the youth group at NBMC and was received with much enthusiasm.

Her talk will be preceded by an orientation at 8:30 a.m., for those who are new to Buddhism or the Center, and by a 30-minute meditation session beginning at 9:00 a.m. The talk will start around 9:40.  Tea and snacks will be served afterwards. Please join us in welcoming this wonderful guest to NBMC, and in hearing her teaching.

Preview-October

• October 1 - Dharma Talk by Pema Tsultrim, Buddhist nun at Northfield Buddhist Center
• October 5 - Fall retreat at Minnesota Zen Center
• October 6 - Pema Karpo Group Retreat Weekend at Windhorse Retreat Center
• October 7 - Shambhala President Richard Reoch to visit local Shambhala center
• October 21 - 2 day sesshin at Dharma Field
• October 22 - Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche runs the marathon in Chicago
• October 27 - Consciousness Revolution at Clouds in Water Zen Center
• October 28 - Miksang Photography at Madison Shambhala Center

September Calendar

Shambhala Meditation Center of Minneapolis

Ongoing
Sun Morning Meditation 930am-12noon
Dharma Talks on First Sunday 1130am-12noon
Maitri Bhavana Practice on Second Sunday during last sitting session

Mon Evening Meditation 6pm-7pm

Wed Evening Meditation 6pm-7pm

Fri Morning Meditation 730am-830am

Special Events
Sep 6-Oct 3 Teaching by Khen Rinpoche Serab Sangpo
Mipham’s Wheel of Analytic Meditation
Wed nights from 715pm-9pm (started Aug 23)

Sep 26-Oct 28 Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies
Life of the Buddha
Tue nights Sep 26-Oct 24 from 7pm-9pm and
Sat intensive Oct 28 from 9am-4pm

Sep 22-24 Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies
Sadhana of Mahamudra
Fri 7pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5pm

Windhorse Retreat Center

Sep 23 Learning to Meditate 9am-430pm

Minnesota Sakya Center

Ongoing
Sundays 9am Green Tara
11 am Study Group-Engaging in the Conduct of the Bodhisattvas

Wednesday 10 am Blue Flower Meditation
11 am Study Group-Engaging in the Conduct of the Bodhisattvas

Special Events
Sep 9-10 HH the Sakya Trizin’s birthday celebration

Northfield Buddhist Center

Ongoing
Mon-Sun Meditation sessions offered everyday-please see website for details

Special Events
Sep 2-3 Labor Day Weekend Meditation Retreat

Clouds in Water Zen Center

Ongoing
Sun Morning Meditation 6-840am
Community service 9-1030am

Wed Zazen instruction 530pm-7pm

Special Events
Sep 12-17 September Genzo-e Sesshin

Sep 20 Understanding our (Racial) Selves: Racial Moments as Spiritual Practice
(ongoing series)

Dharma Field

Ongoing
Mon-Fri Morning Meditation starts at 530am
Evening Meditation starts at 715am (except Thursday)

Sun Morning Meditation starts at 8am

Special Events
Sep 10 – Dec 3 Fall Practice Period 85 Days Committed Practice

Sep 2 - Dec 11 Fall Ango 100 Days Zen training

Sep 9 Extended Zazen

Sep 12-17 Genzo-e Sesshin

Sep 7 Meditation Instruction 7pm-830pm

Sep 23 Meditation Instruction 930am-11am

Sep 11 Starting-Advanced Studies
Middle Way Studies (Nagarjuna Series)

Common Grounds Meditation Center

Ongoing
Mon-Fri Morning Meditation 6am-9am

Sat Morning Meditation 7am-9am

Sun Morning Meditation 8am-12noon

Tue Evening Meditation 730pm-9pm

Wed Weekly Practice Group 730pm-9pm

Sun Weekly Practice Group 7pm-830pm

2nd Sun Family Practice program 4pm-6pm

2nd Sun Mindful Parenting 2pm-345pm

Wed Drop-in Qigong Practice Sessions 905am-1005am

Special Events
Aug 31-4 Residential Retreat

Sep 17 Quarterly Community Gathering & Pot Luck

Compassionate Ocean Dharma Center

Ongoing
Sun Sunday Morning Gathering 9am-1115am (starts Sep 10)

Fri Friday Morning Group 930am-11am

Wed Wednesday Morning Meditation 630am-750am

Special Events
Sep 1-4 Labor Day Retreat at Hokyo-ji Monastery

Sep 13-17 Special Genzo-e Sesshin

Sep 26-Nov 14 The Wonderful Teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh

Minnesota Zen Center

Ongoing
Mon-Thu Daily Meditation Practice 550am-720am

Mon-Wed Daily Meditation Practice 550pm-700pm

Sun Dharma Talks 10am

Sun Introduction to Zazen (Sitting Meditation) 830am-10am

Tue Introduction to Zazen (Sitting Meditation)
First & Third of the month at 530pm-630pm

Tue Beginner’s Mind Zen Practice
First, Third & Fifth of the month 715pm-830pm

Thu Buddhism and the 12 steps of recovery 7pm-815pm

Special Events
Weds in Sep Wake Up! Discovering the Buddhist Path of Attention
715pm-845pm

Sep 7–Nov 16 Morning Study Group: Hua-yen Buddhism
NOTE: Every other Thursday 730am-9am

Sep 11 Introduction to Zen Buddhism 730pm-9pm

Visiting Tibetan Rinpoche offers teachings at Shambhala

The dharma is alive and well and flourishing in the Midwest! This blog is dedicated to the wide variety of thriving dharma centers located in and around the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Although I am a regular member of the Shambhala Meditation Center of Minneapolis, I visit and blog on all manner of dharma centers. Since I travel a lot, I get to check out centers outside the Twin Cites as well. Please see my bio for more info about me...here's the scoop on local dharma-

Shambhala Meditation Center of Minneapolis is kicking into high gear for the fall. We are offering 2 Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies Classes in the fall (Life of the Buddha and Sadhana Mahamudra) as well as Shambhala Training Level 2 in October. October is also the month that we welcome Shambhala President Richard Reoch on his (ambitious) mandala wide meet & greet. For those of use who completed Leve 5 (whew!), we will embark on the Sacred Path with Great Eastern Sun in November.

Rime Foundation is hosting a Tibetan teacher - Khen Rinpoche Sherab Sangpo. Rinpoche will be teaching at the Shambhala Center of Minneapolis every Wednesday night through September. Rinpoche starts a 6 week class on August 23rd entitled Mipham's Wheel of Analytic Meditation. Details are available on the Shambhala website or you can email me for a flyer.

The newly named Windhorse Retreat Center is offering a great variety of programs this fall. Their website is updated through the end of the year. I attended a weekend retreat in June featuring talks and practice with Ashe Acharya John Rockwell. It's a great space and it sits on beautiful property. It's located north of Milwaukee, just east of Sheboygan, about 5-6 hours from Minneapolis. Defintely worth the drive....they have beds! and good food! Those of you that have gone on retreat can appreciate that...

The Twin-Cities is home to many Tibetan Americans and offers great shopping - Tibet Store on Hennepin in Minneapolis and Tibet Art on Grand in St. Paul - as well as great restaurants - Tibet's Corner on Hennepin in Minneapolis and Everest on Grand (actually Nepali cuisine.)

In addition, there is a Tibetan American Foundation in St. Paul that supports the local community. Minneapolis recently hosted the Maitreya Project Relic Tour for the second year. His Holiness Dalia Lama visited area Tibetans in the spring while he was in Rochester, MN at the Mayo Clinic for a check up.

If you are in the area, be sure to stop in and sit down at any of the centers on the list at left to enjoy a bit of Midwest dharma....Stay tuned for more postings about upcoming programs and events at local dharma centers...