Current Spiritual Program Offerings

Classes and Courses

Introductory Courses for Newcomers to Buddhism and Meditation
TNL currently offers two introductory courses for those who are newly approaching Tibetan Buddhism and its practices. These courses are scheduled quarterly and are held either as a weekend course or in four or five weekly sessions.
    
     • Buddhism in a Nutshell introduces students to the basic teachings of the Buddha and provides the essentials of what it means to practice Buddhism. An audio recording of Buddhism in a Nutshell taught October 6 and 7, 2007, by Joan Stigliani is available on-line here. An audio recording of Buddhism in a Nutshell taught April 25 and 26, 2009, by Judith Bailie is available on-line here, recordings from a second round of Buddhism in a Nutshell taught by Judith on September 13 and 20, 2009 are available here, recordings from a third round of  Buddhism in a Nutshell taught by Judith on May 22-23, 2010 are available here, recordings from the March 2011 five-part teachings of Buddhism in a Nutshell by Judith are available here, and recordings from the September-October 2011 eight-part teachings of Buddhism in a Nutshell are available here .  
     • Buddhist Meditation 101 familiarizes students with the various types of meditation and includes practical advice for daily meditation. Audio recordings of Meditation 101 taught during July and August 2009 by Don Handrick are available on-line here.
    
Continuing Programs for Both Beginners and Experienced Practitioners
TNL offers three ongoing weekly programs to provide both newcomers and experienced practitioners with an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of Buddhism and integrate the Buddha’s teachings in their lives.

     • Discovering Buddhism is designed as an experiential course in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practice. Discovering Buddhism encompasses fourteen subject areas or “modules.” Within each module students are expected to attend lectures covering required topics of understanding, engage in meditation practices relevant to those topics, read texts and teaching transcripts, and do short retreats. The final module "Special Integration Experiences" includes a list of longer retreats and other experiences to integrate Buddhism into one’s life. The entire course of teachings extends over roughly two years. (SUNDAY MORNINGS AT THUBTEN NORBU LING)

Discovering Buddhism teachings at Thubten Norbu Ling are available on-line.  Click each link to hear the audio recordings available.
Mind and Its Potential: Don Handrick: April 6, 2008; October 3, 2010
How to Meditate: Don Handrick: June 1, 2008; December 5, 2010
Presenting the Path: Don Handrick: June 20, 2008; January 30, 2011
Death and Rebirth: Don Handrick: September 14, 2008; March 27, 2011
All About Karma: Don Handrick: November 9, 2008; May 15, 2011  
Refuge in the Three Jewels: Don Handrick: January 18, 2009; July 24, 2011  
The Spiritual Teacher: Don Handrick: March 15, 2009 Suggested Reading for The Spiritual Teacher; Don Handrick: September 11, 2011
Establishing a Daily Practice: Don Handrick: May 10, 2009  Suggested Reading for Establishing a Daily Practice; Don Handrick: November 6, 2011  
How It Is and How It Could Be: An Exploration of the Four Noble Truths: Samsara and Nirvana - Part 1: Don Handrick: July 12, 2009   Suggested Reading for Samsara and Nirvana
The Ultimate Revolution: Breaking Free from the Wheel of Life: Samsara and Nirvana - Part 2: Don Handrick: August 16, 2009
How to Develop Bodhichitta: Don Handrick: October 11, 2009
Transforming Problems: Don Handrick: December 6, 2009
Wisdom of Emptiness: Don Handrick: January 14, 2010
Introduction to Tantra: Don Handrick: May 9, 2010
    
     • TNL is delighted to announce the addition of FPMT’s newest education program, Living in the Path, to our spiritual program offerings. The primary intention of this program is to preserve the teaching and practice lineage of Lama Thubten Yeshe , the founder of FPMT (the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition) and Lama Zopa Rinpoche , FPMT’s Spiritual Director. As such, the program will draw almost exclusively from the teachings of these two great masters. What is unique about Living in the Path is that its primary teacher is Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and its content is Rinpoche’s heart instructions for practice and understanding. By engaging in the methods presented in Living in the Path, every action of body, speech and mind will be transformed into the path to enlightenment. (SECOND AND FOURTH TUESDAYS OF EACH MONTH AT THUBTEN NORBU LING)

Living in the Path sessions at Thubten Norbu Ling are available on-line. Click each link to hear the audio recordings available.
Motivation For Life:  Don Handrick: January 2011    
Taking the Essence:  Don Handrick, September 2011      
    
     • For experienced Buddhist practitioners, Thubten Norbu Ling offers the Basic Program, devised by Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche as an integrated program of Buddhist studies suitable for a contemporary setting. The Basic Program is a comprehensive, practice-oriented transmission of the Buddhadharma that will be of interest to committed students who wish to progress beyond introductory-level study and practice. This program provides the opportunity for in-depth study of various texts in the Indian and Tibetan Buddhist Mahayana tradition, including the Heart Sutra and the Lam Rim (Stages of the Path).  (WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT THUBTEN NORBU LING)

The Basic Practice teachings at Thubten Norbu Ling are available on-line.  Click each link to hear the audio recordings available.
1. Stages of the Path (Lamrim):
     Course 1: Don Handrick: May 2008 to September 2008
     Course 2: Don Handrick: September 2008 to April 2009
     Course 3: Don Handrick: April 2009 to April 2010
     Course 4: Don Handrick: April 2010 to September 2011
2. Heart Sutra : Not Available
3. Mahayana Mind Training (Lojong): Don Handrick: January 6, 2008
4. Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds:
     Course 1: Don Handrick: May 17 to July 19, 2006
     Course 2: Don Handrick: August 2 to October 11, 2006
     Course 3: Don Handrick: October 24 to November 29, 2006
     Course 4: Don Handrick: June 13 to September 26, 2007
     Course 5: Don Handrick: October 10 to December 19, 2007
5. Mind and Cognition (Lorig): Not Available
6. Tenets (Drubtha):
     Course 1: Don Handrick: January 10 to June 7, 2007
     Course 2: Don Handrick: March 7 to June 7, 2007
7. Ornament for Clear Realizations - Fourth Chapter: Not Available
8. Sublime Continuum if the Mahayana (Gyulama) - First Chapter: The Tathagata Essence: Not Available
9. Ground and Paths of Secret Mantra: Not Available
    
     • For experienced Buddhist practitioners who have completed study of Lama Tsongkhapa’s text on the Stages of the Path, and before beginning study of the next text in the FPMT Basic Program, we examine the techniques of Tibetan Buddhist debate . In Tibetan monastic universities, a sophisticated and very dynamic method of philosophical debate is used by the monks and nuns to penetrate the meaning of Buddha’s teachings about the nature of reality. In this course, we learn about and practice these same methods of debate by utilizing “Collected Topics,” an introductory text that is used in this Tibetan system of training in reasoning.  Recordings of these teachings can be found at
Introduction to Techniques of Tibetan Buddhist Debate: Don Handrick: October 2011 to ...
    
    
Special Session for Those Interested in Tantric Empowerments with the Dalai Lama
    
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be conferring two initiations in the class of Highest Yoga Tantra in the US during 2011:
    
 • a Solitary Yamantaka Initiation on May 1 in Long Beach, CA, and
 • the Kalachakra Initiation on July 13-15 in Washington, DC
   (as part of the Kalachakra for World Peace event scheduled for July 6-16).
    
While it is quite rare and very precious to have the opportunity for such spiritual experiences (especially with His Holiness the Dalai Lama!), taking tantric initiations should be done with some knowledge of what is entailed in them and some confidence that one is ready to take on that level of practice, particularly if one has not taken initiation previously. For those considering attending either of those events, Don Handrick led a special session on Sunday, January 30 in order to answer questions or concerns you might have about the commitments of taking these initiations as well as the general elements of the practice of Highest Yoga Tantra. Click here to listen to a recording of this session.    
    
Commentary on the Bodhisattva Vows

The Bodhisattva Vows are the foundation of the Mahayana path and a powerful way to commit oneself to the activities and life of a bodhisattva. When Venerable Robina Courtin bestowed them at TNL on July 4, 2011, she requested that those who took the vows receive commentary on them and asked Don Handrick to provide it. In this course, we explore in detail the eighteen root and forty-six branch vows that constitute the means for upholding the bodhisattva conduct. These vows can be studied by anyone, regardless of whether or not one has taken them, although those who have already taken them - either in July with Venerable Robina or on another occasion - are strongly encouraged to take this special set of teachings. These sessions are generally held on the first and third Tuesdays each month until the commentary is completed. Don Handrick: August, 2011.  
    
    
Occasional Programs for Both Beginners and Experienced Practitioners

Creating a Daily Space for Meditation is a series of classes with Ven. Connie Miller in which she leads and reviews the Daily Meditation on Shakyamuni Buddha that is a major topic of Module 8 "Establishing a Daily Practice" in the Discovering Buddhism program. This is an excellent opportunity to become more familiar with this comprehensive and inspiring daily practice, in a group setting under Ven. Connie's skillful guidance.
AugSepOct 2009 Classes

Introduction to Medicine Buddha Practice  Venerable Sarah Thresher, born in London in 1960, was ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1986. Ven. Sarah has worked with her Root Guru, Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche, to help lead practices according to his instructions at several major retreats, and she is particularly interested in trying to preserve and spread the special flavor of Rinpoche's way of leading pujas and practices. In her first visit to Thubten Norbu Ling, Ven. Sarah led a Medicine Buddha Puja, and offered an introduction to the practices of the Medicine Buddha.
Sunday October 4, 2009, 10:00 am  

The Heart of Practice is a weekly series of individual classes consisting of videos and teachings to provide additional support for integrating the Buddha’s teachings into daily life. These stand-alone sessions are intended for all who wish to bring the practices of wisdom and compassion into their heart. Here is the list of audio recording of these sessions available on-line. (THURSDAY EVENINGS AT THUBTEN NORBU LING)
The Power of Listening: Don Handrick: February 21, 2008
Overcoming Pride with Genuine Humility: Don Handrick: March 6, 2008
The Keys to Conscious Relationship: Don Handrick: April 3, 2008
The Stages of Conscious Relationship: Don Handrick: April 17, 2008
The Importance of Accepting Death: Don Handrick: May 1, 2008
Using Work As A Spiritual Path: Don Handrick: May 15, 2008
Learning to Like Problems: Don Handrick: June 12, 2008
Fostering Harmony in Community: Don Handrick: June 26, 2008
The Practice of Equanimity: Don Handrick: July 17, 2008
Making Sense of It All: Don Handrick: July 31, 2008
Developing the Peaceful Heart: Don Handrick: August 14, 2008
Making Friends with Ourselves: Don Handrick: August 28, 2008
What's So Bad About Complaining: Don Handrick: September 11, 2008
Activating Feminine Energy in Spiritual Practice: Don Handrick: September 25, 2008
Practicing Buddhism Minute By Minute: Don Handrick: October 30, 2008
Buddhism & Vegetarianism - The Ethics of Eating Meat: Don Handrick: Dec 11, 2008
Practicing Compassion for Animals: Don Handrick: October 2, 2011  
Feminine Energy in Spiritual Practice  Tara, a female manifestation of enlightenment, is a beloved and familiar archetypal figure in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. In the language of Jungian psychology, she embodies the anima, the Mother archetype, and sometimes even the Trickster. In this Valentine's Day 2009 teaching we examine Tara's qualities and activities, experience basic meditations on Tara together with her mantra, and explore the transformative power of feminine energy in Buddhist tantra using the tools of both Jungian analytical psychology and Tibetan Buddhist practice. This special two-session course was taught by visiting teacher Venerable Connie Miller.
February 14, 2009 - 10:00am to 12:30pm and 2:00 to 4:30pm

Out of the Brain and Into the Heart: Energizing Your Buddhist Practice  is a series of classes with Venerable Connie Miller which use the realization that the power of Buddhism lies in the heart to discover: how to put the teachings into practice, how to integrate them with our everyday experiences, and how we can use this wisdom to transform our lives. The classes offer the opportunity to explore the basic practices of listening, contemplating, and meditating on the Buddhist path. Together we investigate the meaning of "ritual" and how to bring it alive every day, how to make use of the seven branches of regular practice by means of practical methods to accumulate wholesome inner skills and resources and purify our unwholesome karmic imprints, and various techniques and methods that help us deal with our habitually afflicted states of mind through the skillful application of the Buddhist view in our daily life.
August 2008 Sessions
In September and October 2008 Venerable Connie Miller resumes her series of teachings to continue our exploration of how to bring the Buddha's teachings into our lives and give us more techniques to make daily practice sustainable and fruitful. These teachings include more direct practice of meditation on the Lam Rim.
SepOct 2008 Sessions  

Gimme Shelter: Seeking Refuge in Difficult Times   When faced with problems and hardships in life, everyone seeks some kind of sanctuary or refuge, in order to weather the difficulties, in order to feel safe. In this class, taught by Venerable Connie Miller, we explore different kinds of refuge, which kinds may be truly relied upon and which kinds, if we count on them too much, will inevitably let us down.
January 12, 2010; August 27, 2011
 
Mahayana Mindfulness   In "Mahayana Mindfulness" Venerable Connie Miller explores with us the application of mindfulness and awareness techniques conjoined with the powerful Buddhist practice of loving kindness and compassion for all living beings. Like the practice of alchemy, this profound combination - mindfulness and compassion - can fundamentally transform our relationships with the world and with those around us, like lead is transformed into gold.
Tuesday February 9, 2010; Tuesday May 18, 2010; Tuesday June 15, 2010

Fear, Hope, and Courage in the 21st Century: A Buddhist Perspective   Venerable Connie Miller explores with us how we can engage in positive methods for restructuring our view and strengthening our minds.
Tuesday April 20, 2010

Heart Advice for Death & Dying  In order to die peacefully, free of regret and without any fear, it is absolutely essential to prepare in advance for the inevitability of death. In this five-session course Don Handrick provides an understanding of death and dying, and offers practical instructions for its preparation from the perspective of Tibetan Buddhism. Whether you are new to Buddhism or are already experienced in this tradition, all are welcome to partake.
Sundays in August, 2010

Four Boundless Attitudes  Venerable Constance Miller explores with us how to use mindfulness in every moment to awaken within ourselves four vast and transformative attitudes of the heart: love, compassion, joy, and equanimity.
Monday November 11, 2010
    
Bringing Joy into Meditation Practice  The techniques of meditation can be learned and yet, in spite of our knowledge and understanding, we may sometimes find our meditation practice to be lifeless and uninspiring. In this session, Venerable Constance Miller provides an opportunity for meditation practitioners of all levels and disciplines to explore their experiences in greater depth, to engage in discussion, and to take part in a lively debate with the aim of producing a more joyous enthusiasm for their daily meditation practice.
January 22, 2011
    
Happiness Without Attachment  The Buddhist teachings speak of renunciation, which often makes us think that we have to deprive ourselves of the things in life that we enjoy. In fact, renunciation in Buddhism means quite the opposite, providing us with a way to free ourselves from our own inner fetters that condition us to dissatisfaction and prevent our experiencing joy and contentment in life. Through stimulating discussion and lively debate with Ven. Constance Miller we explore how we can live in the freedom of renunciation, thereby achieving a deeper sense of real happiness and contentment in life.
February 19, 2011  
    
Meaningful Life, Meaningful Death  Venerable Connie Miller leads an exploration and discussion of how an awareness and understanding of death from the Tibetan Buddhist perspective can deepen our insight into the value of leading a conscious and virtuous life and how that can help us at the time of death.
April 23, 2011  

Avoiding Overwhelm on the Rocky Road to Enlightenment  The trials that we experience as we traverse the spiritual path can sometimes lead to a feeling of overwhelm, dampening our enthusiasm and weakening our confidence. Venerable Connie Miller leads a lively and thought-provoking exploration of how to avoid the pitfalls of overwhelm and become your own best friend on the often challenging path to enlightenment.
May 21, 2011
    
Dancing with Karma: How to Live a Good Life  It is said that the realization of karmic cause and effect is the last and the most subtle realization achieved when a bodhisattva steps over the threshold into complete enlightenment. At the same time, a basic understanding of karma, the subtle cause and effect workings of the universe, is an essential aspect of all Buddhist practice – for beginners as much as for advanced practitioners. How can we learn to understand and follow our karma without becoming uptight, fearful or rigid? How can we live a good life, remain flexible and learn to “dance” with our karma? In this teaching Venerable Connie Miller leads us in a lively and thought provoking exploration of this intriguing topic.
June 25, 2011  

The Heart of the Bodhisattva Path: Spiritual Teachers and Altruism  Both the spiritual teacher and bodhichitta - the aspiration to attain enlightenment to benefit all sentient beings - can be called "the heart of the path". One way the guru teaches is by embodying all the qualities Buddhists are trying to develop, especially bodhichitta. In this two-part series Venerable Connie Miller (who is always open to questions at all levels of experience from first-time attendees to seasoned practitioners) provides us an opportunity to explore both subjects more deeply and in a format that encourages discussion, dialogue, and debate.  
Sep 17 & Oct 15, 2011  
    
Tasting the Chocolate in Your Daily Practice  Deep in our mind is a wellspring of total peace, wisdom, and goodness, and the purpose of our daily spiritual practice is to enable us to discover, experience, and reside in that transcendent space. But sometimes we get tied up in the words and rituals and forget the real purpose. We forget that we can actually experience our enlightened nature every single day, even if only for a few moments. In this session with Venerable Connie Miller, we explore together how every day we can "taste the chocolate", as FPMT founder Lama Yeshe would say, in our spiritual practice.
Nov 19, 2011
    
    
Meditation and Practice Sessions

Thubten Norbu Ling offers a number of opportunities weekly for both individual and group meditation practice.  Everyone is welcome to attend these sessions.

     • Open Meditation – The center is open on both Tuesday and Thursday mornings for silent meditation practice.
     • Tara Practice – A meditation held on alternate Tuesday evenings on Green Tara, the female deity embodying the swift energy and activities of enlightened beings.
     • Guided Meditation – Meditations on the path to enlightenment in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, held on alternate Tuesday evenings.

Please check our monthly schedule for the times and dates of these practice sessions.

Pujas (Offering Ceremonies)

Pujas are held each month at Thubten Norbu Ling on specific days in the Tibetan calendar.  All are welcome to attend these events.

     • Medicine Buddha Puja – A healing practice to make offerings and requests to the Eight Medicine Buddhas, especially dedicated to benefit those who are ill, dying or recently deceased.
     • Tara Puja – A ritual for making extensive offerings and singing praises to Green Tara, the female deity who embodies the skillful activities of all enlightened beings, in order to swiftly clear all obstacles and achieve success.
     • Guru Puja – A special ceremony to make offerings to our teachers in order to gain blessings and generate merit.

Please check our monthly schedule for the dates and times of these pujas.

Student / Teacher Meetings to Support Spiritual Practice

Thubten Norbu Ling’s Resident Teacher, Don Handrick, is available for individual meetings with students to provide guidance and support in their spiritual practice.  Please contact Don directly at [ email ] if you would like to schedule a meeting.

Retreats and Special Events

Thubten Norbu Ling also periodically offers group retreats, which are an excellent opportunity to deepen one’s own meditation practice and strengthen the connection to the spiritual community. When possible, we also offer teachings and tantric empowerments with visiting Tibetan and Western Teachers. For more information, please check our web site (tnlsf.org) or add your name to our email distribution list for notification of these special events (you can subscribe to our email at the bottom of this web page or you can send a message to [ email ]).