tvdf

Lama Jhampa Shaneman returns

2008-07-18T16:34:00.000-06:00

Treasure Valley Dharma Friends is pleased to welcome back to Boise Lama
Jhampa Shaneman Aug. 20 to 24.

The teaching topic: Shantideva's "Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life"
He will also give the empowerment of Green Tara. These are precious teachings
and can help Buddhists on all levels of the path deepen their practice.
More details about the schedule will be posted in the coming weeks.

About Lama Jhampa -
One of the first western Buddhist monks in the Tibetan tradition of Mahayana
Buddhism, Jhampa met Ven. Lama Yeshe and became one of his first male
sangha members in 1971. From that time Jhampa studied mainly in Dharmsala,
India, learning the Tibetan language. He studied under His Holiness the
Dalai Lama, Kyabje Ling Rinpoche (His Holiness's senior tutor) and the Ven.
Geshe Rabten and Geshe Dhargaye.

Over the next 10 years in India he was introduced to many tenets of
Buddhism, interspersing this with periods of meditational retreat. He had
the opportunity to study and work as a translator for masters of all 4 sects
of Tibetan Buddhism. By 1980 he had completed 6 years of study of the sutras
and tantras and approximately 4 years of short retreats such as the four
preliminaries and several deities.

In the fall of 1980 Jhampa entered the traditional Great Retreat and spent
the next three and a half years on the mountain above Dharmsala, India. This
was under the spiritual guidance of Ven. Ling Rinpoche. Upon completing that
retreat he returned to Canada. Jhampa is no longer an ordained monk. He
established three Dharma centers on Vancouver Island and lived there for 18
years. He adopted and help raise two children. Jhampa taught weekly there
and translated on a weekly basis in Victoria for the Sakya Geshe Tashi
Namgyal. He taught in the Community Education programs in three campuses of
Malaspina College for 9 years. Jhampa currently lives and teaches 6 months a
year in Torreon, Mexico. He offers annual summer retreats in Canada on a
variety of deity practices.

He is one of the first western practitioners to be given permission by His
Holiness the Dalai Lama to teach all levels of Mahayana and Vajrayana
Buddhism. His talks are spiced with humorous and fascinating anecdotes of
his experiences of transforming a Western mind to grip the Buddhist
perspective. Being born and raised in the West gives Jhampa's way of sharing
the insights of the East a uniquely relevant twist.

TVDF offers Mindful Steps class

2008-06-16T18:44:00.003-06:00

Taking the Buddha's traditon more formally is the theme for a class offered this summer by TVDF president and faciliator Dan Black and senior students. Classes begin in at 7 p.m. on July 1 and continue every Tuesday night in July. Topics include the formal vows of Buddhist lay practicioners, known as refuge, the philosophy behind those vows, the qualities of the path and the instructions of the Buddha. Topics will include the Buddhist tradition and levels of personal commitment including the Bodhisattva vows and tantric vows. The class is appropriate for anyone wishing to deepen their practice and their connection to the Buddhist tradition. No vows are necessary, but the class is designed as preparation to formally become a Buddhist. The five class sessions are offered freely, but a $5 donation is welcome. Any question, please call Dan at 371-0614.

Guide to Bodhisattva's Way of Life

2008-06-09T09:30:00.001-06:00

TVDF is pleased to announce a new book for our regular Saturday morning discussion sessions. We will explore the great Mahayana classic "Guide to Bodhisattva's Way of LIfe," by Shantideva. This is one of the most eloquent, poetic and rich expressions of Buddhist realizations, rich with experiential language and profound insights. It is still relevant today and is taught in all the great Mahayana monastic universities. Please join us for this exceptional journey back to ancient India, through the jungles of delusion, and finally to the pinacle of Buddhist understanding and lovingkindness. All are welcome. We will read in the version published by Shambala Publications, and translated by the Padmakara Translation Group. On Saturday, June 14, we will discuss pages 1-15 in the Introduction.

Time: Every Saturday from 10 to 11:15 a.m.

Location: LTTT Temple, at 2312 W. Overland Rd., Boise, (two blocks east of Vista Ave. and Overland Rd.)

Lama Jhampa teaches May 30- June 1

2008-05-21T11:20:00.002-06:00

Introduction to Vajrayana

Friday, May 30 - "Buddhist Use of Archetypes" - 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 31 - "Introduction to Buddhist Tantra" - 9 a.m. to noon with tea break
Sunday, June 1 - "Preliminary Practices" - 9 a.m. to noon with tea break
Monday - "Practical Advice" - 7 p.m.
Location: LTTT Buddhist Temple, 2312 W. Overland Road, (a few blocks east of the intersection of Vista Ave. and Overland Road).
Suggested Donation: $20 per session or all four sessions for $60.
This set of teachings focus on the Vajrayana, or diamond-way of Buddhist practice refined and practiced in Tibet for many centuries. Lama Jhampa is uniquely qualified to teach this topic to Westerners because he has decades of extensive training with Tibetan masters and many years of personal experience with these practices. His perspective is based on the authenticity of the teachings and their practical application for modern Western Dharma students. Lama will be available to visit one-on-one with students. Appointments made at the teaching sessions.
For more information, Call Dan at 371-0614.

Lama Jhampa in Boise May 30 - June 1

2008-05-12T11:47:00.001-06:00

Lama Jhampa Shaneman, a longtime Western teacher of Tibetan Buddhism will give lectures May 30 to June 1 in Boise. More information will be posted in a few days.

Ven. Chodron May 8 -11

2008-04-11T13:29:00.002-06:00

Treasure Valley Dharma Friends is pleased to welcome back best-selling author and founder of Sravasti Abbey, Venerable Thubten Chodron. Originally, from California, she moved to India in the mid-1970s to study with Tibetan lamas. She soon ordained as a nun and since then diligently studied, meditated and taught. She helps countless people all over the world untangle destructive thought patterns and apply principles of Buddhist wisdom and compassion. She is an expert in monastic traditions and has been asked by the Dalai Lama to organize the reintroduction of the bikshuni vows in the Tibetan tradition. The general public is welcome to any of the lectures.
Where:ICAN Hall, 3450 Hill Road
Cost: Suggested donation is $15 per session or $60 for all five. If you don't have money, please come anyway!
Schedule:
Thursday, May 8 - 6:30 to 8 p.m. "Wisdom" a teaching broadcast from Boise to students all over the world. Sravasti Abbey tea party follows.
Fri., May 9, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - "Healthy Connections: An Introduction to Buddhism"
Sat., May 10, 10 a.m. to noon - "Generosity, Ethics"
Sat., May 10, 2 to 4 p.m. - "Patience, Joyous Effort"
Sun., May 11, 10 a.m. to noon - "Concentration, Wisdom"
For more information about the lectures, call Dan at 371-0614.

Easter Weekend Teachings with Khenpo!

2008-03-13T20:17:00.003-06:00

TVDF is pleased to welcome back Khenpo Jigme, who will teach Mahamudra, or looking at the true nature of one's mind through the profound pith instructions called, "Aspiration of Mahamudra" by Ranjung Dorje. This is a quintessential text in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and emphasizes direct experience rather than reasoning.
Saturday, March 22, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with tea break
Sunday, March 23, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with tea break
Monday, March 24, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: 3450 Hill Road, Boise
Khenpo is originally from Bhutan, and is a resident lama at Vajra Vidya Retreat Center in the Colorado Rockies. Khenpo was a scholar at the Namo Buddha Institute for higher Buddhist Studies in Nepal and has completed advanced studies and done three-year retreat. He was selected as a main teacher of the Thrangu Rinpoche's Vajra Vidya Institute in Sarnath, India, and earned the masters of philosophy or "Khenpo" degree. His humor and charm make difficult topics very accessible for Westerners.
Suggested donation is $20 per session or $50 for all three sessions.
For more information, contact Dan at 371-0614.

A True Path

2008-01-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

Feb. 16-18

There are precious few lamas trained in Old Tibet before the Chinese occupation who then escaped to India. One such realized master is Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Wangduk, the former abbot and head teacher at the Dalai Lama's Namgyal Monastery in India. Khensur Rinpoche is one of the "Great Geshes" or learned masters whose humility, self discipline and vast love are so remarkable as to subdue negative thoughts in whatever situation. Join us for this wonderful event.
Saturday, Feb. 16
10 a.m. to noon - "A True Path: The Three Jewels"
2 to 4 p.m. - "Cultivating the Mind of Love: Four Immeasurables"
Sunday, Feb. 17
10 a.m. to noon - "Connecting with the Buddhas: Seven Limbs"
7 to 9 p.m. - "Chenrezig Empowerment"
Monday, Feb. 18
9 to 10 a.m. - "Tea with Rinpoche: Personal Advice for Practice"
Location: Weekend teachings and empowerment will be at the ICAN Hall at 3450 Hill Road, in Boise. Bring a cushion if you wish to sit on the floor. Otherwise, there will also be chairs. The Monday session is an informal tea and question and answer time with Rinpoche at a private residence. All are welcome to come visit with Rinpoche. Location will be made available at the weekend teachings.
Cost: The teachings are offered by Rinpoche freely. To cover travel costs and expenses, we request a donation of $20 per session or $60 for the weekend. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Longtime Buddhists in Boise will remember Khensur Rinpoche from visits over the past years. Due to circumstances, it was January 2005 since Rinpoche was here last. He is now 73 years old.
We are especially fortunate to welcome his return for teachings on Feb. 16 and 17. Please welcome him back for these marvelous teachings. No pre-registration needed.
Empowerment details: This ceremony is the permission empowerment of Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion. The ceremony can be taken as a blessing or as a permission to do the ritual as a full participant.

Web teachings from Ven. Chodron

2008-01-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

Venerable Chodron’s tele-teachings on the Essence of Refined Gold by the 3rd Dalai Lama are now broadcast live on the internet using uStream.TV. Every Thursday night at 6 PM Pacific Standard Time, head to http://www.sravastiabbey.org/live and tune in. Ask questions in real time using the chat box! Open up your favorite web-browser and head to our Blip TV page http://sravastiabbey.blip.tv for High-Definition videos of formal teachings, interviews and vignettes on Sravasti Abbey.

Khensur Rinpoche to Return

2008-01-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Wangduk will return to Boise after a couple years' absence for a weekend of teachings on Feb. 16 and 17. His visit will include a Chenrezig initiation. Check back for more details in a few days.

Khenpo Jigme

2007-12-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

TVDF is pleased to welcome Khenpo Jigme to Boise for a weekend teachings on Dec. 28, 29 and 30 in Boise at 3450 Hill Rd. Originally from Bhutan, Khenpo is a resident lama at Vajra Vidya Retreat Center in the Colorado Rockies. Khenpo was a scholar at the Namo Buddha Institute for higher Buddhist Studies in Nepal and has completed advanced studies and done three-year retreat. He was selected as a main teacher of the Thrangu Rinpoche's Vajra Vidya Institute in Sarnath, India, and earned the masters of philosophy or "Khenpo" degree. The teachings are a rare opportunity for the public to learn from a learned master of unique wit, humor and wisdom. Lectures and times are as follows:
Friday, Dec. 28 - 7 to 8:30 p.m. "Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism";
Saturday, Dec. 29 - 10 to noon. "Four Noble Truths";
Saturday, Dec. 29 - 2 to 3:30 p.m. "Four Noble Truths";
Sunday, Dec. 30 - 10 a.m. to noon. "Wisdom and Compassion";
Sunday, Dec. 30 - 2 to 3:30 p.m. "Wisdom and Compassion";
Suggested donation: $15 per session or $60 for the whole weekend.
For more information, call Dan at 371-0614.

Fall teachings

2007-11-11T11:03:00.001-07:00

The lectures with Alex Berzin were wonderful. TVDF raised $200 from the silent auction of the beautiful thanka, (thanks to Roberta and John), which helps TVDF in its support for the Vietnamese Temple and efforts to bring teachers to Boise. Alex explained a little about his massive Web project to put make an encyclopedia of Tibetan teachings available in several languages. With more than 300 hours of audio online, the site also has manuscripts of published and unpublished books. Check it out at www.berzinarchives.com.

Seeing Through Delusion Nov. 6&7

2007-10-30T14:34:00.000-06:00

Notable author and celebrated Buddhist teacher Alex Berzin will teach an"Introduction to Mahamudra: Seeing Through Delusion" during two eveningcourses. The talks will be Tuesday and Wednsday evenings from 7 to 9 at the Freedom House, 3450 Hill Road, Boise.
Berzin wrote "The Gelug/Kaygu Tradition of Mahamudra" with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and is one of the most qualified scholars on the topic. He lives in Berlin and his numerous books have been translated into manylanguages. He served as the Dalai Lama's translator in the 1980s and hasstudied with many of the greatest Tibetan lamas in the last 30 years. Alex is well-qualified to teach Mahamudra, which is considered the most profound way to look at the mind's nature. Some teachers say Mahamudra meditation is the same as Dzogchen or non-conceptual realization of the mind's natural state.

Book Sale Success

2007-10-07T11:44:00.000-06:00

Thanks to those who donated Dharma books to the TVDF book swap. There were about 100 books and many audio teachings on the tables and ready for new owners. It was great to see many great books circulate more widely in the community. Thanks again to all involved. TVDF raised about $400. Maybe we'll do it again next fall.
Dan

TVDF welcomes Alex Berzin

2007-09-26T15:42:00.001-06:00

Mark your calendars - Nov. 6 and Nov. 7 Notable author and celebrated Buddhist teacher Alex Berzin will teach an"Introduction to Mahamudra: Seeing Through Delusion" during two eveningcourses in Boise. Berzin wrote "The Gelug/Kaygu Tradition of Mahamudra" with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and is one of the most erudite Western scholars on the topic. He lives in Berlin and his numerous books have been translated into manylanguages. He served as the Dalai Lama's translator in the 1980s and hasstudied with many of the greatest Tibetan lamas in the last 30 years.More specifics on location and times will be announced soon.

October Retreat in Colorado

2007-09-24T20:01:00.001-06:00

Some TVDF members will make a trip to Crestone Colorado for instruction by the lamas there and personal retreat on Oct. 19-22 at Vajra Vidya RetreatCenter. Estimated total cost for travel, food, fees is $450. Contact DanBlack if you are interested to join the group at danblack@cableone.net. More details about the center can be seen at http://www.vajravidyaretreatcenter.org/Retreat%20Information.htm

TVDF is reorganizing

2007-09-24T20:00:00.001-06:00

With several new subcommittees, TVDF is looking to expand its charitable presence in the community. Volunteers are sought and you can be matched up with a task by responding to opportunities made public after each book study.

Venerable Thubten Chodron to give tele-teachings

2007-04-25T05:21:00.001-06:00

If you are interested in listening to the live tele-teachings you can join others who will be listening to the teachings by speaker phone. A group will be dialing into listen to the teachings from the conference room of John Meienhofer's office in Downtown Boise.
The 4-week series of nine telephone teachings will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 1 to May 29, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. John's office is at 300 W. Myrtle Ave. Suite 200, at the corner of Third and Myrtle.
Ven. Chodron will teach on the "Essence of Refined Gold", by the Third Dalai Lama, a classic Lamrim text, which concisely details the steps of the graduated path.
Ven. Chodron gave teachings on this text weekly during the 3-month Chenrezig retreat.
This new class series will begin where she left off. (To catch up, listen to audio or read transcripts of the earlier teachings on Venerable's website:
http://www.thubtenchodron.org/Retreat/chenresig_retreat_2007.html

Discussion Group Tackles a Classic

2007-04-25T05:20:00.001-06:00

The Saturday morning book study group has decided to read and discuss "Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" by Sogyal Rinpoche. Discussion about the book will begin on Saturday, April 28 and we will cover the preface and introduction. Bring your own book. It can be found at popular bookstores or through Amazon.com or snowlionpub.com. Sessions are held at the Buddhist Temple at 2312 W. Overland, two blocks east of the intersection of Vista and Overland in Boise.

Different people will take turns leading the discussion as we go through the book. Sessions start at 10 a.m. and go to 11:15. The format will include short meditation and prayers. All are welcome to share in this book that many people have found indispensable in their understanding of impermanence and living well.

More on this event can be had by calling Dan at 466-7772

Venerable Robina to teach on the "Wisdom Mind"

2007-04-25T05:19:00.001-06:00

Plan now to attend a weekend course taught by Venerable Robina Courtin on May 25-27 at the Freedom House, 3450 Hill Road. The program will include a discussion of karma, compassion and wisdom, with an emphasis on "How to Cultivate a Wisdom Mind." Suggested donation for each session is $15, or $50 for the whole weekend. No registration required. Sessions will begin Friday night from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday session will go from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.

Intro to Buddhism Class

2007-02-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Buddhism Module
For 10 Thursday nights, the Treasure Valley Dharma Friends offers classes meant to help those who want to begin or deepen an understanding of Buddhism. The classes will be taught by Dan Black, the group’s facilitator and president, along with Jack Wienberg. Both are longtime students of Ven. Thubten Chodron, a leading teacher of Buddhism in the West. Dan is also a longtime student of Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Wangduk, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Kagyu lama Thrangu Rinpoche.
Part 1). Buddhism for Beginners
Feb. 8 – Mental habits and afflictions
Feb. 15 — History of Buddhism
Feb. 22 — Generosity, Patience, Joyous Effort
March 1 — Ethics, Concentration, Wisdom
Part 2) Meditation
March 8 — Stability
March 15 — Intensity
March 22 — Insight
Part 3) Practices
March 29 — Refuge
April 5 — Great Compassion
April 12 — Intro to Deity Yoga
All are welcome for all or part of the module, though beginners are encouraged to attend the earlier classes before taking the later ones. Classes will be at 7 to 8:15 p.m. at the LTTT Buddhist Temple at 2312 W. Overland Road in Boise. This is about two blocks east of the intersection of Vista Avenue and Overland Road. Suggested donation is $5 per session and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Questions can be answered by calling Dan at 371-0614 or e-mailing him at danblack@cableone.net, or checking the Web site www.tvdf.org

Updated TVDF Events

2006-10-14T10:16:00.000-06:00

Intro to Buddhism

Introduction to Buddhism from 7 to 8:15 p.m. At the Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, 2312 W. Overland Road, Boise. It is two blocks east of Vista and Overland intersection.
This six-week course will introduce key concepts of Buddhist thought
including history of Buddhism, its psychology and philosophy. The class will include classic meditation instruction and practical tips for integrating
Buddhist concepts into a busy lifestyle. Topics will include dealing with
suffering, transforming aggression, healthy altruism and wisdom.
The class will be taught by Dan Black, the facilitator of Treasure Valley
Dharma Friends since 2001. He will be assisted by senior student Jack
Weinberg. Both are students of Venerable Thubten Chodron, the spiritual
director of Treasure Valley Dharma Friends. Suggested donation is $5 per session.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds. No registration required. For
more information, call Dan at 466-7772, danblack@cableone.net

Book study on Saturday

Saturday sessions will once again be the book study. Right now we are on Chapter nine in "Transforming Adversity" by Geshe Tegchok. Folks are welcome to jump in at any time.
We will do deity practice and analytical meditation on the last Saturday
each month. Location: Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, 2312 W. Overland Road, Boise.
Two blocks east of Vista and Overland intersection.

Khensur Rinpoche support committee

January to June, 2007
Venerable Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Wangduk has agreed to come to Boise teach for an extended period, marking a wonderful opportunity for all. If you would like to be on the support committee, send an e-mail to Dan at danblack@cableone.net

2006-09-07T18:58:00.000-06:00

Venerable Thubten Chodron — September 9 and 10, 2006

"Taking Buddhist Practice to the Next Level."

Venerable Chodron is known for her gentle teaching style, explaining subtle concepts of Buddhism in a simple, easy to understand manner. She is the spiritual director of TVDF and has been an unflagging leader in the development of Buddhism in the West.
For everyone learning and practicing the Buddha’s teachings, there are key realizations that help one progress to the next level. In each of these lectures, Venerable Chodron will take one of three issues and help the student grasp essential points that lead to greater realization of the entire Buddhist path.

Location: Freedom House, 3450 Hill Road in North Boise
Program: Saturday, Sept. 9, — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (Rebirth and Karma: Is Belief in Them Crucial to Buddhist Practice?)
Sunday, Sept. 10 — 10 a.m. to noon ( What to Do When You're Spiritually Stuck)
Sunday, Sept. 10 — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (How to Relate to a Spiritual Mentor)

Suggested Donation: $20 per session or $50 for all three lectures. (If you cannot donate the full amount, please come anyway and enjoy the teachings)

Date Change for Ven. Robina

2006-08-10T23:20:00.000-06:00

Ven. Robina's visit to Boise has changed to next week, Aug. 18-20. Please update your calendars.

Upcoming Events

2006-07-20T22:30:00.000-06:00

Venerable Robina Courtin teaches "Relief from Mental Suffering: The Buddha's Gift" on August 18-20. Venerable Thubten Chodron teaches "Taking Buddhist Practice to the Next Level" on Sept 9-10