About this event
This month’s Sangha gathering is: Tuesday, April 9, 5:30-7:30 pm MDT
Why Shamatha and Vipassana?
If you’ve been following us at Namchak, you may have noticed our frequent discussions and leadership in programs and retreats centered on Shamatha and Vipassana practices. You might wonder why we emphasize these practices, even though Namchak is a Vajrayana lineage. The reasons stem from our teachers’ experiences working with students from Western countries and Tibetan Buddhism’s inclusive approach to teachings. Tibetan Buddhism incorporates practices from all levels of Buddhist theory, from the foundational Four Noble Truths to the innermost secret practices of Vajrayana.
Shamata stabilizes and focuses our minds, enhancing the effectiveness of Vipassana insights into the nature of reality. It also makes our minds more adaptable to the sometimes complex visualizations found in Ngöndro and other Vajrayana practices. While Shamatha calms the turbulent movements of our thoughts and emotions, it doesn’t entirely eliminate them.
Vipassana offers deeper insights into the nature of reality, ultimately leading to the transcendence of suffering and enlightenment. In the immediate sense, it establishes the appropriate context for our Vajrayana practice.
Join us as we delve into these practices with Justin Kirkwood, a dedicated dharma student and teacher with over two decades of experience in Buddhist practice. Justin’s deep understanding, gained through years of study and practice with Tibetan masters, will help illuminate the significance of Shamata and Vipassana in our spiritual journey.
Details:
This month’s Sangha gathering: Tuesday, April 9, 5:30-7:30 pm MDT
Location: Online or in person in Missoula, MT
Justin Kirkwood will be teaching in person in Missoula. For those located in Missoula, you are welcome to join a group who will be receiving the teaching together at the Namchak office. For those unable to join in person, the teaching will also be live-streamed via Zoom.
About Justin Kirkwood
Justin Kirkwood is a dedicated dharma student and teacher with over 20 years of experience in studying and practicing Buddhism. As a former monk who spent eight years in India, Justin had the privilege of studying and practicing with renowned Tibetan masters. He has also worked as a Tibetan translator and interpreter for over a decade, deepening his understanding of the sacred texts. Justin is a vital member of the Namchak Foundation, serving as a translator of texts, an interpreter for Namchak Khen Rinpoche, and a teacher.
About Justin Kirkwood
Justin Kirkwood is a dedicated dharma student and teacher with over 20 years of experience in studying and practicing Buddhism. As a former monk who spent eight years in India, Justin had the privilege of studying and practicing with renowned Tibetan masters. He has also worked as a Tibetan translator and interpreter for over a decade, deepening his understanding of the sacred texts. Justin is a vital member of the Namchak Foundation, serving as a translator of texts, an interpreter for Namchak Khen Rinpoche, and a teacher.
About One Community
For one evening each month, we come together as a community to deepen our understanding of the dharma and connect with our fellow sangha members. Each gathering is facilitated by a different Namchak teacher, thought leader, or staff member and will revolve around our month’s theme. These gatherings are two hours in total. The first half will consist of a dharma talk, and the second half will offer an opportunity for participants to reflect on the teachings through small group discussions in short break-out sessions. These group discussions will be followed by a Q&A session with the teacher. Participation in small group discussions is encouraged but not required. You can always sit these out! We encourage Learning Circles and meditation buddies to attend together. Inviting friends, partners, family members, neighbors, and co-workers is always welcome.
Address and Zoom Link
Missoula address and Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
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Our Community Commitments
In order to co-create a brave, inclusive, anti-oppressive and learning centered space, in our community we each agree to:
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- Be inclusive of diverse opinions and backgrounds through treating each other with respect and appreciation.
- Commit to words and actions of non-harm within our group interactions.
- Learn by immersing in and committing to the practices at hand.
- Hold personal sharing in confidence.
- Be present, practice mindful listening, and not offer unsolicited advice.
- Allow and invite for equal sharing of voices as well as the right to pass.
- Take care not to speak for others in the group.
- Assume good intent and come from a place of curiosity and care.
- Come as we are with permission to be “raggedy.”
- Be mindful of and take personal and collective responsibility for our own biases including the use of language that may “other,” “cancel,” or dehumanize any person, groups of people, and/or their experiences.
- Ask for consent before hugging or initiating physical contact during in-person gatherings.
- Use the “Ouch/Oops” tool to address hurtful comments and language in the moment and to allow space for repair.*
We aspire for this sangha to be a place of refuge
*Ouch/Oops . This is a tool for addressing hurtful comments/language in the moment. If someone says something hurtful, anyone can bring attention to it in the moment by saying “Ouch” and then explaining what was hurtful. If it is a word choice issue, be sure to give the first speaker the chance to rephrase and try again (remember, it’s okay to be raggedy, and we are all assuming good intent!) When someone says something that comes out wrong or hurts someone else, they should start with “Oops” – first, acknowledge the impact of their words, and then try again. This can also be done outside of the event if someone feels an “Ouch,” but does not feel comfortable sharing it with the group at that time. We aspire for this sangha to be a place of refuge.