Events

It’s no secret that the world needs more compassion right now. Compassion is feeling others’ suffering and desiring to alleviate that pain. As humans, we have a natural capacity to feel compassion, but the strength of that compassion may not always feel adequate in the face of the tremendous suffering in the world. This is where practicing with others comes in. When we practice together, something special happens — the combined effect is greater than the sum of each part.

Join the Namchak Community and Lama Tsomo for an introduction to the Tantric visualization practice of the deity Chenrezi, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. In this short, simple, yet powerful practice, we will come together to generate compassion in our hearts and minds for all beings. (No experience necessary)

Details:

Sunday, June 13 @ 10 – 10:30am MDT (please note Mountain Daylight Time)

Click HERE to view in your time zone.

About Lama Tsomo:

Lama Tsomo is an American lama, author, and co-founder of the Namchak Foundation. She followed a path of spiritual inquiry and study that ultimately led to her ordination as one of the few American lamas in Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Tsomo learned Tibetan to study with her teacher Gochen Tulku Sangak* Rinpoche, and now shares the teachings of the Namchak lineage in the US and abroad. Lama Tsomo holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and is the author of the award-winning book, “Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? A Westerner’s Introduction and Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Practice.” She is passionate about reaching young people and supporting those working for positive social change.

About Namchak:

Namchak brings ancient meditation practices to modern life through online learning, in-person retreats, and a vibrant community guided by Tibetan masters and Western teachers. We support students on every step of the path, from those exploring mindfulness for the first time to more experienced students looking to deepen their practice. We offer a variety of learning programs, including in-person teaching, small group learning, online courses, and soon-to-be-established residential retreats at the Namchak Retreat Ranch in western Montana.

*sometimes spelled “Sang-Ngag”

Our Community Agreements

In order to co-create a brave, inclusive, anti-oppressive and learning-centered space, in our community we each agree to:

• 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 these practices and giving them a real test drive.
• Hold personal sharing in confidence.
• Be present, practice mindful listening, and do not offer unsolicited advice.
• Allow 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.” Perfection is not expected although personal responsibility always is.
• Be mindful of and take personal 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.
• 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.