Introductory Courses October 2010 - March 2011

Short Courses - open to all

Root Institute will offer a regular program of one and two day courses open to resident and non-resident students. Topics will include the 4 Noble Truths; Death, Impermanence and Karma; Loving Kindness and Compassion; and the Nature of Reality. Pre-registration is not required.

Residential "How to Meditate" Courses

5 Day courses will be scheduled throughout the season for students who are new to meditation and for those who wish to deepen their mediation practice. Dates and details to be announced soon- please check this website for updates.

How to be Kind and Wise

A 16 Guidelines for Life Introductory Course

23rd – 24th October, 2010

Wendy Ridley worked in the formal education sector in the UK for 23 years, as a teacher, university lecturer and as an Education Authority Advisory Teacher. She co-authored the book 'Another Spanner in the Works' and is currently a freelance educational consultant.

Wendy is a trained yoga teacher; the director of Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, a board member of Cumbria Development Education Centre and a board member of the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW), a 16 Guidelines trainer and the editor of the English version of Ready Set Happy which is a children’s version of the 16 Guidelines.

The 16 Guidelines offer a practical tool for achieving a happier, more meaningful life. They are a framework that you can use to live in a way that benefits yourself and others. The 16 Guidelines training programme has led to the creation of innovative projects all over the globe. People are coming together to study the Guidelines, share ideas and take them into schools, colleges, healthcare organisations, drug rehabilitation centres and prisons.

The 16 Guidelines are suitable for people of all ages, faiths and cultural traditions. They are part of a non-profit initiative called Essential Education, which aims to help people everywhere to develop their natural compassion and wisdom, and to create happiness and meaning in their lives.

For more information see www.16guidelines.org

This is the first Essential Education 16 Guidelines for Life introductory course to be offered in India.

by Alison Murdoch and Dekyi-Lee Oldershaw.

10 Day Introduction to Buddhism

7-16 November , 2010

Ueli Minder was born in 1945 in Bern, Switzerland. After studying Biology and studying in the field of treatment and preventions of Alcohol and Narcotic problems, he came to Buddhism in 1975.He became a student of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche in 1976.

At the wish of Lama Yeshe, Ueli Minder continued to work while practising the Dharma, applying the teachings in everyday life and work.After a year of retreat and study he started working as a senior official in the Department of Health and Social Welfare, responsible for prevention and treatment of Alcohol and Drug problems, later he was responsible for the coordination of the Drug Policy in Switzerland.

In 1993, inspired by Lama Yeshe, Ueli set up ‘Chanchub Shenpen Ling’ a Buddhist centre in Bern, from which the current FPMT centre ‘Longku Zopa Gyu’ came into being.At the appointment of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Ueli Minder is now the director of FPMT Mongolia.

Learn how to meditate
Explore Buddha’s philosophy on the nature of the mind, karma, rebirth, love, compassion, ultimate reality and more
Experience directly how Buddhism’s practical, step-by-step teachings and meditations can increase peace, happiness and compassion in your own daily life

Please see the bottom of this page for more information regarding this course.

Awakening a Kind Heart

28th – 31st December, 2010

Venerable Sangye Khadro (Kathleen McDonald) was born in California, and took her first courses in Buddhism in Dharamsala, India in 1973. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in Kopan Monastery, Nepal, in 1974. She has studied Buddhism with various teachers such as Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lama Thubten Yeshe, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey and Geshe Jampa Tegchog, and in various countries such as India, Nepal, England, France, and Australia.

The Four Immeasurables; Love, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity. How to develop these qualities and integrate them into your daily life.

May all sentient beings have happiness and its causes;
May all sentient beings be free of suffering and its causes;
May all sentient beings not be separated from sorrowless bliss;
May all sentient beings abide in equanimity, free of bias, attachment and anger.

Peaceful Living, Peaceful Dying.

22nd – 28th January, 2011

Venerable Lobsang Namgyel is an Australian monk who has been living in India and Nepal, studying Tibetan Buddhism for nearly 25 years, with such Masters as H.H. the Dalai Lama, Denma Locho Rinpoche, Choden Rinpoche, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Geshe Sonam Rinchen. He has completed four years of Lam Rim retreats, as well as many tantric retreats. During his 25 years in Buddhism, Venerable Namgyel has taught at various FPMT Centres in India, Nepal, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Finland, France and the USA. Venerable had the honor of having been the tutor to Osel Rinpoche.

"This life is susceptible to many harms;
It is more impermanent than bubbles blown by the wind.
How amazing that we wake up breathing
After having gone to sleep." Letter to a Friend, Nagarjuna.

During this course, various teachings which were originally given by Shakyamuni Buddha will be presented by Ven. Namgyel, and examined on how they apply to our life. We live in a vastly different world from 2600 years ago when these teachings were first given, in a world which moves much faster, with more potential for stress and anxiety. Venerable Namgyel's teachings during this course will be helpful for reducing stress and anxiety; any other problems and confusion, in order to live more peacefully and happily. Then death will be peaceful. This is a beginner-intermediate course.

All About Karma

1st – 7th February, 2011

Venerable Rita Riniker (Lobsang Palmo) has been ordained for over 12 years and took ordination in 1991 with main teacher, Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche. Since then she has been based primarily in India at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, initially studying at the Tibetan Library of Works and Archives for 6 years and more recently as one of the centre’s primary teachers of Tushita’s famous “Introduction to Buddhism” courses.

Ven Rita has led and guided many retreats including five 3-month Vajrasattva retreats, Green Tara retreats and a 2-month Lam Rim Chen Mo retreat with teachings by Yangsi Rinpoche in 2000. Ven Rita is especially well known for leading Nyung Nae. Having completed over a period of 6 months in 1998 more than 80 consecutive Nyung Naes .

Rita has also been teaching in Europe for many years and has made several teaching tours to Israel and more recently, Australia and New Zealand. Her direct, down-to-earth teaching style with its emphasis on linking theory and practice and how to integrate it into daily life has attracted many students worldwide.

Ven Rita on travel – “The advantage of journeys to the inner world is, that you don’t need ticket, visa, passport or whatever, you can go when ever you want, you only need some courage. Now I don’t know about your inner world, but mine is definitely full of crap but fascinating. If you are not afraid of the crap, and you have some humour, the inner world certainly becomes the perfect travel ground.”

During this course you will be learning the essential facts about the law of cause and effect and generate a clear understanding about how karma works.

You will discover effective tools to accumulate merit- the cause of happiness and success – and purify mistaken actions done in the past. In addition, you will explore ways to become adept at dealing with life most effectively and thereby take control of your life.

Reiki Courses

Teacher: Ven. Lobsang Namgyel (Reiki Master)

Level 1 Introductory Courses (Two Day Courses)

Dates:
12th - 13th February, 2011
19th - 20th February, 2011
26th - 27th February, 2011

Reiki is a hands-on healing method which originated in Japan with the healing work and teachings of Dr. Usui. During the introductory course to Reiki, the practical use of Reiki for oneself and others is emphasized. The attunement will be given and any other healing information necessary for the students is offered by Venerable. No pre-requisites necessary and everybody is welcome.

An Introduction will be given and a Film will be shown the evening before.

Placements are strictly limited, so we advise you to book well in advance.

Residential Introduction to Buddhism Courses (DB3)

8 or 10 Day Courses available

7-16 November, 2010

These residential courses provide an overview of the entire Tibetan Buddhist path to enlightenment through teachings, guided meditations and discussion groups. You will...

Learn how to meditate
Explore Buddha’s philosophy on the nature of the mind, karma, rebirth, love, compassion, ultimate reality and more
Experience directly how Buddhism’s practical, step-by-step teachings and meditations can increase peace, happiness and compassion in your own daily life

PRE-REQUISITES: There are no pre-requisites to join these courses; you do not need to have any previous experience with meditation or Buddhism. Those with previous experience will also enjoy these courses in order to review and contemplate more deeply the essential points of the path. (When teachings and guided meditations are heard from different teachers, their varied perspectives and styles--combined with one’s own personal experiences acquired since one’s last course--can stimulate fresh insights for even the most experienced students.)

Note: The 10 day courses qualify for the FPMT Discovering Buddhism Program (Subject Area Three). Please click here for more information about Discovering Buddhism.

Note: No deposit is required to register for these introductory courses.

Approximate 10-day Course Schedule

During the first six full days of the course, the daily schedule combines teachings with various styles of meditation and discussion groups. The course ends with a two-day intensive meditation retreat to give you the chance to familiarize yourself with and gain insight into the topics that were covered in the teachings.

Day 1
1.30 - 3.00pm: Check in
4.30 – 6.00pm: Orientation talk
6.00: Dinner
7.30pm: Introduction to Meditation

Day 2 - 7
6.00am: Wake up
6.45 - 7.30am: Mindfulness Meditation
7.30am: Breakfast
9.00 - 11.00am: Teaching
11.15 – 12.00pm: Optional Simple Yoga
12.00 – 2.00pm: Lunch
2.00 – 3.00pm: Discussion Groups
3.30 – 5.00pm: Teaching
5.30 - 6.15pm: Guided Meditation
6.15pm: Dinner
7.30pm: Evening Meditation

Day 8 - 9 (Meditation Retreat)
6.00am: Wake up
6.45 - 7.30am: Mindfulness Meditation
7.30am: Breakfast
9.00 – 9.45am: Guided Meditation
10.15 - 11.00am: Guided Meditation
11.15 – 12.00pm: Optional Simple Yoga
12.00 – 2.15pm: Lunch
2.15 - 3.00pm: Guided Meditation
3.45 - 4.30pm: Guided Meditation
5.15 - 6.00pm: Guided Meditation
6.00pm: Dinner
7.30pm: Evening Meditation (Day 8) or Light offering meditation at the Mahabodhi Temple(Day 9)

Day 10
6.00am: Wake up
6.45 – 7.30am: Mindfulness Meditation
7.30am: Breakfast
8.30 – 10.30am: Now what? Advice, resources and inspiration for further study and daily meditation
10.45 – 11.45am: Tour and final meditation at Root Institute’s charitable medical clinic
12.00pm: Farewell Lunch
1.30 – 2.30pm: Check out

Course discipline

We ask our guests to observe the following discipline in order to create an atmosphere conducive to inner reflection and meditation.

All guests are asked to:

Respect all life: do not intentionally kill any living being, even small insects
Respect others’ property: do not steal or take anything not freely given
Be honest and straightforward: do not lie or intentionally deceive others
Be celibate: no sexual activity
Be alert and mindful: avoid intoxicants such as cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs (If necessary, one can smoke just outside the main gate)
Be considerate of others’ silence: no singing or playing music
Be considerate of the monks and nuns: dress respectfully (please no shorts above the knee, tank-top shirts, or tight and revealing clothing)

Additionally, during courses students are asked to:

Not leave Root Institute property for the duration of the course. Therefore, all your business in town (travel arrangements, e-mails, phone calls, etc.) must be completed before the first session begins at 4.30pm.
Maintain silence during the course, except during the daily discussion group, question/answer sessions, and other prescribed "talking times" as outlined during the course introduction.
Since many of the ideas presented during the course may be new or different from one's own beliefs, we ask everyone to keep an open mind and be prepared to analyze and contemplate not only the teachings, but also one's own views.
As this is a group course, everyone’s participation is important. Therefore, all students are expected to attend all sessions of the course and come to sessions on time.

Meals and Accommodation

Root Institute serves delicious Indian and Western vegetarian meals three times per day. These include wheat, dairy, eggs, nuts, sugar and salt and we are NOT able to provide for special dietary needs.

During courses, men and women must have separate accommodation and friends/family of the same gender are strongly encouraged to stay in separate rooms to help support your silence.

Please be aware that we will note the room preference listed on your registration form, but we cannot confirm any specific room bookings until you arrive for the course. We will at least offer you a dormitory bed and will do our best to fulfil any other requests when you arrive.

Spiritual Programme