Geshe Namdak: Mind of Loving Kindness and Reality: Weekend teachings

Have you ever questioned whether your perception is always in line with reality? Psychological studies say that anger distorts reality to 90 percent! Anger and other negative emotions blind us and lead to dissatisfaction and pain. What is the solution? The ancient science of mind, Buddhist psychology, says that positive mental states like loving-kindness are in tune with reality. And thus lead to improved health, well-being, and harmony.

Is this course for me

This course is for beginners and experienced practitioners of meditation. If you are a beginner and are curious about meditation, this is a perfect opportunity to get a systematic introduction into science of mind and meditation.

It will also be especially interesting for psychology students, psychologists, psychotherapists, and yoga and meditation facilitators.

Be it a beginner or experienced meditation practitioner, you will have an opportunity to ask Geshe Namdak questions. As he is an experienced teacher and meditator, due to his deep knowledge and first-hand experience in meditation, you will receive comprehensive answers to your questions, which will lead you in the right direction.

What will I learn in this course

You will learn about the theory of meditation. What is meditation actually? Is there only one type of meditation? What are the benefits of meditation practice? What are valid and distorted states of mind? How do we get rid of negative emotions?

On the practical side, you will get to practice Loving Kindness meditation and experience what it is like. You can read and hear a lot about meditation, but if you don’t try it, it is like hearing others’ stories about how delicious ice cream is and never having tasted it!

What will I take away from this course into my daily life

–          You will understand what meditation is from the psychological point of view

–          You will learn about how our mind perceives reality, differences between distorted states of mind from valid states of mind, which are in tune with reality

–          You will experience what it is like to have loving kindness to oneself and others

–          You will learn different meditation techniques which you can apply in your daily practice

More about the course

Geshe Namdak will give an introduction to Lorig, Buddhist Psychology, which is studied in monasteries.

This weekend course will help you to understand your mind and how to train in meditation. In the various types of valid cognition, leading up to Bodhicitta and the wisdom of reality. It will cover the main points of the different types of consciousness, awarenesses, and knowers – as explained in Lorig* – the Four Noble Truths and the paths to liberation and enlightenment. 

How can we eliminate destructive emotions and generate constructive positive states of mind? And how much of what we perceive is an actual reality?

We will come to see how we can train our minds through self-awareness, self-discipline, loving kindness and the wisdom of understanding reality. When applying these forms of emotional intelligence in contemplation and meditation we will experience more stable forms of happiness and inner wellbeing and can help others to achieve the same.

~Geshe Namdak

* Lorig in Tibetan – means Mind and Mental Processes – is the study of mind, both in its valid and distorted forms, along with the relationship between subject and object and between thought and reality. The teachings of Lorig explain what the mind is, and how it works.

Knowing about the mind, and the ultimate nature of reality – and how to train in loving-kindness and compassion – all these are essential points for achieving temporary and ultimate happiness, for yourself and others.

The Buddhist Science of Mind

Understanding the nature, characteristics, and functioning of our mind forms the basis of Buddhist philosophy and practice. The Buddha says in the Dhammapada: All things are preceded by the mind, led by the mind, created by the mind.

At present we do not have much control over our mind and thus over feeling happy and avoiding problems and difficulties. Therefore, in order to gain more control, we need to transform the mind, understand the nature of the mind, its function, objects, its different types, and so forth.

Obtaining knowledge of our habitual thought patterns, of the mental events that occur within specific mindsets, of how these mental events arise and so on – this helps us to make changes, do the transformation! And even though these changes are slow and gradual, they nonetheless drastically improve the quality of your present life. These changes help you to overcome shortcomings of life, such as anger, attachment, and ignorance – and eventually for attaining liberation of the mind and full Awakening.

About the benefits of Loving Kindness Meditation

The ancient science of mind, Buddhist psychology, suggests that developing Loving Kindness, wishing oneself and others be happy, is the type of mental state which is in tune with reality.

But what does it mean in more practical, day to day terms?

Emma Seppala, a Stanford scientist, has identified 18 benefits of loving kindness meditation. According to research, loving kindness meditation

–          increases positive emotions and decreases negative emotions,

–          makes you a more helpful person,

–          decreases bias towards others, which is associated with conflicts and distance from others,

–          decreases self-criticism and increases self-compassion

–          slows aging (there is no need in anti-age creams!)

–          increases the grey matter in your brain

Even just a couple of minutes of loving-kindness meditation can increase feelings of social connection and positivity toward strangers!

Friday Introductory Public Talk:

19.00 – 21.00

Weekend course:

Saturday 10.00 – 17.00

Sunday 10.00 – 16.00

About Geshe Namdak

On May 8, 2017,  Ven. Tenzin Namdak, registered FPMT teacher and native of the Netherlands, was officially awarded a geshe degree by Sera Je Monastic University in South India. He is the first Westerner ever to complete the full, formal course of studies at one of the “three seats”—Ganden, Sera, and Drepung monasteries—and sit for the final geshe examination there, too.

There are many steps leading up to the geshe degree. First, one must complete nineteen years of coursework comprising three years studying introductory topics, seven years on the Ornament of Clear Realization, four years on Supplement to the Middle Way, three years on vinaya, two years on abhidharma, and two months each year spent debating Valid Cognition. 

After Ven. Namdak completed his exams for the final year of study, Lama Zopa Rinpoche requested the monastery to formally grant him the geshe degree as quickly as possible so that he can begin sharing his knowledge and experience with FPMT centers outside India. In July 2016, this request was granted, and Ven. Namdak began preparing for his final geshe examination ceremony.

 https://fpmt.org/fpmt-community-news/news-around-the-world/dutch-monk-geshe-tenzin-namdak-completes-final-geshe-examination/