The Courage of the Bodhisattva 2012 Series of Teachings

ZaChoeje Rinpoche

Rinpoche's 2012 series of teachings are on the Courage of the Bodhisattva. With his precise explanations, knowledge and humor, Rinpoche will guide us in understanding the two difficult subjects of the Perfection of Meditation and the Perfection of Wisdom.

These teachings from Chapters 8 and 9 of Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life will help us learn ways to tame our minds and recognize our true potential, letting go of hindering disturbing emotions and negative afflictions.

The Courage of the Bodhisattva comes from learning and recognizing the illusion-like nature of suffering by overcoming attachment and aversion. Becoming familiar with our true potential we can more effectively cherish living beings as the source of all happiness and work solely for the benefit of all.

 

Chod Healing and White Umbrella Purification Saturday December 22

Geshe Jampa
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

CHOD: Chod means “cutting” ; that is, cutting through the misconception of the self that is at the very root of Samsara. Buddha frees beings from suffering by helping them realize the actual nature of their own existence. It is the realization of true paths, the perfection of wisdom, which eradicates the ignorance obscuring the minds of beings. In the chod practice the fearful provocation of the spirits is also considered an external manifestation of one's own internal fear and attachments. Thus, one can emphasize confronting one's fear and emotion from the comfort of a meditation cushion. Chod practice is performed with chanting and the use of the Damaru (small drum) and bell.

WHITE UMBRELLA DEITY: The Sanskrit name for the White Umbrella deity is Ushnisha Sitatapatra (Tib: Dug-kar) which can also be translated as "The Victorious White Parasol." Her parasol indicates her ability to protect sentient beings from natural catastrophes, diseases, and so forth. She is white in color, because the principal means by which she accomplishes this function is the enlightenment energy of pacification.

Both practices are considered powerful to remove the inner and external obstacles and negative energies. Geshe Jampa will perform the ritual ceremony of the Chod healing and purification of White Umbrella.

Everybody is welcome. Suggested donation $20.

Power of Compassion and Forgiveness Sunday December 2

Geshe Jampa
11:00 am - 1:30 pm

Compassion is the heartfelt wish that all sentient beings be free from suffering. We have a responsibility to each other; we cannot act out of mere self-centeredness. Love and compassion are the main sources of a happy and peaceful life. Many problems and difficulties arise from a selfish attitude and self cherishing thoughts. Being caring and compassionate to both oneself and others will bring a courageous, joyful and meaningful life.

Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. H.H. the Dalai Lama has stated, "Of course, we may still remember what happened, but forgetting and forgiving are two different things. There's nothing wrong with simply remembering what happened, but with the development of forgiveness, it's possible to let go of the negative feelings associated with what took place."

Everybody is welcome.

AHIMSA Sunday December 9

Annual Ahimsa Celebration in honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize

Ahimsa is the Buddhist term for non-harming. We will celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the 1989 awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the world’s best-known Tibetan Buddhist leader and international figurehead in the cause for peace on our planet.

Toy Drive: Practice generosity! We are requesting toys to donate to the fire department for their annual toy drive.

Food Donations Needed: Please bring a nonperishable food item for our ongoing food drive, supporting the Desert Mission Food Bank in north Phoenix.

Schedule:

4:30 PM Community Meeting
4:45 PM One-on-One Questions to Board Members
5:15 PM Pot Luck. Please contact Donna at donna@emahofoundation.org and let her know what dish you would like to bring

6: 30 PM Showing of the film "Compassion in Exile," the life story of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Editorial Reviews of the film

"Beautifully shot…a sense of directness. His story is inextricably entwined with that of Tibet." -- Tricycle

"alive filmmaking...intensely moving" -- New Times

"unprecedented intimacy" -- Los Angeles Times

"visually stunning" -- Time International

"Compassion In Exile" is an intimate portrait of Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. Inherent in the life story of this Nobel Peace Prize laureate is the saga of the suffering of the Tibetan people under Chinese occupation. For over forty years the Dalai Lama has waged a non-violent struggle in exile to bring attention to the plight of his people and save their unique culture and religion. He is the embodiment of the ideal of his Buddhist heritage and practice, and his life story is an inspiring lesson in compassion and peace.
Produced and Directed by Mickey Lemle
Music Composed by Philip Glass
Cinematographer: Buddy Squires

 

Bardo Oct 13-14 

ZaChoeje Rinpoche
Workshop on Bardo (The In-Between State)

Saturday October 13, 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday October 14, 10 am - 4 pm

Rinpoche will offer this special workshop on Bardo based on the Tibetan Book Of The Dead and the great Bardo prayer text "Liberation in the Canyon of Bardo."

During this workshop Rinpoche will give instructions on:
(A) How to practice during the dissolution of the elements and various signs in the process of dying.
(B) How to see the true nature of Mind in the clear light of death.
(C) How to help oneself and others to become more fearless and confident during the afterlife journey of Bardo.

Suggested donation $90.

We ask that you please register and pay in advance with thePayPal button below or send a check to the Emaho Foundation mailing address: 4111 E Phelps Rd, Phoenix AZ 85032, or pay at the Center in person before October 13. No one is ever turned away for lack of funds. Proceeds support the Emaho Center.

For more information, please call 480-704-4169 or e-mail Emaho at mail@emahofoundation.org.

Discovering Dharma 3 Begins August 11

Geshe Jampa

We are happy to offer a special opportunity to receive teachings on Discovering Dharma from Geshe Jampa. Discovering Dharma will consist of a series of 8 classes of 1-1/2 hours each, to be held once a week every Saturday from 12 pm to 1:30 pm, except two sessions which will be held on Sundays, September 2 and September 23 at same time. This is a great opportunity to study in the traditional style, in a personal setting with a learned Geshe.

Discovering Dharma 3 is not a sequel to Discovering Dharma 1 and 2. In this course all the topics are new and everyone is welcome.

Register below

The four main topics of the Buddhist teaching covered in the Discovering Dharma teaching series are:

1. Dhammapada (Path of Dharma) chapters 5-7
2. Mahamudra (Great Seal)
3. SIx Perfections (Paramitas)
4. The three principle aspects of the path

DHAMMAPADA: The Dhammapada contains the most essential teachings of the Buddha. ‘Dhamma’ means teaching and ‘pada’ means path, so it is the path or way of the teaching. It is not all one lengthy discourse, but a compilation of what are said to be the Buddha’s utterances over many years brought together by his disciples to give the true nature of his unique understanding. Three chapters will be covered in this course.

MAHAMUDRA: Mahamudra is a Sanskrit word meaning "great seal" and refers to nature of all phenomena. Mahamudra also refers to sopisticated Buddhist systems of meditation and practice to realize this great sealing nature. The distinctive characteristic of these techniques is to see this nature by focusing on mind itself and discovering the relationship between mind and reality. When our mind confuses reality with fantasy, we produce problems for ourselves. The teaching will be based on the root text for the Gelug Mahamudra by First Panchen Lama Lobsang Choekyi Gyaltsen (16th Century Master).

SIX PERFECTIONS: The six perfections (generosity, ethical discipline, patience, enthusiastic effort, concentration, and wisdom) are practiced by Bodhisattvas who have the supreme intention of attaining enlightenment for the sake of all living beings. The Sanskrit word paramita means to cross over the other shore. Through the practice of the these six paramitas, we cross over the sea of suffering (samsara ) to the shore of happiness and awakening (Nirvana). Each of the six paramitas is an enlightened quality of the heart, a glorious virtue or attribute - the innate seed of perfect realization within us.

THE THREE PRINCIPLE ASPECTS OF THE PATH: The three principle aspects of the path refer to Renunciation, Bodhichitta, and Emptiness. Renunciation refers to the attitude of turning away from the faults of the samsara and yearning and directing one's spiritual practice towards liberation from such a state of cyclic existence. Bodhichitta refers to the motivation and intention to achieve the highest state of enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Emptiness refers to the wisdom of understanding the actual abiding nature of reality which is voidness, of non-inherent existence and dependent arising that is to say the middle way view. This small and concise text is written by Lama Tsongkhapa (15th Century master).

Recommended reading:
  Dhammapada Translated by Friedrich Max Muller
  The Gelug/Kagyu Tradition of Mahamudra by H H the Dalai Lama

Geshe Jampa will offer a Certificate of Completion to the students attending all sessions at the last session of the teaching.  

REGISTER FOR DISCOVERING DHARMA, PART 3
The cost for the full 8 classes will be $100. We ask that you please register and pay in advance with thePayPal button below or send a check to the Emaho Foundation mailing address: 4111 E Phelps Rd Phoenix AZ 85032, or pay at the Center in person before August 8. No one is ever turned away for lack of funds. The proceeds support the Emaho Center.

For more information, please call 480-704-4169 or e-mail Emaho at mail@emahofoundation.org.

Medicine Buddha Five Buddha Families Sept 7-11

ZaChoeje Rinpoche

It was requested of Rinpoche to offer this intensive workshop to help us deepen our practice of Medicine Buddha by engaging the practice with that of the five Buddha families.

Rinpoche has kindly agreed and will bestow the Medicine Buddha initiation and perform a personal divination for each of us, revealing our personal Buddha family.

 

Medicine Buddha is considered an enlightened healing quality of all the Buddhas and our own Buddha nature. By identifying this aspect of Medicine Buddha within us, we are able to create beneficial results that allow us to bring healing and happiness into our lives and the lives of others. Understanding our specific Buddha family in relation to Medicine Buddha, we begin to understand the energetic relationship between our self and our varied states, as well we better understand our relationship to others. Practicing with this understanding can bring about transformation of negative, unhealthy, unhappy states into positive, healthy states within our physical, mental, spiritual, emotion and energetic bodies. In turn we are able to be more effectively help others.

Each Buddha family carries a specific spiritual energy, an aspect of enlightened qualities. We can learn to harness the energy specific to our Buddha family, energy with which we're naturally attuned, manifesting tangible, positive results.

Prior to the Workshop:

• Prior to the intensive workshop Rinpoche asks that we register and have a short one-on-one interview with him. He is interested in our motivation, intention and commitment. The number of attendees will be limited, please register early.

Information on how to schedule an interview with Rinpoche will be sent to participants after registration is complete.

The workshop will consist of seven sessions beginning Friday September 7. Rinpoche will give an introduction and outline the syllabus for the series. Saturday morning September 8 Rinpoche will bestow the Medicine Buddha empowerment. He will also give an opportunity for each of us in the divination ritual ceremony to reveal our own Buddha family.

Schedule:

• Friday September 7, 7-9pm: Introduction
• Saturday September 8, 10:00am-12:00: Medicine Buddha empowerment
• Saturday September 8, 2:00pm- 4:00: Divination revealing our Medicine Buddha Family.
• Sunday September 9, 10:00am-4:00pm: Two-session Workshop
• Monday September 10, 7:00-9:00pm: Workshop
• Tuesday September 11, 7:00-9:00pm: Workshop

Location:

• Emaho Center, 4111 E. Phelps, Phoenix, AZ 85032

Following Activities:

• After two weeks practice of the mantra, mudra and meditation techniques we learn in the workshop Rinpoche suggests we submit to him our experiences in writing and in person.

This is an auspicious opportunity to study with our kind spiritual master in an intimate teaching environment.

For more information, please call 480-704-4169 or e-mail Emaho at mail@emahofoundation.org.

Celebration Saturday July 7

Please mark your calendar to join us at Emaho on Saturday July 7 at 5:00 pm for an evening to celebrate and honor His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

July 6th is His 77th Birthday. Plan for an evening of friendship, food, fun and the movie Kundun.

After a short meditation and recitation of His Holiness' Long Life Prayer we will shown the film.

Kundun is based on the life and writings of His Holiness. Richard Corliss, writer for the New York Times wrote of the film: "Aided by Roger Deakins' pristine camera work and the euphoric drone of Phillip Glass's score, Scorsese devises a poem of textures and silences. Visions, nightmares and history blend in a tapestry as subtle as the Tibetans' gorgeous mandalas of sand."

During the film we'll have plenty of popcorn and drinks, but please save room for cake. This is an auspicious evening to catch up with old Dharma friends and meet new ones. All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you.

 

21-Tara Retreat May 25-28,2012

Retreat with ZaChoeje Rinpoche

Our second retreat at our new retreat center! Join us for this special empowerment and teaching with Rinpoche.

Lam Rim Intensive begins November 12

Lam Rim Intensive
Gradual Path to Enlightenment

with Geshe Jampa
Saturdays November 12 - December 17, 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Tuesday December 20, 7 - 8:30 pm

We are happy to offer a special opportunity to receive a series of teachings from Geshe Jampa on the Lam Rim. The Lam Rim Intensive (The Path to Enlightenment) will consist of 7 sessions of 1-1/2 hours each, to be held once a week every Saturday from 12:30 to 2:00 pm beginning November 12, except for the last session which will be held on Tuesday, December 20, from 7 - 8:30 pm. This is a great opportunity to study in the traditional style, in a personal setting with a learned Geshe.

The Lam Rim, known as the gradual path to enlightenment, contains the essence of the 84,000 teachings of the Buddha. When one studies the Lam Rim, one studies the three principal aspects of the path, leading one ultimately to a full realization of the aspects of renunciation, bodhicitta, and emptiness. The skillful teachings of the gradual path are meant for all practitioners, whether of small, medium, or great scope.

In the early eleventh century, the Indian Buddhist master Atisha condensed the essential points of the Buddha’s teachings into the text Lamp of the Path. These teachings were then expanded in the fourteenth century by the Great master Lama Tsong-Kha-pa, the founder of the Gelug Tradition into the text The Great Exposition on the Gradual Path to Enlightenment (Lam Rim Chenmo). These texts form the basis of our contemporary understanding of the Buddha’s teachings.

"Of the many works of the Tibetan master Tsong-kha-pa, none compare in terms of popularity and breadth of influence with The Great treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lam rim chen mo ), which has been treasured by practitioners and scholars alike for centuries. What distinguishes it as one of the principal texts of Mahayana Buddhism is its scope and clarity…. The various stages of the path are presented so clearly and systematically that they can be easily understood and are inspiring to put into practice. " --- H.H The Dalai Lama

The Lam Rim covers all the major teachings of the Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, Karma-The Law of Causality, Refuge of the Three Jewels, Relying upon a Spiritual Guide, the Twelve Links of Interdependent Origination, Impermanent and Death, Bodhicitta, Emptiness and so on.

Join your Emaho friends in this profound study of one of Buddhism’s great texts.

• Session 1 - Introduction of Lamrim Intensive Session
• Sessions 2,3,4 - Four Noble Truths and Karma Session
• Sessions 5,6 - Twelve links of Interdependent Origination and Awakening Mind Session
• Session 7 - Summary of Lamrim

Recommended reading:
• The Path to Bliss by H. H. the Dalai Lama
• The Path to Enlightenment by H. H. the Dalai Lama

REGISTRATION

Cost for full series of 7 classes: $80.

Please register and pay in advance with thePayPal button below or send a check to Emaho Foundation.

mailing address:
PO Box 3014
Scottsdale 85271 AZ

You may also pay in person at the Center before November 5.

No one is ever turned away for lack of funds. We offer discounts for students. Please contact us for details. All proceeds support the activities of Emaho Center.

Geshe Jampa will offer a Certificate of Attendance or Certificate of Completion to the students at the last session of the teaching.  

For more information or to register, please call 480-704-4169 or e-mail Emaho at mail@emahofoundation.org

AHIMSA December 10

Annual Ahimsa Celebration in honor of His Holiness The Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize

» Download flyer

Saturday December 10

4:30 - 5:00 PM
Tibetan bazaar with Dharma crafts and MP3's with Rinpoche's teachings - an opportunity to do your Christmas shopping

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Free showing of the movie "Sun Behind Clouds."

“This film shows what is happening in the hearts of the Tibetan people…it presents a very unusual insight into the situation in Tibet.”
Vaclav Havel, on presenting the award

“…beautiful, stirring and inescapably elegiac…”
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

“The documentary does a superlative job of examining the half-century dispute over Chinese rule of mountainous Tibet.”
VA Musetto, New York Post

“A potent update on Tibetans‘ 50-year struggle for justice and recognition…essential viewing for anyone who cares about the fate of the mountain region and the legacy of the Dalai Lama.”
Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter

“…a welcome departure from many previous films about the decades-long friction between Tibet and China…an exception in what is not an angry film but a notably calm, well-considered and balanced one.”
Robert Koehler, Variety

6:30 - 7:00 PM
Sale of Dharma crafts and MP3s

7:00 PM
Authentic Tibetan dinner.
Suggested donation $ 15 per person.

Note: As of December 3, reservations for the dinner are closed in order to allow for the purchase of ingredients this week.

Proceeds from the Ahimsa Tibetan dinner will support Emaho Center and its offerings.

 

Pure Essence of Mind November 6

ZaChoeje Rinpoche
Sunday November 6, 10 am - 4 pm

Revealing the Primordial and Pure Essence of Mind through Vajrasattva.

The pure nature of our mind is the ultimate Varjasattva and it is the primordial quality of our consciousness. We will learn how to use the mantra and meditation of Vajrasattva to reveal that essence in this workshop. All are welcome even if they have not received the Vajrasattva Empowerment.

Click her to download the translation of the Vajrasattva mantra used in Rinpoche's teaching(pdf)

 

Discovering Dharma 2 Begins August 6, 2011

WITH GESHE JAMPA
Saturdays 5:00-6.30 PM
Series of 8 classes beginning August 6
(See registration information below)

We are happy to offer a special opportunity to receive teachings on Discovering Dharma (Part 2) from Geshe Jampa. Discovering Dharma will consist of a series of 8 classes of 1-1/2 hours each, to be held once a week. This is a great opportunity to study in the traditional style, in a personal setting with a learned Geshe.

The four main topics of the Buddhist teachings covered in this year's Discovering Dharma teaching series:

1.Dhammapada - chapter 3 - 7
2. Mind Training (Lojong )
3. Bardo and Phowa ( Intermediate State and Transference of Consciousness)
4. Heart Sutra

DHAMMAPADA:

The Dhammapada contains the most essential teachings of the Buddha. ‘Dhamma’ means teaching and ‘pada’ means path, so it is the path or way of the teaching. It is not all one lengthy discourse, but a compilation of what is said to be the Buddha’s utterances over many years brought together by his disciples to give the true nature of his unique understanding. Six chapters will be covered in this course.

MIND TRAINING (LOJONG ):

The practice of mind training is based on the essential Mahayana teachings of impermanence, compassion, and the exchange of self and other that the eleventh-century master Atisha brought to Tibet from India. The Lojong teachings are a source of inspiration and guidance shared by masters of all Tibetan traditions. The Seven Point Mind Training text by master Chekhawa will be covered in detail in this course.

BARDO AND PHOWA:

The Tibetan word bardo means literally "Intermediate state," also translated as transitional state or "in between state". In Sanskrit the concept has the name antarabhava. According to Tibetan Buddhism, after death and before one's next birth, when one's consciousness is not connected with a physical body, one experiences a variety of phenomena. These usually follow a sequence of degeneration from just after death, with the clearest experiences of reality of which one is spiritually capable, to, later on, unpleasant appearances arising from the impulses of one's previous unskillful actions. In this teaching, we will go through the text "Seeking liberation from the narrow path of the Intermediate state," by Panchen (Lama) Lobsang Choekyi Gyaltsen (1570-1662), one of the great masters of Gelug Tradition.

Phowa literally means 'Transference of consciousness." The goal of the Phowa practice is to learn how to die consciously, and transfer the consciousness at the moment of death to a state of highest bliss. The practice is one of the six yogas of Naropa.

HEART SUTRA:

The Heart Sutra is one of the most famous texts of Buddhism. It is a presentation of profound wisdom on the nature of emptiness and selflessness. Whether memorized, chanted, or studied, this sacred text is often looked to for inspiration. For more than two thousand years, the Heart Sutra has been part of the daily life of millions of Buddhists. From the Heart Sutra, you will learn how the ultimate reality of emptiness and the conventional world of cause and effect not only fit together but imply each other. This is a very practical message for anyone seeking to lead a life that is useful for oneself and for others.

Register:

The cost for the full 8 classes will be $ 100. We ask that you please register and pay in advance with the PayPal button below, or send a check to the Emaho Foundation mailing address: PO Box 3014 Scottsdale, AZ 85271, or pay at the Center in person before July 30. We offer discounts for students. Please contact us for details. The proceeds will support Emaho Center.

Geshe Jampa will offer a certificate of Attendance or certificate of Completion to the students attending all sessions at the last session of the teaching.

For more information about the series or to pre-register, please call 480-704-4169 or email Emaho at mail@emahofoundation.org

The Pure Wisdom of a Bodhisattva September 10

ZaChoeje Rinpoche
Saturday September 10
10 am - 4 pm

Within the seed, there is a flower,
This flower blooms and unfolds in the limitless sky,
When all conditions are gathered.

Within the mind, there is a pure wisdom,
This pure wisdom expands and grows in the emptiness sphere,
When all conditions are gathered.

In each and every thing around us, there is an essence of truth we are not aware of and we often keep missing. That profound phenomenon is known as Emptiness in Buddhism and understanding that truth is pure wisdom of Bodhisattva. We can purify our negative mind with its impure karma by applying pure wisdom in our practice. When we unfold this wisdom and uncover more of our true nature, we become capable of seeing everything as it is.

The Pure Heart of a Bodhisattva July 16

A Special Teaching with ZaChoeje Rinpoche
Saturday July 16, 10 am - 4 pm

A Bodhisattva is one who has attained the highest forms of both wisdom and compassion. In this special teaching, Rinpoche explains the pure heart of a Bodhisattva:

If we look at life from a Bodhisattva’s perspective, everything is good fortune, because a Bodhisattva is life. His or her heart becomes bigger and bigger, infused with more and more happiness, with greater and greater love. This happens because there is no distinction between what is thought and felt, seen and heard, tasted and touched, even smelled. Everything is the display of the Bodhisattva’s pure heart.

     [from The Bodhisattva Way of Life]

Mandala Painting Class July 2, 9, 16

New Mandala Painting Class with Rick Weir and Jackie Sepulveda

July 2, 9,16 - 11:00am to 1:00pm
CLASS CANCELLED - TO BE RESCHEDULED IN THE FALL OF 2011

Beginners mandala painting in the Tibetan Thangka style. Intermediate and Advanced painting, in Tibetan and Western style. Please e-mail Rick at rickweir73@yahoo.com for special instructions or questions.

Cost: $30:00 total, all materials are included !!! 8"x 12" canvas board provided.

Payment to be made at the first class session. All proceeds go to Emaho. Class will be limited to the first 14 students to sign up. Please e-mail Rick at rickweir73@yahoo.com to get on the list or for questions. A fourth Saturday will be provided at no charge for students who need to finish paintings.

This class is intended for persons with no previous painting experience or for those who know how to paint but want to try a new way of expressing themselves. We use non toxic acrylic paints. Please dress casually in older clothes, as you might get paint on them. Many thanks for your interest and support of Emaho.

Saka Dawa Celebration with Geshe Jampa June 15

Wednesday June 15, 7:00-8:30 pm

Saka Dawa is the celebration of Buddha Shakyamuni's Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirwana. It is one of the most sacred days for Buddhists. Please join us at Emaho for a traditional Saka Dawa ceremony with Bathing the Buddha. You can bring fruits and flowers to Buddha Shakyamuni's Altar to show respect to Buddha and accumulate virtues.

The celebration is followed by tea and cookies. Everyone is welcome.

Tibetan Language Level 1 begins Saturday April 9

With Geshe Jampa

Schedule: Saturdays 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Total: 10 Classes

Geshe Jampa will teach the Tibetan Language Level 1 class, consisting of a series of 10 sessions of 1- 1/2 hours each. This is rare opportunity to study the Tibetan language with a Geshe who is a master of Tibetan Grammar and Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism is enriched with all the Buddhist traditions, including Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana. You will gain access to all these teachings because our great translators ( Lotsawa ) have translated the teachings into Tibetan from the Sanskrit (one of the most profound languages in the world ) since the eighth century.

The series will cover the alphabet, subscripts, superscripts, prefixes, and suffixes, and will provide a useful vocabulary and basic grammar.

Nobel laureate H.H. the Dalai lama, has stated, "Even though the Tibetan language is not that much use in fields like business and legal studies, its use is paramount in studying teachings of the Buddha (Kagyur) and commentaries (Tengyur) contained in more than 300 volumes."

Kalu Rinpoche stressed in his book Luminous Mind: The Way of the Buddha that “Generally speaking, learning Tibetan is not mandatory for practicing the Dharma well, but in order to engage in deep commitment to Dharma, … knowledge of Tibetan is extremely important because it allows us to understand the practice texts and the traditional Tibetan commentaries… In order for Dharma to be properly understood in the West, there must be Westerners who are willing to master the Tibetan… Once the totality of Dharma is adequately translated into Western terminology, there will be no need for Tibetan. But for now, anyone wishing to study the Dharma deeply… will reap great benefit from the study of Tibetan. If you study regularly, a little bit every day, you will quickly become knowledgeable.”

• The cost for the full series of 10 classes is $150.
• Materials and handouts will be provided.
• We ask that you please register and pay in advance with the PayPal button below, or send a check to Emaho Foundation, mailing address: PO Box 3014 Scottsdale 85271 AZ, or pay at the center in person before March 30.
• No one is ever turned away for lack of funds.
• The proceeds will support the running of the Emaho Center.

Students who have taken the Tibetan Language Level 1 series before can attend the classes free of charge. Geshe Jampa will offer a Certificate of Attendance to the students at the last session.

For more information or to register, please e-mail Emaho at mail@emahofoundation.org or call 480-704-4169.

Mandala Painting Class July 2, 9, 16

New Mandala Painting Class with Rick Weir and Jackie Sepulveda

July 2, 9,16 - 11:00am to 1:00pm
CLASS CANCELLED - TO BE RESCHEDULED IN THE FALL OF 2011

Beginners mandala painting in the Tibetan Thangka style. Intermediate and Advanced painting, in Tibetan and Western style. Please e-mail Rick at rickweir73@yahoo.com for special instructions or questions.

Cost: $30:00 total, all materials are included !!! 8"x 12" canvas board provided.

Payment to be made at the first class session. All proceeds go to Emaho. Class will be limited to the first 14 students to sign up. Please e-mail Rick at rickweir73@yahoo.com to get on the list or for questions. A fourth Saturday will be provided at no charge for students who need to finish paintings.

This class is intended for persons with no previous painting experience or for those who know how to paint but want to try a new way of expressing themselves. We use non toxic acrylic paints. Please dress casually in older clothes, as you might get paint on them. Many thanks for your interest and support of Emaho.

Vajrasattva RetreatMay 20-25

Vajrasattva Empowerment and Retreat with ZaChoeje Rinpoche

We are fortunate to have the opportunity to attend a 5-day retreat with an authentic Lama.

Partial Retreat: Friday May 20 - Sunday  May 22
Full Retreat: Friday May 20 - Wednesday May 25

Rinpoche no longer offers for people to only attend the Empowerment. We ask for people to committ to either the partial or the full retreat.

Registration begins at 5 PM on Friday evening.
The retreat starts Friday evening at 7 PM.
The full retreat ends Wednesday May 25 after the morning session.

Flyer in pdf format is available for distribution: click here to download.

Registration is available either through Paypal (see below) or in person at the April 10th teaching. Please register by May 9 - now May 11.
Please note that we cannot accept registrations after May 11 because we must have the time to plan the meals. Thank you.

Schedule: We will start with dinner Friday evening at 7 PM.  The Vajrasattva  Empowerment will take place on Saturday. From Sunday to Wednesday we will have Vajrasattva meditations and teachings. The exact schedule will be posted at a later time.  It is possible to attend Friday - Sunday or to attend the full retreat (Friday - Wednesday).

Retreat Fee (does not include lodging):
Friday - Sunday   $ 120
Friday  - Wednesday $ 220
Breakfasts and light dinners are included in the retreat fee. There is no charge for the Dharma: the retreat fee helps us to cover expenses.

Lodging & fee for lodging:
The retreat center has double rooms and dorms (with 6 bunk beds), and there is also the possibility to sleep on the floor with a sleeping bag.
Double rooms are $ 30 per person/night
Dorms are $ 15 per person/night
Sleeping on the floor is $ 5 per person/night
Camping: no charge

The beds in the double rooms & dorms have sheets and  pillows provided.  You may wish to bring a warm blanket. There are only a limited amount of beds in the retreat center: if you would like to reserve a room, please register soon.

There will be a small "women's house" with one dorm and one room with floor spaces. The main house will have a room with floor spaces for men, and 2 dorms for either men or women, 3 double rooms and a small room with more floor space.  The rooms with floor spaces have mats available. All rooms will be gender specific, with exception of the double rooms that can be rented by couples. A total of 36  people can sleep in the houses. IT IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED. Once all rooms are rented out, people will need to camp or rent a hotel room near by. The nearest hotels are in Chino Valley.

Camping: The retreat center has enough land to allow for camping for those who wish to camp. There are no lodging fees for camping. Campers will have portable potties and sinks with running water available. They will not be able to use the showers in the ranch house because of limited capability of the sceptic tank. 

Meals: There will be a potluck dinner on Friday evening. Please let Donna  at donna@emahofoundation.org know what dish you plan to bring. Friday and Saturday we will have vegetarian, wheat-free & dairy-free lunch catered.  Breakfast, light vegetarian dinners (soup & salad) and luncheons on Monday and Tuesday will be cooked by the sangha. The fee for lunch is $ 7/day

FAQ:

• Rinpoche no longer offers the option to attend the Empowerment alone.
• We offer the option to pay in installments. For more information, e-mail us at mail@emahofoundation.org
• If you bring your child, you will be responsible to supervise him or her.  
• There is a pond on the premises.
• The center has plenty of drinking water.
• The nearest town is about 25 miles away.
• Parking is limited, people are encouraged to car pool.
• A detailed map will be sent out with other instructions a week before the retreat.
• Please, no dogs allowed.
• The nearest hotels are in Chino Valley.

Registration: Please choose your registration options below. You may register in person at the center only at the April 10 teaching. Retreat payments are non-refundable.  If you need to cancel, we ask that you consider it a tax-deductible donation to Emaho.

 

Our Pure Mind of Buddha Nature April 10

Teaching with ZaChoeje Rinpoche

Sunday April 10, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Join Rinpoche for a special teaching on Buddha Nature.

Meditation through ArtBegins Saturday February 26

Beginning and Intermediate Painting Classes
Conducted by Rick Weir

Feb. 26, Mar. 5 and  Mar. 12
11:00am - 1:00pm

Beginning Mandala Painting

Students will learn how to paint a small mandala with emphasis on meditation in painting. Acrylic paints painting will be in the "Thanka" style. 7" x 10". No experience necessary !!!

One brush and flat canvas and paints included, along with mandala images and transfer materials.  3 Classes.......cost $27.00 total.

Intermediate / Advanced Painting (acrylic paints)

A continuation of the beginning class with emphasis on blending colors, shading and highlights in the "Thanka" style. Images will be figurative such as Buddha or Tara or a personal Buddhist symbol. If you have a personal favorite, you should bring it as a line drawing to class. You will be provided a 7" x 10" flat canvas sheet. Those wanting a stretched canvas (over a wooden frame) larger than that must supply their own canvas and image to fit. If you are painting a complicated image you may want to supply your own paints and brushes. But Rick will be  happy to guide you.

3 classes (the beginning and intermediate/advanced classes will be held simultaneously).....$30.00

If students need a fourth Saturday to finish, it will be offered  free of charge.  For questions please e-mail mail@emahofoundation.org.  

The class will be facilitated by longtime Sangha member Rick Weir. Rick obtained his Master of Fine Arts degree from ASU, taught art and Advance Placement Art History for 25 years in Southern California and has participated in many group and solo shows and exhibits throughout the US.
Rick’s kind and supportive nature will put even first timers at ease.
"I believe anyone can achieve some sense of satisfaction by painting. It's not my intention to discover or make the next Rembrandt. Art should be fun and not taken too seriously".

People can sign up and pay at the first class. Class size is limited. The first 15 people who sign up will be able to attend.

Film: HAPPY Saturday Feb 26, 2-4 pm

 A showing of the documentary film HAPPY at Mustang Library, followed by brief discussion with Rinpoche

HAPPY is a non-profit feature documentary that deals with many of the fundamental issues we face in today’s society. How do we balance the allure of money, fame and social status with our needs for good relationships, health and a sense of contentment? Through powerful interviews and a global journey the film seeks to share the wisdom found in traditional cultures and from the cutting edge science that is now, for the first time, exploring human happiness.

HAPPY is a feature documentary that takes us on a journey from the swamps of Louisiana to the slums of Kolkata in search of what really makes people happy. Combining powerful interviews with the leading scientists in happiness research and real life stories of ordinary and extraordinary people around the world, HAPPY uncovers the secrets behind our most valued emotion.

Mind Transformation Saturday Feb 5 10am-4pm

Workshop with ZaChoeje Rinpoche

Teaching on the Eight Verses of Mind Transformation text by Master Langri Tangpa (1054-1123).

Part 2 continues on February 27 10am-4pm 

This ancient text is one of the most important mind training/LoJong instructions in Tibetan Buddhism. His Holiness the Dalai Lama regards it as one of the main sources of his own inspiration and incorporates it in his daily practices.  

Rinpoche will teach on how to change our selfish attitude into the selfless loving compassion of a Bodhisattva through this profound instruction.

Life Empowerment of Amitayus Sunday Dec 19 10 am

with ZaChoeje Rinpoche

Download Amitayus Mantra in pdf format.

Rinpoche will bestow the Life Empowerment of Amitayus this Sunday.

If you will be joining us for this event, note that it is tradiitional to observe a vegetarian diet on the day of Action Tantra Empowerments such as this. We ask that participants observe this tradition.

If you would like to bring an offering, participants are invited to bring red flowers (fresh or potted). This is not a requirement but only a suggestion. If you feel in your heart that you would like to bring an offering, then red flowers are appropriate.

The suggested donation for this event is $40. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Buddha Amitayus, the bestower of Longevity, is the Enlightened quality of long life and good fortune. Rinpoche will grant the life empowerment of Amitayus, initiating the blessings and awakening our mind to that Enlightened quality.  

By receiving “life empowerment of Amitayus”, one can strengthen the life-span, increase good fortune, and enrich lives with pure passion. 

Rinpoche will also offer Amitayus mantra transmission during the ceremony. We can use the mantra to remove obstacles that endanger the lives of self and others.  

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Literary Tibetan, Track 1 to be rescheduled

The Literary Tibetan series set for this summer will be rescheduled for midsummer or perhaps the fall. Watch for the new dates.

Learning the history of the Tibetan language and being able to recognize and pronounce characters aids us in realizing the full potential of our Buddhist studies.

Materials and handouts are provided and students participate in an online blog to share questions, concerns and course notes. Included in the curriculum is language history, recognition and pronunciation of the characters of the alphabet, basic grammar, phrase construction and useful vocabulary.

To learn more about the series, email Emaho at mail@emahofoundation.org.

Lam Rim Intensive with Geshe Jampa Begins November 6

Lam Rim: The Gradual Path to Enlightenment

New Series Begins November 6, 2010
(continues on Saturdays for 8 sessions)
5:00-6:30 PM

We are happy to offer a special opportunity to receive teachings on the Lam Rim from Geshe Jampa. The Lam Rim Intensive (The Path to Enlightenment) will consist of 8 sessions of 1-1/2 hours each, to be held once a week on every Saturday. This is a great opportunity to study in the monastic style, in a personal setting with a learned Geshe.

The Lam Rim, known as the gradual path to enlightenment, contains the essence of the 84,000 teachings of the Buddha. When one studies the Lam Rim, one studies the three principal aspects of the path, leading one ultimately to a full realization of the aspects of renunciation, bodhicitta, and emptiness. The skillful teachings of the gradual path are meant for all practitioners, whether of small, medium, or great scope. 

In the early eleventh century, the Indian Buddhist master Atisha condensed the essential points of the Buddha’s teachings into the text Lamp of the Path. These teachings were then expanded in the fourteenth century by the Great master Lama Tsong-Kha-pa, the founder of the Gelug Tradition into the text The Great Exposition on the Gradual Path to Enlightenment (Lam Rim Chenmo). These texts form the basis of our contemporary understanding of the Buddha’s teachings. 

"Of the many works of the Tibetan master Tsong-kha-pa, none compare in terms of popularity and breadth of influence with 'The Great treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment' (Lam rim chen mo), which has been treasured by practitioners and scholars alike for centuries.  What distinguishes it as one of the principal texts of Mahayana Buddhism is its scope and clarity….  The various stages of the path are presented so clearly and systematically that they can be easily understood and are inspiring to put into practice. "  
      --- H.H The Dalai Lama

The Lam Rim covers all the major teachings of the Buddha, including topics such as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eight Fold Path, Karma - the law of causality, Refuge of the Three Jewels, Relying upon a Spiritual Guide, the Twelve links of Interdependent  Origination, Impermanent and Death, Bodhichitta, Emptiness and so on.

Join your Emaho friends in this profound study of one of Buddhism’s great texts.

Recommended reading:

• Path to Bliss by His Holiness The Dalai Lama
• Path to Enlightenment by His Holiness The Dalai Lama

The cost for the full 8 classes will be $85.  We ask that you please register and pay in advance with the PayPal button below, or send the check to Emaho Foundation at PO Box 3014, Scottsdale AZ 85271, or pay at the Center in person before Oct 30. 

No one is ever turned away for lack of funds. The proceeds will support the operations of Emaho Center.

                                                                                                                                                      Geshe Jampa will offer a Certificate of Attendance to the students at the last session of the teaching. If you have attended Geshe-la’s previous Lam Rim Class, you are welcome to repeat the class for free.

For more information, or to register, please call 480-704-4169 or e-mail Emaho at mail@emahofoundation.org

SCHEDULE:    Saturdays  5 - 6.30 pm 

Film Club Monday Nov 22 6-8:30 pm

At Mustang Library, Scottsdale, Arizona. Film followed by discussion with Rinpoche.

We will be showing the Japanese film  "Departures" by Yojiro Takita, followed by a discussion with Rinpoche.

Film description: When his orchestra disbands, Daigo Kobayashi decides to start over and moves back to his small hometown. Desperate for work, he secretly takes a job as a "Nokanshi", a funeral professional who prepares the deceased for burial and entrance into the next life. But while working with the families of the departed, Daigo embarks on a spiritual journey of his own as he finally experiences the joy and wonder of living.

Literary Tibetan, Track 1 to be rescheduled

The Literary Tibetan series set for this summer will be rescheduled for midsummer or perhaps the fall. Watch for the new dates.

Learning the history of the Tibetan language and being able to recognize and pronounce characters aids us in realizing the full potential of our Buddhist studies.

Materials and handouts are provided and students participate in an online blog to share questions, concerns and course notes. Included in the curriculum is language history, recognition and pronunciation of the characters of the alphabet, basic grammar, phrase construction and useful vocabulary.

To learn more about the series, email Emaho at mail@emahofoundation.org.

Meditation through Art October 16, 23, 30

Class conducted by Rick Weir and Jackie Sepulveda

• Saturday October 16, 11 am - 12 noon
• Saturday October 23, 11 am - 1:30 pm
• Saturday October 30, 11 am - 1:30 pm

NOTE: This three-Saturday class is now full: if there is sufficient demand, a second session will be offered at a later time.

Learn a style of painting similar to Tibetan Thanka mandala/figure painting. Beginners welcome!

Emaho will be presenting a three-Saturday "Meditation through Art" class conducted by Rick Weir and Jackie Sepulveda.

This is open to anyone whether you have art skills or are a complete beginner. Some materials will be provided which we will discuss at the first meeting. Material costs will be held to a minimum.

The first class (October 16) will be a 1hr. session, 11 am to 12 noon. The remaining two Saturdays (October 23 and 30) will be 2-1/2hrs. long. Total cost for registration is $25.00 (that's a little over $8.00 per class). We request a minimum of 8 people to sign up, and a maximum of 12 people for the first session.

Examples of the paintings are on display at Emaho.

The class will be facilitated by longtime Sangha member Rick Weir. Rick obtained his Master of Fine Arts degree from ASU, taught art and Advance Placement Art History for 25 years in Southern California and has participated in many group and solo shows and exhibits throughout the US.
Rick’s kind and supportive nature will put even first timers at ease.
"I believe anyone can achieve some sense of satisfaction by painting. It's not my intention to discover or make the next Rembrandt. Art should be fun and not taken too seriously".

Pre-register
Please let us know you are coming by emailing us at mail@emahofoundation.org

Healing with Medicine Buddha Meditation and Mantra October 3

Rinpoche will explain how to bring healing to yourself and others by using the Medicine Buddha meditation and mantra.

Everybody  is welcome: having received the Medicine Buddha  Empowerment is not a requirement.

Death and Dying Related to Medicine Buddha September 12

Living transitions into Death and dying transitions into Life. Life is the other side of Death and they are inevitable. Understanding and mastering Life and Death is one of the greatest spiritual methods in Tibetan Buddhism. Through the Medicine Buddha practice we can bring more balance in Life and Death.

Please come and welcome Rinpoche back. This teaching is open to all: it is not necessary to have attended previous Medicine Buddha teachings or Empowerments.

SPECIAL FUNDRAISER FOR EMAHO: The Bodhisattva  Teens will serve  lunch to support Emaho in its fundraising efforts. The menu will be veggi lasagne, salad, bread stick, a drink and cookie for $7. 

Discovering Dharma Begins July 10, 2010

We are happy to offer a special opportunity to receive teachings on Discovering Dharma from Geshe Jampa. Discovering Dharma will consist of a series of 8 classes, 1-1/2 hours each, to be held once a week. This is a great opportunity to study in the monastic style, in a personal setting with a learned Geshe. See registration details below.

The four main topics of Buddhist teaching that Geshe-la will cover are:

1. Dhammapada - 6 chapters
2. Mind Training (Lojong )
3. Aspects of Mind ( including 51 mental factors )
4. A brief Introduction to Tantra

DHAMMAPADA:

The Dhammapada contains the most essential teachings of the Buddha. ‘Dhamma’ means teaching and ‘pada’ means path, so it is the path or way of the teaching. It is not one lengthy discourse, but a compilation of what are said to be the Buddha’s utterances over many years, brought together by his disciples to give the true nature of his unique understanding. Six chapters will be covered in this course.

MIND TRAINING (LOJONG ):

The practice of mind training is based on the essential Mahayana teachings of impermanence, compassion, and the exchange of self and other that the eleventh-century master Atisha brought to Tibet from India. Lojong teachings are a source of inspiration and guidance shared by masters of all Tibetan traditions. The follow two main mind training texts will be covered in this course. Eight Verses of Mind Training by Langri Thangpa and Seven Point Mind Training by master Chekhawa.

ASPECTS OF MIND (LORIG):

Aspects of mind is the study of consciousness of mind. Understanding mind is essential to understanding Buddhism in both its theoretical and practical aspects, for the process of achieving enlightenment is one of systematically purifying and enhancing the mind. The analysis of mind in Buddhism is both multifaceted and sophisticated. As a spiritual practice, Buddhism contains numerous descriptions of the nature and function of the mind and instructions on how to search for, abide with, and refine it.

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO TANTRA:

Learn the definition of Tantra, how tantra works and why it is a powerful form of practice. Get a broad overview of the four classes of Tantra. The word Tantra means an everlasting continuum. Everlasting continuums operate on three levels: as a basis, a pathway, and result. In short, Tantra involves an everlasting continuum of practice with Buddha-figures to purify our everlasting mental continuum of its fleeting stains, in order to achieve, on its basis, the everlasting continuum of the bodies of a Buddha.

Register:

The cost for the full series of 8 classes will be $80. We ask that you register in advance with the PayPal button below; or you can pay at the first session if you pre-register by calling or emailing Emaho. For more information about the series or to pre-register, please call 480-704-4169 or email Emaho at mail@emahofoundation.org

SCHEDULE: Saturdays 5-6.30 PM
Total of eight classes for $80.

Sacred Relics of the Buddha August 13, 6:00 pm

Maitreya Project Relic Tour - Sacred Relics of the Buddha

Opening Ceremony with Geshe Jampa
Friday August 13, 6:00 pm

Unity Church of Mesa
2700 E. Southern Ave, Mesa
August 13 -15 2010
for more info, unityofmesa.org or maitreyaproject.org

This unique and precious collection of more than 1000 sacred Buddhist relics is traveling throughout the world to bring blessings. Most of the relics resemble beautiful pearl-like crystals. Relics are considered very holy and precious. They are manifested and left behind due to the kindness of holy beings in order for us sentient beings to collect merit and purify obscurations.

Join us at Unity Church of Mesa as Geshe Jampa conducts the opening ceremony of this auspicious event.

Birthday Party for Rinpoche August 1, 12:30 pm

Join us in this auspicious occasion to celebrate the birthday of our teacher. Families are welcome.

Please e-mail Donna Tash at donna@emahofoundation.org and let her know what dish you will bring and if you are available with setting up and cleaning up.

Medicine Buddha Phowa Saturday July 18

Please join us to welcome Rinpoche back! Come this Saturday, July 18, 10 am - 4 pm, for a special teaching on Phowa.

Phowa, or "transference of consciousness at the time of death," is the profound Buddhist method to deal with the after-death. It also enables us to experience pure land in our next life. Through a combination of breaths, mantras and visualization of Medicine Buddha, a practitioner can transfer his or her consciousness from the Golden Door (crown).

Master Marpa said "If you study Phowa, then at the time of death, you will not be in despair. If beforehand you have become accustomed to the path of phowa, then at the time of death, you will be full of confidence."

Saka Dawa Celebration May 30 10 am

Led by ZaChoeje Rinpoche, hosted by the Children's Hour and the Bodhisattva Teens

The celebration of Saka Dawa at Emaho has been rescheduled for Sunday May 30. This year it will be a family celebration.

Rinpoche has requested Emaho's children and teen groups to be the hosts for this auspicious event. The children and teens invite you to stay for cookies, milk, tea and coffee immediately following the ceremony.

Please join us for Emaho's first family celebration led by Rinpoche.

Saka Dawa, an auspicious day in Tibetan Buddhism, is the celebration of Buddha Shakyamuni's birthday, enlightenment and Parinirwana (passing away). In Tibet, this is the most important holy day of the year, a day to remember Buddha.

According to Tibetan tradition, the day that marks the anniversary of Buddha Shakyamuni's enlightenment and parinirvana is the full moon day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar. According to Theravada tradition it is marked on full moon day of the third month lunar calendar.

Medicine Buddha Retreat May 21-23

Emaho's 7th Annual Retreat. Medicine Buddha Empowerment and Retreat with Rinpoche at Dairy Springs Group Campground in Flagstaff AZ.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. Please email Emaho at mail@emahofoundation.org to be included on the waiting list.

Download flyer with map and full information

Download flyer with the Story of the Medicine Buddha

This summer, Rinpoche will offer a retreat that will include empowerment in the Tibetan Buddhist Medicine Buddha meditation practice.

Medicine Buddha is considered an enlightened emanation of the healing Buddha, who applies active wisdom in alleviating the suffering of all sentient beings. By identifying with the healing and compassionate aspect of Medicine Buddha we are able to create beneficial results that allow us to bring happiness into our lives and the lives of others.

For those who do not wish to take the Empowerment, the initiation can be taken as a blessing. For everyone involved, regardless of level of participation, the Medicine Buddha teaching serves as a universal tool to cultivate compassion and courage in oneself.

The retreat will take place at the Dairy Springs Campground in Flagstaff, Arizona. Mormon Lake Lodge has cabins for those who prefer not to camp, and Flagstaff (about 40 minute drive) has hotels. Further information will be available on the Emaho website during the month of April.

EVENT: Rinpoche will confer the Empowerment on Saturday May 22 at 9 AM. You may come on Saturday for the Empowerment only. The full retreat begins on Friday and ends Sunday.

You may take the Empowerment only. Rinpoche will offer instruction on the practice during the full retreat.

REGISTRATION: The cost for this special event will be $150 for the entire weekend. The cost for the one-day Empowerment and teaching on Saturday is $108; however, no one will be turned away from the one-day event for lack of funds. Payment is non-refundable unless Emaho cancels the event. If you are unable to attend, you may count the payment as a tax-deductible donation to Emaho Foundation.

DOWNLOAD FLYER TO PRINT AND DISTRIBUTE.
(flyer revised 4/17/10)

Literary Tibetan, Track 1 January-March 2010

Due to multiple requests, Geshe Jampa has agreed to repeat Track 1 of Literary Tibetan. You can register with the PayPal button below, or pay at the beginning of the series. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Learning the history of the Tibetan language and being able to recognize and pronounce characters aids us in realizing the full potential of our Buddhist studies.

A series of 10 classes provides an introduction to the Tibetan language. If you attended any of the previous series, you can repeat at no cost.

Schedule:

• Saturdays, 12-1:30 pm
  The Tibetan Language class, originally scheduled to begin on January 23, has been postponed and will begin in a few weeks. A notice will be sent out when the schedule is determined.
• Total of 10 classes for $100

Materials and handouts are provided and students participate in an online blog to share questions, concerns and course notes. Included in the curriculum is language history, recognition and pronunciation of the characters of the alphabet, basic grammar, phrase construction and useful vocabulary.

To register for the series, you can use the Paypal button below, or email Emaho at mail@emahofoundation.org that you will be attending and pay at the first session.

Total of 10 classes for $100

Lam Rim Intensive with Geshe Jampa Begins January 2010

All of the teachings of the Buddha should appear as a form of practice for us to undertake.
      from Practicing the Path by Yangsi Rinpoche

New Series Begins January 16, 2010
(continues on Saturdays for 12 sessions)
5:00-6:30 PM

We are happy to offer a special opportunity to receive teachings on the Lam Rim from Geshe Jampa. The Lam Rim Intensive will consist of 12 Saturday sessions of 1-1/2 hours each. This is a great opportunity to study in the monastic style, in a personal setting with a learned Geshe.

For more information, please call 480-704-4169 or e-mail Emaho at mail@emahofoundation.org. The cost for the full 12 sessions will be $120.

Recommended reading:

• Path to Bliss by His Holiness The Dalai Lama
• Path to Enlightenment by His Holiness The Dalai Lama

The Lam Rim, known as the gradual path to enlightenment, contains the essence of the 84,000 teachings of the Buddha. When one studies the Lam Rim, one studies the three principal aspects of the path, leading one ultimately to a full realization of the aspects of renunciation, bodhicitta, and emptiness. The skillful teachings of the gradual path are meant for all practioners, whether of small, medium, or great scope.

In the early eleventh century, the Indian Buddhist master Atisha condensed the essential points of the Buddha’s teachings into the text Lamp of the Path. These teachings were then expanded in the fourteenth century by the Tibetan Buddhist master Lama Tzong Khapa into the text The Great Exposition on the Gradual Path to Enlightenment (Lam Rim Chenmo). These texts form the basis of our contemporary understanding of the Buddha’s teachings.

Join your Emaho friends in this profound study of one of Buddhism’s great texts.

Register now with Paypal or register at the first session.
No one is ever turned away for lack of funds.

Tathagatagarbha, The Buddha Nature Sunday April 4, 10am-4pm

Rinpoche will offer teachings on Tathagatagarbha. The incredible potential of Tathagatagarbha is common to all of us -- we are all capable of attaining this ultimate happiness state.

Join Rinpoche at Emaho Center Sunday April 4, 10 am - 4 pm.

2010 Pilgrimage to Nepal and India Feb 20- Mar 15

Follow in the Footsteps of Buddha

ZaChoeje Rinpoche will be our guide to the places Buddha himself suggested the spiritual seeker visit.

Registration begins October 20. Email Lou Ann at mail@emahofoundation.org for registration information.

Pilgrims have been sitting in practice at these sites for thousands of years.  The experience of this pilgrimage helps us get closer to the essence of our practice, closer to our heart allowing us to live our lives with more compassion and understanding.  

Enrichment is the key to a rewarding journey.  

We have made a slight adjustment to the schedule beginning the trip on February 20th and concluding March 15th.  These dates work better for those of you needing to take time from work.  The itinerary itself will remain the same.   

If you are interested, please join us as we travel with Rinpoche through the spectacular landscapes of Nepal, India and the Himalayan foothills. Discover treasured cultures and legendary architecture.  

The best way to reach our remote destinations is bus.  We set our own schedules as we travel.  We have the flexibility and freedom to adjust the routing if necessary.  We travel from one destination to the next on our luxury bus enjoying the ultimate in convenience and security.  We’ll unwind in many world-class accommodations.  

Under Rinpoche’s guidance we are experienced in managing multi-destination expeditions.  Travel worry-free knowing Rinpoche is dedicated to your safety and well being.  

We will stay in some of the world’s finest and most interesting accommodations such as the Kathamadhu Hyatt and the Taj Ganges in Varanisis.  We’ll take a boat ride, a taste of a bygone area. Travel overnight by train. We offer the opportunity to stay in smaller boutique properties that offer a one of a kind experience, such as the Mahayana Guest house in Bodhigaya and Taj Mahal Palace in Rewaksar in the Himalayam foothills.  

At the end of the trip we’ll take our bus to Agra site of the one of the seven wonders of the world; the Taj Mahal.  We’ll wander this enchanting work of art, which incorporates and expands on Persian, Hindu, and Islamic styles.  Admire the Taj Mahal's lovely form among the reflecting pools and gardens that surround it and observe up-close the intricate ornamentation of inlaid precious stones.  

Each property where we stay has been carefully selected for its amenities and location.  In remote areas where hotels are limited we stay at the best accommodation to ensure your comfort.   

It has been requested we extend the deadline for reservations and deposits to the end of October.  If you are interested, please contact Lou Ann at mail@emahofoundation.org  for a reservation form and a list of what is covered, what is not, airfare, reservations and payment, itinerary  single/shared accommodations and suite upgrades, itinerary changes, health requirements  and responsibility.  

For those interested, we welcome you and look forward to ensuring this journey is a life-changing adventure that will lead you to greater understanding and happiness.

Flyer, page 1 (2.4 MB)
Flyer, page 2 (2.7 MB)
Flyer, page 3 (2.6 MB)

(flyers revised 10/4)

Fall Intensive: The Practice of Meditation Oct 9–15

Beginning October 9 and continuing through the 15th, Venerable ZaChoeje Rinpoche will offer detailed instructions on Shamatha and Vipassana meditation. The teaching will include commentary on Chapter 8 of Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life. Written in the 8th century by the monk Shantideva, this classic Mahayana text is a guide to realizing enlightenment through the practice of the six perfections.

We are fortunate to receive meditation instructions from an authentic Tibetan master who understands our modern Western minds.

Without a thorough examination of our mind and its habits, it is impossible to make change in our daily lives. With the motivation of achieving enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings — the motivation of the Bodhisattva — we engage in the practice of meditation to become familiar with our minds and free ourselves from habitual patterns and emotional afflictions.

Meditation is also important to achieving wisdom in the Mahayana tradition. Meditative concentration and stabilization are necessary to achieving a direct realization of the true nature of things. This type of realization does not come from the senses, but instead from the deep insight that comes during meditation.

SCHEDULE, 9 SESSIONS:
Fri Oct 9, 7–9 PM
Sat & Sun Oct 10 & 11, 10–4
Mon & Tues Oct 12 & 13, 7–9 PM
Wed Oct 14, 8–10 PM
Thurs Oct 15, 7–9

»view/download revised flyer with full information

Fee for the full intensive is $180. No one is ever turned away for lack of funding.

No one is ever turned away for lack of funds.

Pennies for Peace September 21, 6-8 pm

In keeping with Rinpoche’s teaching of “doing small things with great love,” the Emaho Children’s Group and the Bodhisattva Teens are collecting pennies for peace.

Our collection will be donated to the “Peace One Day” project. September 21 has been designated by the UN as a world day of peace.

Join us:
Lighting the candle of peace
Prayer for peace by Geshe Jampa
Music
Followed by the movie “The Day after Peace”
Popcorn
»view/download flyer for full information

Film Club: "What Remains of Us" September 19, 1-3pm

Mustang Library, Saturday September 19, 1-3 pm
Documentary "What Remains of Us" will be followed by Q&A with Geshe Jampa

This film has never been shown to the public in Phoenix. Please join us to share this powerful experience.

This documentary was secretly filmed inside Tibet between 1996 and 2004, without the knowledge of Chinese authorities. Kalsang Dolma, a Tibetan woman born in a refugee camp and raised in Montreal, narrates the film.

Dolma smuggled a video into Tibet containing a message from the Dalai Lama, urging his people to be true to the Buddhist ideals of compassion for our enemies and to continue their peaceful resistance. Participants were warned that there might be severe persecution for those filmed watching the video if the Chinese authorities should obtain the film and recognize them.

The five-minute message of hope was shown to all manner of people, from shopkeepers in Lhasa, to priests in remote monasteries, to yak herders living in tents in the hills. As many Tibetans see the image of the Dalai Lama and hear him speak for the first time, watching their reactions is deeply touching. Some cry, others pray, many shake. All are speechless at first. When they do speak, some offer expressions of joy, some hope, others cynicism and despair, but all express gratitude to the Dalai Lama.

One reviewer has observed that "What Remains of Us" allows us to understand not only how much Tibetans have lost but how much of our own humanity is in danger if indigenous cultures disappear. If we silently observe this destruction within our human family, we may have to ask ourselves the same question: “What remains of us?”

Note: this film review was compiled from several online reviews.

Bodhisattva Teens Game Night September 11, 6-9 pm

The Bodhisattva Teen Group was formed in 2007 under the spiritual guidance of ZaChoeje Rinpoche at the request of teenagers who wanted a “place of their own” to explore and practice Buddhist teachings.

Check us out/get involved!

Drop by for Game Night, Friday, September 11.
Video games, board games, pizza, music, a good time. We hope to see you there.
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Emaho Family Potluck Sunday May 3, 4:30-6:30 pm

[UPDATE] We apologize for the last-minute change, but, due to an unscheduled trip out of state, Rinpoche will not be able to attend the family picnic on May 3. We still hope that sangha members and their families will take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy being with each other and exploring the Firedancer Ranch.

The Emaho family potluck will be held at the Firedancer Ranch, 8645 S. 20th St, in Phoenix. Horses, a pool, a trampoline, a sandtable and more are all available to provide fun for the whole family.

Join us at this special family picnic, for families of all sizes and children of all ages. (Parents are asked to watch over small children and keep them safe in the ranch environment.) Bring friends, a dish to share and some folding chairs. If you plan to bring friends, please carpool if possible. For more information e-mail us at mail@emahofoundation.org. Handouts with directions are available at the center.

It's a potluck! Contact Donna at donna@emahofoundation.org to let her know what dish you would like to bring.

Spring Retreat April 3-5

Rinpoche will offer the empowerment of Vajrapani, Lord of the Secret.

»view/download FLYER

»view/download POSTCARD [6 MB] (Note - Use these to share the Dharma: postcards can be printed on your home computer for distribution)

»view/download SCHEDULE/LOCATION INFORMATION

To Register:
»view/download REGISTRATION FORM

or Register online:

RETREAT OPTIONS

Full Retreat $225.00 Saturday Only $85.00

Saturday empowerment: no one will be turned away from lack of funds.
Full Retreat: we ask for full payment in order to provide facility and meals.

Thank you.

The Six Perfections March 7 2009

Geshe Jampa will offer a traditional teaching on the Six Perfections, known also as the Six Paramitas. The Paramitas are principles of enlightened living followed by the bodhisattvas. Applying these principles to all our actions enables us to follow the path of awakening.

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The Four Thoughts February 22 2009

Geshe Jampa will teach on the classic Buddhist topic The Four Thoughts, which turn the mind from samsara. Contemplating the Four Thoughts releases our minds from grasping and attachment and turns them toward the Dharma.

»view/download flyer

Mantrathon 2009 February 28 2009

ZaChoeje Rinpoche has selected the practice of Chenresig for this year's Mantrathon and has prepared an introduction and commentary that is now on YouTube. Click here to see Rinpoche's commentary on the Om Mani Pe Me Hum mantra. You can forward the video to your friends and/or post it on your Facebook or MySpace page.

The center opens at 6:00 am. Come and spend as much time as you are able and recite mantras!

Mantra recitation will be at the following times:
8-10, 10:30 - 12, 1:00-2:30 and 3-5
Come for any or all of the sessions: it is not necessary to attend the full day.

There will be a signup sheet at the center to count all the mantras we recite. If you do all or part of your recitations at home, email Emaho at the end of Mantrathon day and tell us how many mantras of compassion you were able to recite. We will count them all and dedicate the merit to Emaho Foundation and all the centers in the world that support the flourishing of the Dharma. Send your email to mail@emahofoundation.org.

And, contribute to theMantrathon fundraiser by using the simple ChipIn widget ->

»view/download flyer
»view/download MANTRATHON POSTCARD [3 MB] (Note - Use these to share the Dharma: postcards can be printed on your home computer for distribution)

The Foundation of All Good Qualities January 18 2009 - 10am-4pm

ZaChoeje Rinpoche will give a workshop on Lama Je Tsong Khapa's Lamrim prayer, written in the 14th century, entitled The Foundation of all Good Qualities.

A copy of Lama Tsong Khapa's poem-prayer is available on the Practice Texts page.

Tibetan Yoga to Balance the Five Elements January 10-11 2009

Exercises for Health, Energy and Well-Being

After many requests ZaChoeje Rinpoche has agreed to share with the teaching of Tibetan Yoga.

Please join us on Saturday January 10, from 1 pm to 4 pm, as Rinpoche introduces us to Tibetan Yoga. On Sunday January 11, from 10 am to noon, Rinpoche will teach us the exercises

Start your New Year learning these five dynamic, easy exercises.  Practiced throughout the year, they will increase your energy and help sustain stamina. The exercises are designed to keep your body in balance. When the body is in balance, it can heal more quickly from injury and disease.

A daily practice of Tibetan Yoga takes only a small amount of time and effort. Benefits include increased physical strength and flexibility, and the mind becomes clearer and more pliant.

Rinpoche will help us understand the significance of Tibetan Yoga to the five Buddha families and to our daily practice. When we engage in this simple yoga routine it helps heighten our practice.  In meditation we find ourselves more serene and expansive.

Tibetan Yoga is helpful for all people of all ages and all beliefs. 

Come join ZaChoeje Rinpoche for this much-anticipated teaching.  Please wear comfortable clothing so you will be relaxed during the physical sessions.  DVDs of the sessions, included in the suggested donation, will be available to participants from Donna Tash on January 18th.