Emaho's Student-Led Discussions have been powerful tools for ZaChoeje Rinpoche's students. By exploring a topic taken from the teachings of Buddhism, students gain a valuable opportunity to dive deeply into a subject and then share their knowledge with others. Rinpoche asks his students to research a variety of dharma texts and resources and bring together many teachings and viewpoints.
Students have commented that this practice has been both challenging and rewarding. Bringing together a presentation for others adds a different dimension to one's study. Knowing that the material is to be presented, the student knows that his or her understanding of the topic needs to be more organized, and more comprehensive. The richness and depth of Buddhism's often complex philosophy is challenging, yet it rewards the student willing to explore the teachings in this different way.
We are all fortunate that we can learn together in this time-honored manner.
Thursday January 31 - Regula Stewart
Shaping Awareness
" Spirituality is about being aware - being aware of the mind is more beneficial than controlling the mind.... There is one antidote - to be aware of your mind. That is enough! Then spirituality is blooming and blossoming......Wisdom is awareness not knowledge." ZaChoeje Rinpoche
We will discuss the benefits of awareness on the spiritual path and how to increase awareness.
Regula is a student of ZaChoeje Rinpoche and a practicing psychotherapist in Flagstaff.
Thursday February 28 - Paul Oppenheimer
East Meets West: Buddhism and Science
Science and Buddhism appear to be very different ways of exploring our experience. Some scientists, philosophers and Buddhists have attempted to synthesize the two. This discussion will exlore similarities, differences and prospects for synthesis.
Paul Oppenheimer studied philosphy at Princeton University. He is a new student at the Emaho Center.
Thursday March 13 - Lou Ann Behringer
Poetry in Buddhism - The Writings of the 7th Dalai Lama
The remarkable Seventh Dalai Lama, Khetsun Sangpo (1708-1757), wrote passionately with over a thousand mystical poems and prayers.He is known for his profound wisdom and extraordinary ability to spontaneously compose poetry that would inspire people to turn their minds towards enlightenment.From this immense, impressive and vast collection we will introduce his writings with his poems: "A sun to lift sleep from the weary" and "Song to build a link with the lama".
Lou Ann writes: it is with deep heartfelt gratitude that I bow down to all the Noble Beings. My deepest and most humble appreciation to my Root Guru ZaChoeje Rinpoche for his eternal kindness, compassion and for bringing the Dharma's hope. May all beings soon find such a perfect teacher.
Wednesday March 26 - Melissa Smith-Beckner
Guru Yoga Tsok
Thursday April 10 - D. J.
The Eight Worldly Dharmas
Thursday April 24- Sian Behnfeldt
The Nalanda Tradition of Buddhism
Thursday May 8 - Denise Viall
Atisha's Journey to bring Budhism to Tibet
Learn who Atisha was and why he is so impartant in Tibetan Buddhism. We will also discuss some key points out of Atisha's book" Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment."
Denise writes: I have been studying Buddhism with Rinpoche since about 1999-2000. I suppose I was a spiritual seeker before this time. I was fortunate enough to be part of the India Pilgrimage in 2005, which was very inspiring and deepened my faith in Buddhism. I think I have found my spiritual home.
Thursday June 5 - Steve Ullman
Relying on the Teacher
Thursday June 19 - Jason Fierstein
A Human Life of Leisure and Opportunity
Thursday July 10 - Melissa Smith-Beckner
Mindfulness of Death
Thursday August 7 - Gabriella (Gabbie) Ciuca
Karma
When we find a Teacher, everything in our life becomes meaningful. Events unfold with even greater speed, and if we are sincerely open, the cleansing process starts right away. Cleansing karma is definetely the most important step for a spiritual path.
Gabbie writes: Since I met my Teacher, ZaChoeje Rinpoche, healing came along, self esteem is growing, mind is becoming clearer and deeper, and I am able to distinguish sides of my ego. I become more forgiving and less judgmental. I bow my head down to my teacher and I am grateful for his presence in my life. I hope I will be under his care life after life.
Thursday September 4 - Donna Tash
The Perfection of Generosity
Thursday September 18 - Lisa Meyer
The Perfection of Morality
This discussion on the Perfection of Morality will address the issue of freedom in relationship to undertaking virtue and abstaining from harm.
Since meeting her spiritual teacher Za Rinpoche in the fall of 2001, Lisa's spiritual path has been greatly enriched. A retired pathologist, she enjoyes serving the community as a Hospice volunteer.
Thursday October 2- Ernie Stewart
The Perfection of Patience
"Everything is perfect as it is" Za Choeje Rinpoche
"Try to see appearance AND as-it-is-nature of your life, put them together without contradictions." ZaChoeje Rinpoche
These qualities of patience - we exist like this.
Ernie is a student of ZaChoeje Rinpoche
Thursday October 16 - Donna Pybus
The Perfection of Effort
Thursday November 20 - Ira Pettit
The Perfection of Concentration
"Concentration is a matter of channelizing this mind which is presently distracted in a great many directions. A scattered mind does not have much power. When channelized, no matter what the object of observation is, the mind is very powerful.
There is no external way to channelize the mind . . . it must be done by withdrawing it inside. ... the withdrawal of the mind is to be accompanied by very strong clarity of alertness. In brief, the mind must have stability staying firmly on its object, great clarity of the object, and alert, clear, sharp tautness."
from Kindness, Clarity, and Insight by H.H. the Dalai Lama
Thursday December 18
The Perfection of Wisdom
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