- Level 200
Gesture of Great Love
A Journey into Love, Wisdom, and
the Liberation of Mind
- Thursdays | 10:00–11:30 am Pacific Time
- Term 1: September 10 – October 22, 2026
- Term 2: November 5 – December 17, 2026
- Term 3: January 7 – February 18, 2027
- Term 4: March 4 – April 15, 2027
- Term 5: April 29 – June 10, 2027
Live, Interactive Sessions
Engaging 90 minutes classes with experienced Instructors
Supportive Community
Connect, share, and learn in a private online community
Session Recordings
Watch anytime with access to recordings for six months
Risk Free Environment
Free cancellation available after the first class
Course Description
What would it mean to live from a love that is not dependent on circumstances?
In the midst of modern life with its pressures, uncertainties, and endless demands we often find ourselves searching for meaning, connection, and a deeper sense of purpose. Yet beneath the noise and distraction of everyday experience lies an extraordinary possibility: the awakening of a mind grounded in wisdom, compassion, and genuine freedom.
Gesture of Great Love is an in-depth exploration of one of the most profound teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Drawing upon the writings and insights of Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche, this course investigates the nature of mind, experience, and the possibility of transforming our relationship with ourselves and others.
Through study, contemplation, dialogue, and practical exercises, participants will learn how wisdom and compassion can become living realities rather than abstract ideals. The course offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with teachings that point toward greater clarity, openness, and a more meaningful way of being in the world.
Who Is This Course For?
- Students wishing to deepen their understanding of Dharma and contemplative practice
- Individuals seeking greater meaning and purpose in daily life
- Professionals looking to bring wisdom and compassion into their work
- Long-time meditators interested in a deeper exploration of mind
- Anyone who senses there is a richer possibility for human life than stress, distraction, and habitual patterns
Duration
The entire book will be covered over five 7-week terms (35 sessions). This will take us to late Spring 2026.
Session Length
Each session is 90 minutes long.
Access to Recordings
Video recordings available for six months in a private community portal
Community Engagement
Dharma College will provide an internet portal for ongoing messaging among students and faculty. We hope for a dynamic conversation.
Weekly Topics
Week One
Introduction
- Our World Today
- The Root Cause of Suffering
- A Different Path
- Hugs and Kisses
Week Two
Introduction
- Time Shapes Our Lives
- A New Way of Understanding
- About This Book
Week Three
Chapter One – Our Current Situation
- An Honest Look
- Exercise 1: Reflecting on Life’s Stages
- Caring Eyes
- Exercise 2: Contemplating Human History
- Learning from the Past
Week Four
Chapter Two – Appreciation and Joy
- Joy is Essential
- Appreciating the Senses
- Exercise 3: Welcoming All Sound
- Exercise 4: Simply Seeing
Week Five
Remembering Joyful Moments
- Exercise 5: Cultivating Joy
- Exercise 6: Opening the Heart
Week Six
A Special Gratitude
- Exercise 7: Committing to Self-Care o Offering Joy to Others
- Exercise 8: Sharing Joy
Week Seven
- Interlude
- Re-’vision
Suggested Readings
Throughout the course, we will occasionally draw upon insights from ancient and modern Buddhist teachings, as well as selected perspectives from Western philosophy and contemporary science where they illuminate our inquiry
These readings are intended to enrich and deepen the course experience, while remaining supportive rather than required.
The Topics above are chapter and section headings from GOGL, which is the only required text for the class. While we won’t be covering many pages each week, it should be understood that slow reading of GOGL is rewarding, particularly in concert with practice.
Joy of Being by Tarthang Tulku
Revelations of Mind by Tarthang Tulku
Lotus Mind by Tarthang Tulku
Keys of Knowledge by Tarthang Tulku
Instructors
Dr. Bob Dozor
Bob Dozor is the Medical Director of the Integrative Medical Clinic of Santa Rosa and the Nyingma Senior Retreat Center at Ratna Ling. He holds a BA from the University of Chicago in the history and philosophy of science and an MD from the University of California, San Francisco. He has been a student of Buddhism since the 1960’s and a student of Venerable Tarthang Tulku since 1972.
Dr. Richard Kingsland
Richard Kingsland holds a B.A. from Stanford University, an M.A. and Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of California, Davis, and an M.D. with honors from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He completed a residency in Emergency Medicine from the University of California, San Diego, and served as an emergency physician in San Diego County for many years. He has traveled frequently to India and Nepal and has been a student of Venerable Tarthang Tulku since 1970.
- Level 200
Gesture of Great Love
- Term 1 September 10th to October 22nd 2026
- Thursdays | 10:00–11:30 am Pacific Time
- 7 Live Online Classes
- Zoom Link sent on Organization
- Recordings available for six months after class
- A supportive learning environment for beginners
- Free Cancellation after first class