Our minds rule
ourselves and our lives -- when mind is happy, we are happy. When mind is in
turmoil, we, too, are in turmoil. But, how well do we know this mind, the
element that is so central to every aspect of our experience? If we were to
understand directly the rules by which mind currently operates, we would then
be able to loosen the hold of problematic patterns that do not serve our
deepest well-being. Buoyed by inquiry, we could exchange the worn-out,
restrictive rules of an unexamined mind for a more joyful blossoming of
creativity and freedom. Mind could become our greatest treasure and dearest
friend.
Testimonials
" This class is so soothing and healing! I've
already registered for the next one...I use the recording during the week just
to go to the place that Elon provides. This is a class that feels like a gift. "
Robin W.
" I've been waiting decades to get to this
material.... and the fact that it is in English makes it a lot more accessible.
Gratitude to Rinpoche and everyone who made this happen! "
Robert D.
" Slow, relaxed delivery perfectly complements the
material. Very pleasing balance between
practices and concepts. "
Curt C.
Classes meet online for one and one-half hours each week for
seven weeks, with the seventh class meeting being a review of the practices
introduced throughout. Classes are recorded and accessible for six months. Each
week, there will be short presentations along with experiential practices and
discussion. Weekly handouts will provide inspirational readings and the
instructions you need to continue your experiential learning at home. An online
chat room gives you the optional ability to meet and dialogue with your fellow
students.
Week 1: Understanding the Rules
of Ordinary Mind
Week 2: Playing with Thoughts
Week 3: Tapping the Energy of
Emotions
Week 4: Relaxing the Regime
of Mind
Week 5: Overturning the Rules
for Subject and Object
Week 6: Questioning toward
Freedom: Where Is Mind Found?
Week 7: Review of Practices
for Term 4, Mind Rules
Elon Goldstein is Lecturer in Buddhist Studies at Harvard University's Divinity School where he has taught since 2017 and is Lecturer in Religious Studies at Brandeis University. Previously he was Assistant Professor of Buddhism and Comparative Religion at the University of South Carolina. He holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University in Buddhism and South Asian Religions with training in reading Sanskrit and Tibetan texts. Additionally, he has a master’s from Harvard Divinity School, a master’s in Education from Claremont Graduate University, and a B.A. from Harvard University. In his first career, Elon taught literature and history in California public schools. Elon has been a student of Buddhism since 1988 and a student of Venerable Tarthang Tulku's teachings since 1992. Elon takes joy in parenting his two daughters with whom he and his wife share a vibrant home filled with pets.
Simon Cook has a Geography Degree from Southampton University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Oxford University. He taught English Language to adults for many years, in the UK and Europe, and has taught Tibetan refugees in India. Simon did the Nine-month Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga Program at the Nyingma Institute in Berkeley in 1986/87. He works for the charity Age UK, helping older people. He teaches Kum Nye at a local therapy center.
