Monday Meditation with Andrew Bank (on Zoom)

7pm - 8pm

Starting Monday 18 January

First Semester: January - June 2021,
Topic: Shantideva’s “The Way of the Bodhisattva”
(1997 Eds.: Padmakara Translation Group) and Thrangu Rinpoche’s Commentary on the Text (Delhi: 2002)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://uwc.zoom.us/j/92480900993
Meeting ID: 924 8090 0993

This semester we will work through the final three chapters of one of the great classics of Tibetan Buddhist literature, Shantideva’s “The Way of the Bodhisattva”. Written in India in Sanskrit, the text first appeared in Tibetan translation soon after its composition in the eighth century. It has been expounded, studied and practised in an unbroken tradition in Tibet ever since. It has been translated many times from Sanskrit and Tibetan.

Cost: Non-members R60, Members no cost

Shantideva's "The Way of the Bodhisattva"

Mondays @ 7pm -8pm Online Class

1. Google Zoom

2. Click on - “Join a Zoom Meeting”

3. Enter the meeting I.D. 7043804397

4. Enter the password which is 108108.

Lead by Andrew Banks

In 2020 we will study one of the great classics of Tibetan Buddhist literature, Shantideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva. Written in India in Sanskrit, the text first appeared in Tibetan translation soon after its composition in the eighth century. It has been expounded, studied and practiced in an unbroken tradition ever since. Translated into four-line verse form (we use a 1984 translation among many other versions), this powerful poetic text is usually divided into three sections of three chapters each: (1) stimulating the dawning of bodhicitta in the mind, (2) preventing this precious attitude from dissipating, and (3) prescribing ways in which it can be intensified. In this first semester we will work verse-by-verse through the first three chapters (‘The Excellence of Bodhicitta’, ‘Confession’ and ‘Commitment’) with the assistance of the commentaries of modern scholars and sages, including a famous text by the Dalai Lama.

Cost: Non-members R60 Members No cost

Introduction to Meditation

Lead by Jackie Leone

Tuesdays @ 7pm - 8pm

For those starting on the path of meditation practice; we will look at the basics of Buddhist meditation, helping people to gain a clear, practical and useful foundation. Seasoned practitioners may join as well, for sitting practice as well as a review of the teachings.

In this course we will focus on meditation practice, supported by basic teachings, readings from various Kagyu texts, discussion, and home practice.

We will also learn to see ourselves as innately calm, peaceful and happy.

We maintain that our present imperfect self is much better and more full of grace, than the perfect state we intend to attain in the future.

Cost: Members no cost; Non Members R60

To book or for more information please email capetown@kagyu.org.za  or phone 021 7612978

Intermediate Meditation – For those with some meditation experience.

Intermediate meditation will continue in the new year.

In these session we will seek to deepen our understanding of meditation, consider what it is, and how to proceed with it, as we continue on the path.

Cost: Non-member R60 & Members no cost.

Thursday morning Meditation with Pauline

Thursday morning meditation resumes 6 Febuary 2020

There will be sitting meditation with Pauline.

No charge.

To book or for more information please email capetown@kagyu.org.za  or phone 021 7612978

Insight Training with Rob Nairn

The practice of mindfulness and compassion lead to deeper insights into the mind. Rob Nairn will lead insight training, co-facilitated by Jenny Canau. The group will enter into their 8th year of training.

Anyone wanting to join, please contact Jenny Canau on dharma@discoverymail.co.za

Cost   Members: no cost, non Members R60 per session

Alternate Thursdays 7:00 to 8:30 pm

Bardo Study Group - Mind Beyond Death

Every 3rd Saturday @ 12 noon

Ani Tsondru, a nun in the Kagyu Lineage, will be leading the group. She has completed a 3 ½ year closed retreat plus a further 4 year retreat. She has been leading Contemplative Wilderness Within trails mainly in the Umfolozi area.

ALL WELCOME! The group is studying the book "Mind beyond Death" by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.

With profound understanding of the Western mind and warm informality, The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche makes the mysterious Tibetan teachings on the bardos  - the intervals of life, death, and beyond- completely available to the modern reader.

This tour de force gives us the knowledge to transform death, the greatest obstacle, into the most powerful opportunity for enlightenment. With both nuts-and-bolts meditation techniques and brilliant illumination, Mind beyond Death offers a clear map and a sturdy vehicle that will safely transport the reader through the challenging transitions of this life and the perilous bardos beyond death.

Hosted by the Cape Town Bardo Group these study sessions will deepen your knowledge and integrate the wisdom of these teachings into day to day life.

Enquiries to: Mandy@timli.co.za or huni@brightfields.co.za

Cost: Members - no charge
Non-members - by donation

Please note: Dana may be given to Tsondru as an offering for the teachings received

DANA: The practice of generosity by making monetary offerings for Dharma teachings. This expression of generosity, referred to by the Sanskrit term ‘Dana’, is not payment for services rendered; rather it is an offering given freely from the heart in appreciation of the Dharma. It is a gift that supports not only the teachers and the wider Dharma community, but also one’s own practice.

Death Cafe

Temporarily suspended until further notice

The Bardo Group hosts a monthly Death Cafe at the Centre.   A Death Cafe is part of a world-wide movement where people gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death.  The objective of the gathering is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their lives.  A Death Cafe is NOT a grief support group and there is no agenda, objective or theme outside of having an open ended conversation about death.  A donation of around R50 is requested to cover the cost of refreshments and security.

2.30pm - 4pm

To book or for more information please email capetown@kagyu.org.za  or call 021 7612978

Tara Rokpa therapy

Back to Beginnings is a psycho-therapeutic approach with approximately a two year commitment. It involves an in-depth and systematic review of one’s personal life story with a view to understanding its deeper implications for our ways of being and acting in the world.

Alternate Saturdays 

To read more about Tara Rokpa Therapy, click here

Mahamudra / Ngondro Practice Day

This group is for students of Tai Situpa (includes Beryl’s past and present students) and Mingyur Rinpoche.

If you are practicing for the requirements for Path of Liberation, Mahamudra Ocean of Certainty or Moonbeams of Mahamudra, and any Ngondro this group is for you. There will be no teaching, just practice as a sangha.

We meet first Sunday of the month (check the calendar for exceptions) 9am to 4pm

Bring and share vegetarian lunch and a donation for the centre.

Sunday Morning Retreat

9am - 1pm

Next dates: 29 Nov

A wonderful opportunity to come together and meditate. Practitioners of all levels are welcome and the morning alternates between easy going 30 minute meditation sessions, walking meditation and a tea break. We often finish with a short, guided compassion practice.

Noble silence is observed throughout the morning but discussion on aspects of meditation or your observations are welcomed.

Cost: R60 for non-members. Members no cost.

To book or for more information please email capetown@kagyu.org.za  or call 021 7612978

Ecosattva - Earthkeepers Sitting Group

1st Sunday of every month @ 9:30am -11:30am

Next dates: 5 Apr, 3 May, 7 June, 5 July, 2 Aug, 6 Sept, 4 Oct, 1 Nov, 6 Dec,

Everyone is welcome!

The morning will include a contemplative practice in the garden to help deepen mindful awareness of our interdependence with the natural world. Please bring sun hats.