Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds

Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds Autumn Programme 2017 A place for meditation and buddhist study

Weekly Events Drop in Meditations LUNCHTIMES Tuesdays: 12:30-13:00 from 4 September to 19 December Thursdays: 12:30-13:00 from 6 September to 14 December Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help focus and calm your mind. These sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in daily life. Suggest donation 3. use some buddhist psychology as a basis, examples from everyday life, and meditation and discussion to learn a bit more about our own minds. Suggest donation 6. EVENINGS Mondays: 18:30-19:30 from 4 September to 18 December Join us for an hour of guided meditation, working with your mind and breath to become calmer, happier, more focused and relaxed. These drop-in sessions, which include mindfulness and analytical meditations inspired by the 16 Guidelines, are practical, can develop from an ordinary outlook to this vast mind of compassion. During this module we will present the step-by-step methods by which one can generate the thought to benefit all beings by attaining our highest potential. Suggested donation 6. The Wisdom of Emptiness, Saturday 9 December, 10:30-12:30 See the Weekend Event section for further information. Yoga for Relaxation and Balance with Christine Hodgson Wednesdays 12:30-13:00 from 6 September to 20 December I feel a level of relaxation I haven t experienced outside of a spa. Jenessa Williams, Leeds Confidential. non-religious and suitable for people of all Meditative yoga for relaxation and balance is ages and abilities, from beginners to more experienced meditators. Suggest donation 6. DB Module 10: The Wisdom of Emptiness not your typical yoga class with an emphasis on challenging physical postures, stretching Tuesdays: 18:30 20:00 from 31 October to 5 and breaking into a sweat! This uplifting and AFTERNOONS Dealing with Negative Emotions (drop-in class) with Kerry Prest Tuesdays: 15:00-16:00 from 19 September to 24 October In this drop-in class we will be looking at the various types of disturbing minds we all face in our daily lives such as anger, jealousy, pride and neediness. Through discussion we will see what each of these minds have as their character and by doing so learn to not be controlled by their every whim, taking back control of our minds. With this class we ll learn to change our disturbing mental habits into more helpful and realistic minds. We ll Discovering Buddhism Series Discovering Buddhism is ideal for those new to Buddhist philosophy and practise. Each module runs for 6 weeks and you can attend the whole module or just drop into individual classes. You don t need to attend the whole module to deepen your understanding of different aspects of Buddhist philosophy and practice. DB Module 9: How to Develop Bodhichitta with Celia Chambers and Craig Skeet Tuesdays: 18:30 20:00 from 5 September to 10 October (6 sessions) The attitude of bodhichitta is often referred to as the essence of all Buddha s teachings. This module explores what Bodhichitta is, the benefits of such a vast mind and how we December (6 sessions) The Buddha provided an effective means to achieve liberation from the uncontrolled cycle of death and rebirth, and the perfection of wisdom and compassion. The essential instruction he provided for such amazing realisations was pointing out reality, also known as the emptiness of true existence. When a person gives rise to the wisdom that experiences emptiness then he or she has the actual antidote to the obstacles to liberation and omniscience. This course is an introduction to emptiness and the cultivation of the wisdom that realises it. Suggested donation 6. Discovering Buddhism Practice Mornings: How to Develop Bodhichitta, Saturday 14 October, 10:30-12:30 relaxing lunch-time class focuses on simple yogic techniques to deepen and calm your breathing and relax your body and mind. Each session includes non-strenuous seated yoga postures combined with mantra recitation and breathing exercises set to uplifting Indian spiritual music. This class is a perfect way to incorporate some relaxing me time into your busy working week. No previous experience of yoga is necessary as these sessions are suitable for all levels. Just wear comfortable clothing for ease of sitting on either a chair or the floor. Mats and cushions are provided. The class is led by Christine (Simranpreet), a KYTA qualified yoga instructor. Please note that this yoga originates from an Indic spiritual practice and is not Tibetan Buddhism. These classes are drop-in. No need to book. Suggested donation 3

Meditations for Emotional Balance with Kerry Prest Golden Light Sutra Recitation - Fundraising Event Wednesdays 18:30-20:00, 6, 13 and 27 September 4, 11, 18, 25 October and 1 24 hour recitation from 18:00 on Wednesday 20 to 18:00 on Thursday 21 September November In celebration of the United Nations Meditations for Emotional Balance is a drop-in International Day of Peace and to raise funds class looking at ways to deal with day-to-day for a permanent home for Jamyang Buddhist emotional challenges. Using discussions and meditations we will explore a healthier way to live with our emotions and thoughts by: Cultivating an awareness of what our minds are telling us, and exploring if we have the option to believe them or not; Meditating on self-confidence - discover ways to counteract loneliness, lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem; Exploring meditations for anxiety in our busy lives. We all experience life as too busy and how can I fit everything in. These sessions will look at practical ways to help keep calm in the storm. No meditation experience is necessary, and you don t have to be Buddhist, just curious about how your mind works and open to exploring new ways of thinking. These classes are drop-in. Drop-in or email smile@jamyangleeds.co.uk to book a place. Suggested donation 6 per class. Advice from a Spiritual Friend Teachings on the Seven Point Mind Training with David Midgley Thursdays: 18:30 20:00 from 14 September to 7 December In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Mind Training (Lo Jong in Tibetan) refers to a system of Mahayana Buddhist practice that aims to integrate the essential principles of the spiritual path into everyday life in a very practical, down-to-earth way. It was first taught by Lama Atisha, one of the great Indian masters who brought Buddhism to Tibet about one thousand years ago, and was passed down as a secret oral tradition until the root text for this course, The Seven Point Mind Training, was written down in the twelfth century. The text gives detailed instructions on how to integrate the precious mind of Bodhicitta into one s everyday life through the heart practice of Exchanging Self and Others. This is a particularly suitable practice for lay practitioners with busy lives. The root text will be explained following the detailed modern commentary by Geshe Rabten in the volume Advice From a Spiritual Friend (Wisdom Publications, 2001). Whether we find ourselves surrounded by a herd of yaks on the steppes of Central Asia or rush-hour traffic on a crowded freeway, we experience the same yearning to be free from the inner anguish of our existence, and strive to find lasting peace and well-being. These teachings on thought transformation are as applicable today as they were when Atisha first introduced them to Tibet. From the Introduction by Stephen Batchelor. Suggested donation 6 per class. Centre Leeds, students and supporters of the Centre will be continuously reciting the Golden Light Sutra (a sacred Buddhist text) for 24 hours non-stop while dedicating the positive energy to world peace and the flourishing of the Dharma throughout Leeds, the north of England and the world! Lama Zopa Rinpoche said; This text (Golden Light Sutra) is very precious; it brings peace and happiness and is very powerful to stop violence. It gives incredible protection to the country [where recited] from violence etc. By hearing this text, one s karma gets purified. The recitation of the Golden Light Sutra will be streamed live from Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds and we invite you to join us for this special Dharma event. To find out how to join in and be part of this event visit the JBCL website at http://jamyangleeds.co.uk/ goldenlight Social Events This Autumn we are hosting a series of Friday Evening Socials at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds and to start things off we have a series of food sharing (potluck) events. These events are open to everyone, whether you are a regular at JBCL or just fancy trying something different on a Friday evening. Bring some vegetarian or vegan food to share. Potluck and Poetry on Friday 1st September, 18:30-20:30 Bring a vegetarian or vegan dish to share around the table and afterwards, those who wish can read out a favourite poem. This can be your own or a piece of poetry that you love or has inspired you. Potluck and Jam Session on Friday 6th October, 18:30-20:30 Bring a vegetarian or vegan dish to share around the table and afterwards we shall offer the floor to whoever would like to sing a song and or play a musical instrument. There may be some time for improvisation so jazz people come on over. Potluck and Quiz on Friday 3rd November, 18:30-20:30 Join us for an alternative to the pub quiz? Some general knowledge required. As always, bring a vegetarian or vegan dish to share around the table and afterwards, for those who wish, share your short story with everyone there. All welcome.

Monthly Events Purification Sundays sentient beings around the world and remove Special pujas obstacles to JBCL projects. All are welcome to Chittamani Tara puja to celebrate Buddha s Descent from Tushita Pure Land join in or just sit and enjoy the blessings.. Sundays, 10:30-12:00 on 24 September, 29 October, 26 November 18:30-20:00 on Friday 10 November If we want to rid our minds of negative habits Please join us for a special Chittamani Tara and imprints built up over many years, we puja as we celebrate Buddha s Descent from need to engage in purification practices. Tushita Pure Land, one of the four great Holy Coming together in a group to do prostrations and mantra recitation makes purification strong and consistent. Prostrating to the 35 Confession Buddhas and reciting Vajrasattva mantras are powerful methods for purifying negative karmic residues which taint the natural purity of our minds. The sessions are Days in the Tibetan Buddhist Calendar. Feel Pujas (chanting meditations) free to bring offerings for the shrine on this Pujas are chanted prayer ceremonies where holy day, such as flowers, fruit or biscuits. we show respect and devotion to Buddha Donations for the Centre are also welcome. Shakyamuni and the Lamas of our tradition such as HH Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Pujas create merit (positive energy and karma) for yourself or others. You can join in the prayers and chanting from the sadhana (spiritual text) or simply sit, listen and enjoy the blessings. Feel free to bring offerings for the shrine, for example biscuits, fruit or flowers, especially for Tsog pujas. Donations welcome. Lama Chöpa Tsog Puja: Friday, 18:30-20:00 on 29 September, 27 October, 24 November & 15 December Lama Chopa (Offering to the Spiritual Guides) is a special chanted prayer ceremony where we pay homage to the lineage Lamas and Teachers of our tradition, all the way back to Buddha Shakyamuni. Chittamani Tara Puja: Friday, 18:30-20:00 on 8 September, 13 October, *10 November & 8 December This traditional Tibetan Buddhist devotional practice to Tara is very useful for removing obstacles in daily life and to your progress open to all, regardless of whether you have on the spiritual path. Tara is called the swift received initiations or whether you have taken pacifier and the puja includes the recitation refuge. All you need is a wish to move on of prayers, visualisations, meditation and from unhelpful actions done in the past with chanting the 21 verse praises to Tara in Tibetan openness to the power of visualisation and prayer. Tara Puja: Mondays, 12:30-13:15 from 4 September to 18 December Join us as we recite the Praises to 21 Taras pujas on Monday lunchtimes to benefit and English. The puja will be explained as we go through. All are welcome.

Weekend Events Discovering Buddhism Practice Morning - How to Develop Bodhichitta retreat, led by Buddhist nun Ven. Mary Reavey, participants will learn about the different Entering the Bodhisattva s Way of Life - Chapter nine, Wisdom with Andy Wistreich Saturday 16 September 10:30 17:30 Entering the Bodhisattva s Way of Life by Shantideva is one of the most famous of all Mahayana Buddhist texts. Practical, timeless, profound and even disturbing in places, within its verses can be found the entire Buddhist path to Enlightenment by using the framework of the six perfections generosity, ethics, patience, enthusiasm, meditation and wisdom. Andy is teaching this text over a series of weekends and this visit will cover the start of chapter nine on the cultivation of wisdom and what it means in a Buddhist context. As this is the start of a new chapter it is not necessary to have been to the previous sessions. This chapter will be covered over three days, with the other two days in early 2018. book on this course and for a copy of the commentary so you can read chapter nine of the text (in the translation by Stephen Batchelor) before the teaching. Suggested donation 25 Essence of True Eloquence with Geshe Tashi Tsering Saturday 23 September, 28 October & 11 November, 11.00-17.30 Geshe Tashi will lead us through the arguments, logic and examples we require to understand the far-reaching advantages of having an understanding of the Buddhist concept of emptiness. Geshe Tashi is very aware of the importance of developing insights into the true nature of reality and by continuing to teach on the subject of emptiness, he is hoping to bring us closer to our own understanding of the subject. Geshe Tashi will base his teaching on the Essence of True Eloquence by Lama Tsong Khapa, translated by Robert Thurman. (Full title of the book is Lama Tsongkhapa s Speech of Gold in the Essence of True Eloquence: Reason and Enlightenment in the Central Philosophy of Tibet (Princeton Legacy Library; translator: Robert Thurman.) Geshe Tashi is well known Saturday 14 October, 10:30-12:30 This morning workshop is a chance to practice the techniques explained during the Discovering Buddhism module on How to Develop Bodhichitta. We will look at a few of the practices covered in the module and offer advice and techniques to help you meditate with confidence. You don t need to have attended the classes to join, you can just drop in. Suggested donation 6 Lamrim Meditation Retreat with Ven. Mary Reavey Beamsley, North Yorkshire Friday 20 October (evening) to Sunday 22 October (after lunch) Lamrim meditations and enhance their understanding of the practice through guided meditation sessions, discussions and Q&A s. There will also be the opportunity to take the 8 Mahayana Precepts, a traditional Buddhist practice to deepen the retreat experience. This retreat is suitable for all levels, whether you are new to Buddhism, just interested to find out more, or would like to refresh your current Lamrim practice and enjoy the benefits of a residential retreat. The retreat starts with dinner on the Friday evening followed by the first session and ends after lunch on the Sunday. The venue is the quiet Beamsley Project on the outskirts of Skipton in North Yorkshire. Suggested donation 160 for the teachings, 2 nights dormitory / twin room accommodation and meals (except during precepts). Limited twin rooms available. To find out more and to book visit the JBCL website at: http://jamyangleeds.co.uk/event/lamrimretreat-with-ven-mary-reavey/ Please email smile@jamyangleeds.co.uk if you have any questions about the retreat and the Lamrim practice. for the warmth, humour and clarity of his Join us for a weekend of meditation, teachings explanations of Buddhist philosophy. and reflection on the Lamrim, the Tibetan book. Buddhist presentation of the Stages of the Path to happiness, peace of mind and spiritual enlightenment. On this residential Suggested donation 25

on them, and how refuge is an active process of developing our wisdom, compassion and experience of life. Suitable for those with a basic understanding of Buddhism and anyone who would like to receive teachings from this highly regarded teacher and Buddhist monk. About the teacher: book. Suggested donation 25. Discovering Buddhism Practice Morning - The Wisdom of Emptiness Saturday 9 December, 10:30-12:30 Refuge for a Happy Mind with Geshe Thubten Sherab Sunday 5th November, 10:30-17:00 Most people understand that states of mind such as anger, attachment and jealousy have a negative impact on our peace of mind and quality of life. We really suffer when our minds are under the influence of disturbing emotions and often feel there is nothing we can do to change our experience except to indulge in worldly pleasures, such as shopping, eating and going out with friends. While these do bring temporary pleasure, relying on them for happiness can wear thin or even stop working. So what do we do then? On this one day course with Tibetan Buddhist monk Geshe Thubten Sherab, we will explore an alternative way to find happiness by relying on the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. We will look at what each of the Three Jewels mean and how they support and guide us to create the inner refuge of happiness and peace within our own mind. We will also look at why taking refuge in the Three Jewels does not mean giving up the things we enjoy, but changing our reliance Geshe Thubten Sherab was born in 1967 in Nepal and entered Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu at age nine. He completed his Geshe degree at Sera Je Monastic University in India. Geshe Sherab teaches in English and over the last decade has taught Buddhist philosophy and practices across the world. book. Suggested donation 25 Introduction to Buddhist Tantra with David Midgley Saturday 2 December, 10:30-17:00 On this one-day course we will look at what Tantra means in the context of Tibetan Buddhism, how Tantra works, why it is a powerful form of practice and why the sutra path is a foundation for the practices of Tantra. This morning workshop will be a chance to practice the techniques explained during the Discovering Buddhism module on The Wisdom of Emptiness. We will look at a few of the practises covered in the module and offer advice and techniques to help you meditate with confidence. You don t need to have attended the classes to join, you can just drop in. book on this session. Suggested donation 6

Suggested Donations We want to provide the maximum benefit to everyone, and we hope you find the classes at JBCL of value. By making a donation to the Centre you help others benefit too. Our Centre and its activities cost over 1,000 a week to run. Our volunteers do not get paid, but we cover their expenses. A city centre location is expensive and some of our teachers travel a long way. We do not get any grants, and rely almost entirely on donations. If you want to support us, please donate towards the cost of these classes, or even better become a friend of the Centre and donate regularly. Gift Aid Gift Aid means that for every 1 you give, JBCL gets an extra 25p from HMRC; helping your donations to go further. To qualify for Gift Aid, what you pay in tax must at least equal the amount we will claim. Please sign a Gift Aid form in order that JBCL can reclaim from HMRC the tax on your donation and please inform us if you cease to be a taxpayer. Thank you. Become a Friend Help shape the future of Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds Suggested donations: 3 for a lunchtime class 6 for an evening class 25 for a day class If these are too much for you even the smallest donation makes a difference. Most of all, we hope you enjoy the classes, and benefit from them. Invitation to become a friend The contribution of time and effort from volunteers and the money raised from donations during classes go some way to maintain JBCL but they don t cover all the running costs. In order to fulfil the Centre s aims it needs your regular support and you can do this by becoming a Friend. A Friend is someone who wishes: to be part of a Dharma family and the JBCL community to have support for their Dharma practice and to give support to others to support a peaceful, positive place in the heart of the city where the Buddha s teachings can flourish to demonstrate their commitment in a practical way by giving a regular donation of money or time. Friends make the commitment of a regular donation or volunteer their time to enable JBCL to meet day to day running costs and to ensure the Centre will be in Leeds for a long time to come. Please email smile@jamyangleeds.co.uk or look on our website for further details on becoming a friend of JBCL.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 4 September 5 September How to Develop Bodhichitta 6 September s for Emotional Balance 7 September 8 September 18:30 Chittamani Tara Puja 9 September 10 September 11 September 12 September 13 September s for Emotional Balance 14 September 15 September 16 September Entering the Bodhisattva s Way of Life: Wisdom 17 September Facilitators Training Day 18 September 19 September 20 September 18:00 Start Golden Light Sutra 24 hr Recitation 21 September 18:00 Finish Golden Light Sutra 24 hr Recitation 22 September 23 September 11:00 Geshe Tashi Essence of True Eloquence 24 September 10:30 Purification Sunday 25 September 26 September 27 September s for Emotional Balance 28 September 29 September 18:30 Lama Chopa 30 September 1 October 2 October 3 October 4 October s for Emotional Balance 5 October 6 October 18:30 Potluck & Jam Session 7 October 8 October AGM & Trustees Meeting 9 October 10 October 11 October s for Emotional Balance 12 October 13 October 18:30 Chittamani Tara puja 14 October 10:30 Disc Bud Practice Morning: How to Develop Bodhichitta 15 October 16 October 17 October 18 October s for Emotional Balance 19 October 20 October Lamrim Retreat with Ven. Mary Reavey 21 October Lamrim Retreat with Ven. Mary Reavey 19:00 Advice from a Spiritual Friend starts 22 October Lamrim Retreat with Ven. Mary Reavey 23 October 24 October 25 October s for Emotional Balance 26 October 27 October 18:30 Lama Chopa puja 28 October 11:00 Geshe Tashi Essence of True Eloquence 29 October 10:30 Purification Sunday 30 October 31 October The Wisdom of Emptiness 1 November s for Emotional Balance 2 November 3 November 18:30 Potluck & Quiz 4 November 5 November 10:30 Geshe Sherab Refuge for a Happy Mind 6 November 7 November 8 November 9 November 10 November Buddha s Descent from Tushita 18:30 Chittamani Tara puja 11 November Geshe Tashi Essence of True Eloquence 12 November 13 November 14 November 15 November 16 November 17 November 18 November 10:00 Wellbeing Day 19 November 20 November 21 November 22 November 23 November 24 November 18:30 Lama Chopa puja 25 November 26 November 10:30 Purification Sunday 27 November 28 November 29 November 30 November 1 December 2 December 10:30 Intro to Tantra Workshop 3 December 4 December 5 December 6 December 7 December 8 December 18:30 Chittamani Tara puja 9 December 10:30 Disc Bud Practice Morning: The Wisdom of Emptiness 10 December 11 December 12 December 13 December 14 December 15 December 18:30 Lama Chopa puja 16 December 17 December 10:30 Purification Sunday 18 December 19 December 20 December 21 December CENTRE CLOSED 22 December CENTRE CLOSED 23 December CENTRE CLOSED 24 December CENTRE CLOSED

Where are we? Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds 31 St Paul s Street, Leeds, LS1 2JG Westgate The Headrow St Paul s Street Quebec Street we are here Wellington Street Quebec Street The Headrow Who are we? Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds (JBCL) is a registered charity established to help people learn about Tibetan Buddhist meditation, philosophy, psychology and ethics. Although based in Leeds, students from many areas of the UK - and the world - attend our events. JBCL is affiliated to an international Buddhist organisation called Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) which is part of the Gelugpa lineage as practised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The FPMT was founded in 1975 by Lama Thubten Yeshe (1935-84), one of the first Tibetan Buddhist monks to bring Tibetan Buddhism to the West. The FPMT is currently guided by Lama Zopa Rinpoche with the inspiration of HH Dalai Lama. Leeds Rail Tel: 07866 760460 Web: www.jamyangleeds.co.uk Email: smile@jamyangleeds.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamyangleeds Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jamyangleeds FPMT is an international non-profit organisation following the Mahayana Buddhist tradition through teaching, meditation and community service. FPMT is a network of over 160 Tibetan Buddhist centres, retreat venues, monasteries, nunneries, hospices, publishing houses and related activities. FPMT provides integrated education through which people s minds and hearts can be transformed into their highest potential for the benefit of others, inspired by an attitude of universal responsibility.to find out more about the FPMT visit www.fpmt.org. Visit www.jamyangleeds.co.uk to sign up for our fortnightly newsletter. Affiliated to the FPMT Registered Charity: 1109242 Company No. 05403805