The Buddha’s middle way teachings do not only describe a life of balance or moderation. In the context of the Mahayana view, they refer to stepping out of our system of extreme thinking. It is easy to look outside of ourselves and accuse others of being fundamentalists, but in truth, if we are willing to look, we can find a lot of fundamentalism in our own mind…and doubt too. This is really good to see, and very freeing to expose all that to the light of our intelligence.
The great Buddhist master, Nagarjuna, said: “I prostrate to he who has abandoned all views.” He was speaking about the Buddha, and the views he refers to, in this statement, are eternalism and nihilism, or true and untrue or fundamentalism and doubt. Nagarjuna is suggesting that there is another way of being in the world that is insightful, in accord with the nature of life, and accessible by direct investigation. It is “first person science,” which also requires a lot of heart and devotion, because through practice we venture into discovering something very deep about our mind and its world.
In exploring these views in ourselves, we are able to have a more nuanced and compassionate view of the many troubles we are facing in the world.
Elizabeth will also lead a guided meditation and open the evening to dialogue.
Registration HERE or 502-614-5616. Cost: $15, $35, $55, Patron $110. Some partial scholarships are available. Please email DrepungGomangCompassion@gmail.com.
Cost on a Sliding Scale: By paying what you are able you make possible such profound teachings and provide support for the running of a dharma center like DGCEC.
Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel has studied and practiced the Buddhadharma for 35 years under the guidance of her teacher and husband Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. She is the retreat master of Samten Ling in Crestone, Colorado and has spent over six years in retreat. She holds a degree in anthropology and an M.A. in Buddhist Studies. She teaches throughout the U.S., Australia, and Europe. She is the author of The Power of an Open Question: The Buddha’s Path to Freedom and The Logic of Faith: the Buddhist Path to Finding Certainty Beyond Belief and Doubt.
Elizabeth is known for her use of inquiry as a means to reach a place of genuine practice and awakening. She asks audiences to engage in the practice of open questioning with her while she takes a fresh look at all the assumptions and beliefs we have about spirituality. In particular, Elizabeth is fascinated with the Buddha’s essential teachings on the natural principle of pratityasamutpada, dependent arising. Audiences repeatedly comment on how her approach has reinvigorated their meditation practice and the way they relate to their lives as a whole.