The Middle Way Initiative Newsletter: August 2026

Timeless Wisdom to Remedy Extreme Thinking

Dear Friends,

I wanted to share this old photo taken more than thirty years ago of a very special friend, Dolma Gunther. She will be our guest for our next Open Question Live event on September 5th. Dolma is a true dharma sister of mine, and I’d love for you all to make a connection with her. This photo is of Dolma's 21st birthday celebration. She is shown sitting between Khyentse Jigme Rinpoche, Dungse Jampal Norbu (around 5 years old) and Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. We were in Dordogne, France receiving teachings on Shantideva’s 9th chapter.

Both Dolma and I share a deep appreciation for the Middle Way teachings and how profoundly they have affected our lives. Aside from being a dedicated practitioner, translator, and filmmaker, Dolma is the Founder and Creative Director of the Khyentse Vision Project under the direction of Dzongzar Khyentse Rinpoche and Khyentse Jigme Rinpoche, which is dedicated to translating the works of the Lineage of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.

Registration is open and you will find information below. Please note that this event will be later in the day (5-7pm USA MT) because Dolma lives in Sydney, Australia.

I enjoyed giving a talk with the children at our Nyingma Summer Seminar in July.

Love,
Elizabeth

Photo credit: Alex Wenzel

OQ Live Conversation: Supporting Our Teacher’s Vision with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel and Dolma Gunther

Please join us on Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 5-7pm USA MT for the OQ Live Conversation: “Supporting Our Teacher’s Vision” with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel and Dolma Gunther.

In this Open Question Conversation, Elizabeth will engage her old friend, Dolma Gunther, on the topic of what it means to support the teacher’s vision. Dolma is a long-term practitioner, law professional and founder of the Khyentse Vision Project under the direction of her teachers, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche and Khyentse Jigme Rinpoche. This project is dedicated to translating the works of the Lineage of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. Dolma also shares Elizabeth’s passion for the Middle Way teachings, setting the stage for what will likely be a very rich conversation. You are warmly invited to this event, to make a connection with Dolma Gunther and Elizabeth as they illuminate the dharma.

This event is offered livestream via Zoom in English and in Portuguese simulcast translation.

Prajna Podcast: Treasuring the Feminine, episode 15: “Agency”

Elizabeth discusses “Agency” in the Treasuring the Feminine Podcast, hosted by Marcia Dechen Wangmo on the Prajna website. Elizabeth shares advice for young practitioners and takes us on a journey through philosophy, personal insights and advice that she has received from her own teachers.

Watch the episode

Desvendando o Sutra do Coração com Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel

Note: This event is hosted by Paz e Mente in Brazil and offered in Portuguese.

14 e 15 de novembro de 2026

Temos a alegria de anunciar a pré-inscrição para o evento presencial com Lama Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, “Desvendando o Sutra do Coração”, que acontecerá nos dias 14 e 15 de novembro de 2026, em Florianópolis (SC).

O Sutra do Coração é o ensinamento do Buda mais recitado no mundo. Muitos o entoam a partir da devoção — e isso, por si só, já é profundamente significativo. No entanto, suas palavras são riquíssimas em significado e, quando examinadas com atenção, revelam uma sabedoria capaz de transformar a maneira como percebemos a nós mesmos e o mundo em que vivemos. Elizabeth tem grande alegria em ensinar o Sutra do Coração. Para ela, a cada recitação e contemplação, o sutra revela algo novo e iluminador. Durante o encontro, ela apresentará o contexto histórico do sutra, explicará por que ele é tão importante e prático para o nosso bem-estar e conduzirá uma exploração de seu significado mais profundo.

O fim de semana incluirá: Ensinamentos, Meditação guiada e Recitação do sutra.

Além disso, haverá amplo espaço para diálogo, perguntas e respostas, promovendo trocas significativas — algo que Elizabeth aprecia profundamente em seus encontros.

Vagas limitadas.

Inscrições: www.pazemente.com.br

Opening the Heart Sutra with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel in Brazil

Note: This event is hosted by Paz e Mente in Brazil and offered in Portuguese.

We are happy to announce the pre-registration for the in-person event with Lama Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, “Opening the Heart Sutra,” which will take place on November 14–15, 2026, in Florianópolis (SC), Brazil.The Heart Sutra is the most widely recited of all the Buddha’s discourses in the world. Many simply recite the sutra from the heart of devotion - which is profound. However, the words of the sutra are rich in meaning, and when we look more deeply into them, we encounter wisdom that transforms the way we see ourselves and the world we move about in. Elizabeth loves teaching the Heart Sutra. For her, each time she recites and contemplates the sutra, it reveals something new and profound. She will guide us through an understanding of the context of the sutra, why it is so important and practical for our wellbeing, and begin to help us open up its profound meaning. The weekend includes teachings, guided meditation, and chanting of the sutra. Elizabeth likes to engage her audience, so there will be plenty of time for dialogue and questions and responses with her.

Limited spots available.
Registration: www.pazemente.com.br

Independent Study Course

Registration is open and rolling for our free independent Study Course. This wonderful, self-paced course takes participants through Elizabeth’s annual teaching themes, readings, contemplation questions and meditation.

Learn about the Independent Study Course

Episode 702: What Am I Looking At?

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Elizabeth has a curious encounter at the local post office, which ignites a profound inquiry into the nature of appearance.

Listen to Episode 702

“Year of The Horse” 2026 T-Shirts!

Our Special Edition “Year of the Fire Horse” t-shirts are now available through our non-profit store, which directly benefits MWI. These shirts are festive for Losar 2026, and all through the year!

These high-quality, responsibly produced shirts are available in a range of great colors and come in Unisex Comfort Fit (100% cotton) and Women’s Slim Fit (60/40 blend) styles. Price $29.99.

Because shirts print in batches, please allow extra time for delivery. Note that the campaign itself continues running even when individual batches end.

Visit the MWI Store

EveryBodhi Podcast

Elizabeth recommends Dungse Jampal Norbu’s Every Bodhi Podcast. New episodes on all podcast platforms or visit:

Listen to the podcast

Elizabeth Mattis NamgyelAugust 21, 2026Comment