The Middle Way Initiative Newsletter: May 2025

Photo: Jampal Norbu Namgyel

Elizabeth at Nalanda University in India demonstrating the mudra of interdependence. “In that everything leans, we cannot separate ourselves from the world we experience.” The Logic of Faith

Dear Friends,

I trust this finds you well!

I am sitting at my computer writing, and every single window in my house is OPEN! I’m enjoying the breeze. We have a lot of wind in the spring here at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. I used to brace against the wind until it occurred to me that wind is enriching - the seeds blow around and find their way into the earth. All that movement brings with it an abundance of creativity.

In May there’s been a lot of movement at MWI. First, we released OQ Podcast episode 602: Sujata’s Offering, about the paramita (perfection) of generosity. It is my way of sharing with you the experiences of my pilgrimage to India, as promised! I have also had the luxury to read a spectacular biography, Cave in the Snow, in preparation for my upcoming OQ Live Conversation with the formidable practitioner: Jetsunma Tendzin Palmo. Among other things, she runs a nunnery in Tashi Jong, which neighbors the Chokling Monastery in Bir, India. This week I will be recording an online conversation on the topic of ‘dependent arising’ with the Executive Director of The Prison Mindfulness Project, Vita Pires (formerly known as Kate Crisp). I have been on their Advisory Board for almost twenty years and here and there they ask me to teach. It is always a tremendous honor to participate in the extraordinary work of bringing meditation and wellbeing into the challenging realities of prison life.

Last but not least, I am thrilled to announce that just as we released our new episode last week, OQ Podcast crossed the 100,000 unique download threshold. Please share the podcast with someone (or many) that you know! If they ask about the theme, you can tell them that the podcast (and all the activities at MWI) is dedicated to exploring timeless wisdom to remedy extreme thinking.

Sending love to you all,
Elizabeth

An Update from Brazil

Last month Elizabeth taught her annual program for Paz & Mente Brasil, an innovative online postgraduate program in Peace Studies. This program is endorsed by the UNESCO Chair for Peace Studies in Austria and is the only peace agent training of its kind in Latin America.

A collaboration between Paz & Mente and MWI began in 2018, initiated by Cerys Tramontini, P&M Founder and Director and MWI Board Member and Director of Latin American Activities. Last year Dungse Jampal Norbu joined as faculty. This program invites professionals from a wide range of fields including lawyers, judges, diplomats, psychologists, educators, social workers, physicians, psychiatrists, politicians and therapists. Elizabeth and Dungsela have both commented on the maturity, intelligence, openness and receptivity of the students, especially to the practices and principles of bodhicitta as a way to enrich and engage their work. “It is a lively collaboration and we all learn so much,” says Elizabeth.

OQ Live Conversation: The Perfection of Wisdom with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel and Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo

Saturday, May 24, 2025. 7AM to 8AM MT

Register Today

ABOUT THIS EVENT

Please join us on Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 7am to 8am MT USA for the OQ Live Conversation: “The Perfection of Wisdom” with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel and Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo.

Making an early entrance into Vajrayana Buddhism as a nun, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo has paved the way for modern Western yoginis and yogins alike. As a teacher, she encourages us, both through her example and teachings, that if we engage dharma training full-heartedly, accomplishment is sure to take hold in us. I am looking forward to joining Jetsuma in conversation and ask her about her life and the teachings on the Perfection of Wisdom.

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

EVENT PRICING $35 (USD)

This event is an important source of financial support for The Middle Way Initiative teaching programs. Your generosity is appreciated. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Register Today

Upcoming Teaching Events

June 7 - June 8: Mahayana Essentials with Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel
Online & In Person at Pema Osel, Vershire, VT.

Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel discusses essential Mahayana topics.

June 13 - June 15: Awakening the Heart and Mind through the Practice of Bearing Witness. Online & In Person in Anchorage, AK.

What can we do when the suffering of the world gets overwhelming? In this weekend program, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel will explore the inspiring story of Avalokiteshvara, a great being who realized the essence of the Buddhist path, called the Way of the Bodhisattva.

July 12 - July 20: Nyingma Summer Seminar
Online & In Person at Phuntsok Choling, Ward, CO.

Nyingma Summer Seminar 2025. Participation via streaming is also available. Join us for this annual celebration of the Three Yanas of Tibetan Buddhism with Kongtrul Rinpoche, Dungse Jampal Norbu, and Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel, and Special Guest, Pema Chodron.

Learn more about Upcoming Events

Wilderness Dharma Movement

December 14-20, 2025 - Registration opens mid-August.

7-day, residential Chöd retreat at Drala Mountain Center (Colorado) with Anam Thubten Rinpoche and Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel.

Note: Prerequisite of Ngondro completion required for registration. Please see information provided by WDM.

Episode 602: Sujata’s Offering

In this episode Elizabeth opens up the topic of ‘engaged’ bodhicitta focusing on generosity. She weaves her experience of her recent trip to India with the story of Sujata, the young woman remembered for reviving Prince Siddhartha after his six years of austerities. Sujata offered him a bowl of sweet milk-rice, reviving his body with energy, enabling him to make his way to the Bodhi Tree, to attain enlightenment and become the Buddha. What happens when we conspire together to release generosity into life?

Listen to Episode 602

Tashi Delek 2025 Losar T-shirts are Now Available in our Store!

Our Special Edition “Year of the Snake” t-shirts are now available through our non-profit store, Bonfire, which directly benefits MWI.

These shirts feature the original artwork by Deborah Haynes and Amy Hayes that was selected in our Call for Creativity. The shirts are festive for Losar 2025, and all through the year!

These high-quality, responsibly sourced and produced shirts are available in Unisex Comfort fit (100% cotton) and Women’s Slim Fit (60/40 blend) styles, in a range of great colors. Price $29.99. Because shirts print in batches, please allow extra time for delivery.

Order a T-Shirt

Elizabeth Recommends: EveryBodhi Podcast

Elizabeth recommends 140eB: The Great Debate.

Humans have used debate for millennia because it effectively exposes assumption, bias and misunderstanding. Most debates these days, though, are undertaken not for the sake of clarity and understanding, but for the sake of argument. In the spirit of argument, the main objective is to win, not to learn or clarify. Argument is ego's conquest in its relentless campaign of self validation. In the spirit of debating argument, Jampal Norbu explores Lojong verse 31 - Do Not Be Contentious.

https://mangalashribhuti.org/everybodhi-podcast-by-dungse-jampal-norbu/

Elizabeth Mattis NamgyelMay 19, 2025