The Middle Way Initiative Newsletter: Novemeber 2025

The Middle Way Initiative Newsletter: November 2025

Timeless Wisdom to Remedy Extreme Thinking

Dear Friends,

November Greetings! I just got off an online MWI quarterly Board Meeting and feel inspired! As we begin to tie up the year, all kinds of new and creative ideas are emerging. I will share it all as time goes on.

Our last OQ Live program for this season will feature Buddhist teacher and podcaster, Dungse Jampal Norbu, who also happens to be my son. The topic is “Taking Our Seat.” We will explore bodhicitta and how it supports us in finding grace, clarity and strength in relationship to the world in which we move about. Questions are brewing and I can’t wait to hear how Dungse-la responds. To register see details below.

Last night, I went for a weekly 4.5 mile walk with my dear friend, and tankgha painter extraordinaire, Tara DeGesu. Tara so generously donated this year’s art print, “Manjushri” for our fundraising prize. I asked Tara a few questions about her process of painting deities. She said that although each painting presents its own unique experience, she generally begins in the same way - to clarify the symbolism and meaning of the image she reads the sadhana, or practice text, associated with the deity. That, she says, gives her “atmospheric clues.” Unless otherwise instructed, Tara relies on traditional graphs, called thigse (thig tshad) - a set of proportional guidelines, or sacred blueprints based on canonical ratios. Each deity has its own thigse, laid out according to tradition. Following the thigse ensures spiritual accuracy. With this as the foundation, the painting unfolds. Tara explains that as it emerges, each deity takes on its own life and that “pulls her along.” She confessed that sometimes the process can be difficult and timely. However, the Manjusri, she said, came easily without much effort.

Tara’s tangkhas have the most beautiful, ethereal, otherworldly quality. I have often thought that Tara lives at least halfway in the world of the deity. Tara is an honorary member of the MWI team. To view her work go to: https://taradigesu.com/

For this print Tara has also embellished the eyes in gold leaf and Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche consecrated the image by writing three seed syllables on the back, Om Ah Hung.

The end of the year is when we reach out to seek your support for my teachings and work through The Middle Way Initiative. Our Donor Campaign runs through December 31, 2025. You will be eligible for the drawing if during 2025 you give or have given a cumulative amount of $108 or more. Please know that all donation amounts are welcome and appreciated.

Please visit the MWI “Giving” webpage for the secure portal for online donations.

Donate to MWI

We can’t do this work without you!

With deep appreciation,

Elizabeth

See our happy past winners below:

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
OQ Live Conversation: Taking Our Seat with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel and Dungse Jampal Norbu

November 29, 10 am to noon MST

Please join us on November 29, 10 am to noon MST for our next OQ Live Conversation “Taking Our Seat” with Dungse Jampal Norbu.

As we mingle with our world, it gives us continual feedback. In one context we may be a star and in another we feel invisible. How do we maintain authenticity and genuinely find our place wherever we may be? As we move through life, how do we keep our hearts open while maintaining savvy and discernment? The practice of Lojong has some spectacular guidance around these questions. Join me and my son, Dungse Jampal Norbu, teacher and creator of the Everybodhi Podcast, for a lively discussion around these topics!

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

RECORDINGS
When you register for this event, a free access code to view recordings will be provided by email. Recordings will be available in English and Portuguese translation. The rental period is one year.

Listen to Elizabeth teaching as a guest on this episode of Prajna Podcast: Treasuring the Feminine in Tibetan Buddhism. She speaks about practicing Vajrayana with an open heart.

Listen to the episode

Wilderness Dharma Movement (WDM) Chöd Retreat

December 14-20, 2025

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

Learn more at Wilderness Dharma Movement >>

Podcast Episode 603: DISRUPTION!

In this episode, Elizabeth explores the third aspect of bodhicitta: absolute bodhicitta. She uses the story of the 11th century Mahasiddha, Tilopa, and his disciple, Naropa, to illustrate the necessity of disrupting delusion in the context of spiritual awakening. At the heart of it all lies a deep exploration of the meaning and experience of what is real.

Listen to Episode 603

RECORDINGS AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND PORTUGUESE!
OQ Live Conversation: Clear Seeing with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel and Karl Brunnhölzl

RECORDINGS ACCESS
Recordings are available for event registrants as well as those who did not register for the live event.

If you registered for the event, you were emailed a code that will give you free access to the recording.

Watch the Recordings

ABOUT THIS EVENT
Karl Brunnhölzl is trained in the Karma Kagyud tradition of Buddhist philosophy and meditation.

He translates Sanskrit and Tibetan to English and German, and has authored over twenty books, including the Heart Attack Sutra, and Nagarjuna’s, In Praise of Dharmadhatu.

Karl was appointed by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche as one of five senior Western teachers for the Nalandabodhi sangha. In 2019, he was awarded the Khyentse Foundation Prize For Outstanding Translation for his groundbreaking, three-volume publication of Asaṅga’s work.

Tashi Delek 2025 Losar T-shirts are Still 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

Jennifer KernNovember 15, 2025Comment