The Middle Way Initiative Newsletter: December 2023
2023 Donor Campaign: Light Coming Through - Celebrating The Middle Way Initiative
Dear Friends,
Autumn has turned to winter in Crestone with the arrival of the mountain-top snow and cozy shorter days. For us in MWI, our enthusiasm for the dharma keeps us from going into hibernation with a special end of the year program and a new podcast episode to offer.
Please join me Saturday, December 16 with Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche for our Open Question Conversation on the relevant topic of “Cultivating Healthy Interdependence.”
I also invite you to listen to my most recent podcast “Bearing Witness,” where I tell the story of Avaloketeshvara as a model and inspiration for all of us.
The end of the year is also when we seek your support for my teachings and work through The Middle Way Initiative. Please join and support our annual Donor Campaign!
This year’s Donor Campaign includes a chance to be entered into a drawing for a beautiful print reproduction of Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche’s painting “Light Coming Through”. The print is on archival paper and is signed by Rinpoche.
Please visit the MWI “Giving” webpage for more details and the secure portal for online donations.
https://www.middlewayinitiative.org/giving
Enjoy our MWI Happy Holidays video below!
With deep appreciation,
Elizabeth
Open Question Live with Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche
Register Today for the December 16th Open Question Conversation: "Cultivating Healthy Interdependence”
Please join us on: Saturday, December 16, from 10am-12pm USA MT for our next OQ Live Conversation with Venerable Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche and Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, "Cultivating Healthy Interdependence."
During this intimate and precious time with Rinpoche, Elizabeth will engage her root teacher in a conversation about Bodhicitta and how we can cultivate healthy interdependence with our world. In particular, she will ask Rinpoche to talk about ‘lhenchak,’ or karmic debt, which refers to the often unexplainable, sticky relationships in which we find ourselves caught.
Venerable Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche is a lineage holder of the Longchen Nyingthig lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and the Founder and Spiritual Head of Mangala Shri Bhuti.
Rinpoche was raised in a monastic environment and has received extensive training in all aspects of Buddhist doctrine. His principal teacher was Khyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
Event Price (Live and recordings): $25 USD. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Financial Aid
If you need financial aid to attend, please contact us before Dec. 14th. English contact, Abba < abbahatcher@gmail.com >. Portuguese contact, Cerys < cerys@middlewayinitiative.org >
Episode 405. Bearing Witness
In episode 405, Elizabeth tells the classic Buddhist story of Avaloketeshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. She asks us to contemplate this story carefully, adding, “because something similar could happen to you.”
Continuing the exploration of interdependence, the self, and the ego, Elizabeth helps us navigate our responses to the intensity of human experience and not fall into the extremes of fixing, despair or withdrawing from challenges…all of which are rooted in misunderstanding. Instead, she encourages us to be inspired by Avaloketeshvara, bear witness to our experience, and "keep our eyes open”.
Freedom Through Discipline with Jampal Norbu and Pema Chödron
Pema Chödron joins Jampal Norbu for a two-part conversation on EveryBodhi Podcast.
EveryBodhi Podcast explores the rich path of study and transformation offered by the Buddhist Lojong, or Mind Training, teachings. Pema Chödron has relied heavily on Lojong for her own development and as a reliable tool in her efforts as a teacher and author.
The practice of Lojong has a long and well established history. Many great practitioners have composed invaluable commentaries on its liberating effects that can reach across centuries and transform even our fast paced, modern day negativities. These illuminating guidebooks make Lojong one of the most accessible Buddhist practices in the world today, but so do the examples of great living practitioners, like Ani Pema Chödron More than a world renowned author and teacher, Pema Chödron is a living example of Lojong in action.
Jampal Norbu welcomes Ani Pema again (she was a guest of EveryBodhi Podcast for episodes 110 & 111 in 2021) to share more of her wisdom and experience with this practical collection of transformational slogans.
Other Ways to Support MWI
Check Out Our MWI Store: T-shirts, ball caps, hoodies, and mugs
MWI opened a “Storefront” that enables us to receive a little bit of sustaining income by offering t-shirts, ball caps, hoodies, and mugs with our “Eternal Knot” logo. The storefront hosted by Bonfire helps nonprofits raise funds and has an an option for you to add a larger donation when you purchase a product.