The Middle Way Initiative Newsletter: September 2023
Message from Elizabeth
Hello everyone!
As you can see, the light in the Rockies this time of year bursts with surprises each evening. Yes, the activities of summer are winding down, but at the MWI we have all kinds of exciting things in the works.
This month, we are releasing episode 404 on Open Question Podcast: When Does Bread Become Toast? In previous OQ episodes we engaged in the liberating practice of looking and not finding, as we searched for something singular and then something independent. In this episode, we explore the topic of permanence - the 3rd in this triad of classical Middle Way inquiries.
We are also opening up registration for our OQ LIVE in October. Jakob Leschly and I are going to talk about “The Two Truths” - one of the most essential topics of the Middle Way tradition. Jakob is a returning guest. Aside from the fact that Jakob has studied and practiced the dharma for many years, he is delightful to hang out with. We are going to learn a lot from him and have fun, I suspect!
Love,
Elizabeth
Open Question Live Conversation: The Two Truths with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel and Jakob Leschly
Registration is open for our next Open Question Live Conversation “The Two Truths” with Elizabeth and Jakob Leschly on Saturday, October 7 at 10AM-12PM USA MT. Broadcast via Zoom in English with Portuguese simulcast translation.
“The Two Truths” is one of the most essential topics of the Middle Way tradition. Jakob Leschly returns as Elizabeth’s guest on OQ LIVE to help illuminate this subject with his characteristic lightness and humor.
Jakob is a Tibetan translator and meditator known for his skill in clearly communicating philosophical insights. He has studied with some of the greatest Vajrayajna masters of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, including Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Dudjom Rinpoche, and Kangyur Rinpoche. Since the 1990s he has served as an instructor for Siddhartha's Intent, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s Dharma organization.
Cost: $25 for Livestream via Zoom and recordings. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Open Question Podcast Episode 404
The Self: When Does Bread Become Toast?
In previous episodes we engaged in the liberating practice of looking and not finding, as we searched for something singular or independent. In this episode, Elizabeth explores the topic of permanence - the 3rd in this triad of classical Middle Way inquiries.
Elizabeth drops back into her grandmother’s kitchen as she takes us on a tour of the nature of time, what it might mean to ‘live in the moment,’ and the difference between impermanence and emptiness. The episode ends with instructions from Nagarjuna himself!
[Recordings]: Open Question Live Conversation: The Liberating Practice of Looking and Not Finding with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel & Andy Karr
Recordings are available for those who registered! “The Liberating Practice of Looking and Not Finding” with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel and Andy Karr.
If you registered for this August 19 event, you have received your access code to view for free (English & Portuguese simulcast translation).
Every Bodhi Podcast with Dungse Jampal Norbu
eB 128 – Self-Discovery
Jampal Norbu examines the 22nd verse of Lojong: “You have reached proficiency if you can practice even while distracted.” Transforming self concern into care for others is the core of Buddhist meditation. How then do we gauge our progress on that path? The key lies in self reflection, which makes meditation possible. With a strong foundation of self reflection, our practice is available even when we find ourselves caught by life’s distracting circumstances.