INDEPENDENT STUDY WITH ELIZABETH MATTIS NAMGYEL AND THE MIDDLE WAY INITIATIVE

Welcome to The Middle Way Initiative's Independent Study Course
Enrollment is open!

Message from Elizabeth

I have had thoughts about how to create more opportunities for us to dig deeper into the contemplation and study of the Middle Way teachings. I’ve had discussions with our team at MWI, and many have put much thought and effort into creating this course as a support for processing and integrating the material.

I spend a lot of time around horses. When horses process information, they do this interesting thing with their mouths: they seem to be licking and chewing, even though they are not eating. I guess we can call this contemplation! My hope is that this course will be a support for you to “chew on” and digest the teachings.

I am enthusiastic about the course and hope you can use it as a way to continue to open the teachings in a way that is both transformative and enjoyable.

-Elizabeth

 
 

Overview

This independent study course is being offered for free to those who wish to delve deeper into Elizabeth’s teachings on the Middle Way tradition. To participate in this program, one need not be familiar with Buddhism, nor is there any expectation of becoming Buddhist.  

This course provides an overview of crucial topics for engaging one’s heart and mind in profound methods of transformation. This course uses the Buddhist learning model of The Three Wisdoms: hearing, contemplation and meditation.

Course content is based on Elizabeth’s annual teaching themes, which include: 

  • Unit 1:  Sacred World: Through the Eyes of Prajnaparamita

  • Unit 2:  The Self: Walking the Middle Way Path

  • Unit 3:  Faith: Beyond Belief and Doubt

  • Unit 4:  Bodhichitta: Burning with Love in a World We Can’t Fix 

Each of the units provides guidance for working through the material in the form of listening to podcasts, reading sections in Elizabeth’s books, contemplating the teachings through writing and self-reflection, and engaging with guided meditations. Participants in the course may receive invitations to attend Zoom Study Groups with Elizabeth. 

Because this is an independent study course, there is no moderator or instructor. There is an optional private comments blog that allows participants to share their contemplations on the material.

Register for MWI's Independent Study Course

Course Schedule

This Independent Study Course is self-paced. On their own schedule, participants can take time to deeply explore Elizabeth’s teachings on the Buddha’s Middle Way tradition. Once registered, participants will receive the syllabus with detailed study guidance. The suggested time period for each unit is approximately two months.

Registration

Registration for this course is offered free of charge. The Open Question Podcasts in the course are free. After registering for this online course, expect a welcome email with the syllabus and details to get started. 

Some course materials may require purchase such as: 

  • Elizabeth’s books, The Power of an Open Question and The Logic of Faith. 

  • Students are encouraged to attend Elizabeth’s OQ Live Conversations events via Zoom, usually two hours in length. Tickets for these cost $35 but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. 

  • Recordings of past OQ Live Conversations available for rental.

For further questions, contact admin@middlewayinitiative.org

A donation to MWI for this free course is always appreciated.

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