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.
Avalokiteshvara exemplifies the Buddhist practice of bearing witness. In fact, his very name means, “One who does not avert his attention from the needs of beings.” The beauty of life takes his breath away, while conflict, war, and despair evoke in him an intense longing to respond. Avalokiteshvara’s story demonstrates how to navigate life in meaningful, courageous, and compassionate ways.
Elizabeth uses Avalokiteshvara’s story as a basis for personalizing the methods and liberating insight of the bodhisattva path. Does bringing inquisitiveness to our own impediments necessarily have to be painful? Could it be freeing instead? How does this path help us create grace in our lives?
ELIZABETH MATTIS NAMGYEL
Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel has studied and practiced the Buddhadharma for 35 years under the guidance of her root teacher Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. After completing a six-year retreat, she was appointed by Rinpoche to be the Retreat Master of Samten Ling in Crestone, Colorado. She holds degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Buddhist Studies (MA). She teaches throughout the United States, Australia, and Europe and is the author of The Power of an Open Question: The Buddha’s Path to Freedom and The Logic of Faith: A Buddhist Approach to Finding Certainty Beyond Belief and Doubt.
In 2019, Elizabeth established her own nonprofit called the Middle Way Initiative and hosts a regular podcast called The Open Question Podcast.
Visit the MWI website to learn more about her activity, podcasts, books and more.
For questions and/or more information about the program, please contact Amalia Steinberg the Event Coordinator.