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 will use 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?
PROGRAM DETAILS & LOCATION
Elizabeth will provide an introduction to Buddhism on Friday evening.
Saturday and Sunday will be three talks on bearing witness. Each session will include lively discourse, guided meditation, and Q&A.
The event will be hosted both in-person and online.
In-Person Location
Wat Dhamma Bhavanna Buddhist Center
3840 O’Malley Road
Anchorage, AK 99507
SCHEDULE & PRICING
Please note: Times are in Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT).
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Introduction to Buddhism: Cultivating Well-being in Turbulent Times
Friday, June 13th
6:30-8:00pm
By donation
Awakening the Heart and Mind Through the Practice of Bearing Witness
Saturday, June 14th
10:00am-12:00pm
2:00-4:00pm
Sunday, June 15th
10:00am-12:00pm
In-Person $75 for weekend or $25 per talk
Online $50
*No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
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.
We look forward to having you join us for this special weekend of teachings.