Bodhi Path Buddhist Center
Chicago, Illinois USA
4043 N. Ravenswood Ave, #214
Chicago, IL 60613 USA
Tel: 773-251-1245

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Events

Please watch this space for information on upcoming events. You can also subscribe to our mailing list to stay informed.


Finding Happiness Through Action:
A Practical Overview of Buddhist Ethics in Everyday Life
Dharma Teacher Rachel Parrish
Teaching the weekend of May 16 - 18, 2008

Friday, May 16, 7:30-9:30pm
Saturday, May 17, 10am-Noon and 2pm-4pm
Sunday, May 18, 10am-Noon and 2pm-4pm

Rachel Parrish, six year retreatant and student of the late Mahamudra master Lama Gendun Rinpoche, will be visiting with us the weekend of May 16 - 18 to teach on the Karma-creating results of our actions as explained by our lineage founder, Gampopa.

Buddhism teaches that all suffering is caused by negative karma and all positive results are caused by virtuous karma. Rachel will discuss the actions of body, speech and mind and how Karma is set in motion by our virtuous and non-virtuous actions. Her presentation will be in accordance with the teachings of Gampopa, the founder of the Bodhi Path lineage, the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Suggested donations:*
$10 Friday evening session
$20 Saturday for both sessions
$20 Sunday for both sessions
$40 Entire three-day program.

* The Suggested Donation covers costs of the program. A voluntary donation for a Teacher’s Gift will be requested separately. Gifts of any amount will be greatly appreciated.

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Coming Soon...

Lobpon Tsering Samdup, teaches on the Jewel Ornament of Liberation (specific topic TBA)
(June/July 2008)

Shangpa Rinpoche teaches on "The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva"
(July/August)

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March 8 - April 2: Dharma Teacher Choepel in Residence

ANNOUNCING A MONTH-LONG VISIT BY DHARMA TEACHER CHOEPEL

DOWNLOAD FLIER

We are very pleased to announce that we will have a "teacher in residence" for the month of March. Dharma teacher Choepel, who last visited us in December, will be offering formal and informal teaching programs at the Chicago from March 9 through April 2.

Choepel is known for his warmth and clarity and for teaching in a way that connects the Dharma to every day life.

During his stay, Choepel will offer a course on Buddhism for Beginners, a seminar on the sutra "Recalling The Qualities of The 3 Jewels", a weekly guided reading and discussion group, and will offer regular guided practice sessions with instruction. Read below for more details.

Schedule is subject to change. Please consult our calendar or join our email list for the latest information.

Buddhism 101
Sundays, 2-4pm and Wednesdays, 8-10pm
March 9 - 26

During his stay, Choepel will offer a weekly seminar on Buddhism for Beginners. If you have been waiting for an opportunity to get acquainted with the Buddhist path (or if you are an experienced practitioner looking to reconnect), this is a wonderful opportunity. Teachings will involve discussion and meditation instruction. Practitioners of all levels will benefit from this seminar.

Weekly topics will include:
* An introduction to the Buddhist Path of Clarity and Kindness
* Being Serene at Stressful Times: What Buddhist Wisdom Can Do for You
* 100 Percent Alive: The Purpose of Buddhist Practice

Beginner classes will meet on Sunday afternoons 2-4pm and will *repeat* on Wednesday evenings, 8-10pm. (Call or email if you want to learn more.)

Suggested Donation:* $10 per session

Seminar on "Recalling The Qualities of The 3 Jewels Sutra"
Saturdays, 1-4pm
March 15, 22, 29

Choepel will teach a three-part seminar drawn from the Bodhi Path Curriculum on a sutra taught by the Buddha and known as "Recalling the Qualities of the 3 Jewels." The Three Jewels– "Buddha" (the Awakened State), "Dharma" (Buddhist teachings), and "Sangha" (the community of realized practitioners)– are the core of the Buddhist path. We rely on them wholeheartedly for inspiration, method and direction in our quest for enlightenment. Join us as we explore the profound virtues of the Three Jewels and deepen our understanding of the magnitude of their importance to our practice.

Teachings will incorporate discussion, question and answer, and meditation instruction. Appropriate for all levels.

Suggested Donation:* $15 per session

Tea, Cookies, Wisdom and Compassion
(or, "Reading, Eating, Discussing, Sitting")
Tuesday Evenings, 8-10pm

We will have a reading group and discussion of Buddhist topics, and exchange about "life on the path." Selected readings "It is Up to You" by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, a simple and straightforward book about Self-Reflection on the Buddhist path. Appropriate for all levels.

Suggested Donation:* Any amount

Guided Practice for Seasoned Practitioners
Thursday Evenings, 8-10pm

For seasoned practitioners, Choepel will provide further instruction and guidance on the 35 Buddhas and Vajrasattva practices, during our regular Thursday evening practice sessions.

Suggested Donation:* Any amount

Additional topics and events may arise... Stay tuned for something spontaneous.

* The Suggested Donation covers costs of the program. A voluntary donation for a Teacher’s Gift will be requested separately. Gifts of any amount will be greatly appreciated.

Jan 30 - Feb 4, 2008: Sabchu Rinpoche

A week of Meditation Teachings
and Empowerment Ceremony
with Ven. 5th Dilyag Sabchu Rinpoche

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Download Flyer (145Kpdf)

Ven. Sabchu Rinpoche Recognized at an early age as an important Buddhist teacher, the 5th Dilyag Tulku Sabchu Rinpoche began rigorous training in higher Buddhist philosophy and traditional meditation practices under the guidance of highly realized teachers from all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He accomplished the traditional three-year retreat, where he received the complete oral transmissions, pith instructions, and tantric empowerments belonging to all four yogas of Tantra. At present, Sabchu Rinpoche travels the globe teaching Buddhist meditation and philosophy. He is fluent in five languages. more about Sabchu Rinpoche

Calm-Abiding Meditation:
In Buddhism, the path to understanding is through meditation. One powerful practice is Shine, or calm abiding meditation. This practice naturally quiets the mind, which gradually leads to insight, understanding and clarity. As the busy, distracting, chatter in the mind subsides, limitless potential is revealed. Join us as Sabchu Rinpoche leads us into this profound practice.
Date and time:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
January 30 through February 1, 2008
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Suggested donation:* $30 for three-day program.

Vajrasattva Teaching and Empowerment Ceremony:
Vajrasattva is an emanation of Buddha representing the purified nature of mind. The Vajrasattva meditation practice provides a powerful method for removing everyday conflicts and confusion that obscure mind’s natural clarity. The empowerment ceremony is a traditional means of connecting to the lineage of practitioners who, since the time of the Buddha, have mastered this technique. (Participants traditionally bring a ceremonial offering, such as flowers, incense, or other gifts. Khatak scarves for sale at center.)
Date and time:
Saturday, February 2, 2008
10 am to noon and 2 to 4 pm
Suggested donation:* $25 for the day

Cultivating Compassionate Living:
The Path of the Bodhisattva
Compassion toward others and oneself is basic to the Buddhist Path. The ideal of compassion is embodied in the Bodhisattva, who resolves to attain enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings. In these teachings Sabchu Rinpoche will explain how to cultivate a compassionate outlook in everyday situations.
Date and time:
Sunday, February 3, 2008, 11 am to 1 pm
Monday, February 4, 2008, 8 pm to 10 pm
Suggested donation:* $20 for two-day program

* Suggested donation covers cost of the program, teacher travel, and operation of the center. A "Teachers Gift" will be requested separately. Teachers are not paid and rely on the generosity of students for support.

December 7-9, 2007: Lama Choepel

Being Fully Alive:
Exploring the Methods of the Buddhist Path
A Weekend Course on the Practice of the 35 Buddhas
with Dharma Teacher Choepel

Friday, December 7th, 7-9pm
Saturday, December 8th, 10-12pm & 2-4pm
Sunday, December 9th, 10-1pm

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Buddhism provides a rich set of methods for developing one's mind and eliminating obstacles to clarity. One of the most widespread and profound methods is the practice of the 35 Buddhas, originally taught by Buddha Shakyamuni himself. Countless practitioners have since then used this practice on their path to enlightenment. The 35 Buddhas practice is particularly timely for today's practitioners. It is both simple and profound, appropriate for beginners as well as advanced practitioners. In this weekend course, Dharma Teacher Choepel will offer a deep understanding of its methods and provide practical advice for its application. Link to 35 Buddhas practice resources

Suggested Donation:*
$10 Friday session
$20 Saturday (both sessions)
$15 Sunday session
$40 for entire program

*A voluntary donation for a “Teacher’s Gift” will be requested separately. Teachers are not paid for their services and rely on the generosity of students for support. The “Suggested Donation” covers costs for the program.
A gift of any amount will be greatly appreciated.

For Information:
http://www.bodhipath.org/chicago/
mailto:chicago@bodhipath.org
773.251.1245

Bodhi Path Karma Kagyu Buddhist Center
Chicago, Illinois USA
4043 N. Ravenswood Ave, Suite 214
Chicago, IL 60613
(Located east of the Metra tracks, between Irving Park and Berteau. Near Metra and Brown Line CTA)
Map & Directions

August 20-21: Lama Tondrup

"Discovering Loving Kindness in a Calm Mind"
A Two Day Meditation Workshop
Monday and Tuesday evenings, 7-10pm

VIEW FLYER (full size) DOWNLOAD FLYER (400K pdf)

Cultivating loving kindness toward others is the foundation of compassionate living and of Buddhist practice in particular. But in order to do this, one needs a calm and stable mind. The practices of Shamatha meditation-- or "calm abiding"-- are at the foundation of all Buddhist practices. By helping us gain mental peace, one-pointed focus, and tranquility, Shamatha helps to unveil the naturally present wisdom and compassion of our own mind. With a calm mind, we can begin to explore techniques for expanding our loving kindness towards others. In this 2-evening meditation workshop, Dharma Teacher Tondrup will address techniques for calming the mind (Shamatha) and mind training (Lojong). Through a combination of discussion and meditation, we will explore how these techniques can help us in a very simple way to discover our mind beyond thoughts, thus giving rise to its inherent loving kindness.

About the Teacher
Born in Germany, Dharma Teacher Tondrup came to meet with the Buddha's teaching at the age of 20 on an extended travel in India. Upon return to Europe he met Lama Gendun Rinpoché and partook in two successive three-year retreats following the inspiration given by this exceptional master. Nowadays he divides his time between further buddhist studies and teaching in centers of the Karma Kagyu lineage.

July 13, 14, 15: Lama Tsony Djungnay

Mind Training: Practical Buddhism
A 3-day Public Seminar

Friday Evening, 7-9pm
Saturday & Sunday, 10am-1pm

We're often unsure how to find resolution when spiritual values confront daily life. Lojong, or mind training, brings resolution by teaching us wisdom, loving kindness and compassion. Lojong's powerful yet practical approach helps us bring these qualities from the meditation cushion into our daily lives, and ultimately leads to enlightenment.

VIEW FLYER (full size)
DOWNLOAD FLYER (300K pdf)

About the Teacher: A Buddhist monk for over 26 years, Lama Tsony completed two traditional 3-year retreats under the guidance of the great meditation master Lama Gendun Rinpoche. Lama Tsony serves as Abbot of Kundruel Ling Monastery in the Auvergne region of France. For the past 15 years, Lama Tsony has taught Buddhism and meditation throughout Europe and the U.S.A. More about Tsony

Suggested Donation:*
$10 per evening class,
$20 per weekend day ($15 for students).
$45 for entire program

*A voluntary donation for a “Teacher’s Gift” will be requested separately. Teachers are not paid for their services and rely on the generosity of students for support. The “Suggested Donation” covers costs for the program.
A gift of any amount will be greatly appreciated.

For Information:
http://www.bodhipath.org/chicago/
mailto:chicago@bodhipath.org
773.251.1245

Bodhi Path Karma Kagyu Buddhist Center
Chicago, Illinois USA
4043 N. Ravenswood Ave, Suite 214
Chicago, IL 60613
(Located east of the Metra tracks, between Irving Park and Berteau. Near Metra and Brown Line CTA)
Map & Directions

June 8, 9, 10: Lobpon Tsering Samdup

Program Schedule:

Friday 7-9pm. Public Lecture: The View and Path of Buddhism

An introduction to the basic practices and philosophy of Buddhism, including meditation instruction. Open to beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

Saturday & Sunday 10-1. The Meaning of Refuge and the Path of the Bodhisattva
According to the Jewel Ornament of Liberation, by Gampopa

In Buddhism, committing to a path of spiritual practice is known as taking refuge, in which one resolves to follow the path of enlightenment. Refuge is the first step on the path of awakening and the gateway to all deeper meditation training. The Bodhisattva is one who, driven by deep compassion toward others, resolves to attain enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings. The path of the Bodhisattva entails cultivating compassion in daily life.

Lobpon Tsering will explain the meaning of the Refuge & Bodhisattva vows as well as the commitments and training they entail, using Gampopa's seminal handbook of the Kagyu Buddhist view and path. These teachings represent the first stages of the Bodhi Path curriculum. All are welcome!

Refuge vows will be available on request


(An excerpt from A System of Practice at Bodhi Path)
To take Refuge means to take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. This is a first and fundamental level of Dharma practice. It acts like a fertilizer. When you want something to grow, first you need some soil, and then the soil has to be fertilized. Similarly, Enlightenment depends on your mind. The path of Dharma has to develop from your mind and your mind has to be purified. Any ignorance of mind has to be cleared away. Therefore, taking Refuge affords you a very important foundation.

About the Teacher: An unusually knowledgeable teacher, Lobpon Tsering holds the degree of Acharya, the equivalent of a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy. The Headmaster of Shri Diwakar Vihara Buddhist Institute in Kalimpong, India, he has taught in Buddhist Colleges in India as well as Karma Kagyu Centers throughout North America and Europe.

February 9-11, 2007: Ven 5th Dilyag Sabchu Rinpoche
Seminar on Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths
and
Grand Opening
Bodhi Path Buddhist Center of Chicago

download flyer (256kb pdf) Many of us are unhappy or vaguely discontent and really don’t understand why. Buddha realized the cause of unhappiness and, more importantly, taught a path for overcoming it. The Four Noble Truths address the origin of our discontent and how to overcome it through meditation and provide the fundamental basis of all forms of Buddhism. Dates and Times: Friday, Feb. 9 Introductory Lecture & Reception 7 to 9 pm. Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 10-11 Lecture & Guided Meditation 10 am-12 noon and 2-4 pm. Bring your lunch or go out for food between sessions. Suggested donation:* $10 per evening class, $40 per weekend day. *A voluntary donation for a “Teacher’s Gift” will be requested separately. Teachers are not paid for their services and rely on the generosity of students for support. The “Suggested Donation” covers costs for the program—air fare, food, etc. A gift of any amount will be greatly appreciated. Chairs and floor cushions are in limited supply. If possible, please bring your own cushion. For more information, contact Matt at 773-251-1245 or EVENT FLYER (click to download)

Sabchu Rinpoche Recognized at an early age as an important Buddhist teacher, Sabchu Rinpoche was ordained at age 5 and completed the full academic training in higher buddhist studies. By age 21 he had accomplished the traditional 3-year meditation retreat. He heads the Karma Raja Maha Vihar Monastery at Swayambunath in Kathmandu, Nepal and now lives in Seattle, teaching Buddhism throughout the US and Asia. more about Sabchu Rinpoche

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