Live Sessions: Sept 23, 30, Oct 20, Nov 3, 17 & Dec 1

In times of the pandemic, worldwide environmental destruction and social disintegration, one can easily be overcome by feelings of disconnection, helplessness, resignation and paralysis. The poem entitled The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva, by the 14th-century monk Ngulchu Thogme Sangpo, provides clear insights on how to work with such challenges and turn around seemingly intractable situations. It points to the skillful means that bring us the strength of heart to work with difficult circumstances while being of benefit to others.

Talk Outline:

Talk One: How not to Lose Heart in Desperate Situations

Talk Two: Working with Resentment and Anger: What to Do about Enemies

Talk Three: Sensual Pleasure and Enjoyment without Getting Addicted

Talk Four : Dream, Illusion and Reality – The Hidden Door to the Nature of Mind

Talk Five : From Poverty to Wealth – The Power of Giving and Ethics and Virtue as a Way to Inner Freedom

Talk Six: Reactive Patterns and Tight Situations: Patience as a Healing Agent. Final comments.

Each live session will include a 30 to 40-minute talk, and 30 to 45 minutes set aside for exchanges and discussions. Part of each session will also be dedicated to guided exercises and meditations. Study questions will be provided to give the opportunity to reflect on the contents of each talk.

Course readings will be chosen from:

The Heart of Compassion by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Or in French: “Au coeur de la compassion,” editions Padmakara 2008

Reflections on Silver River by Ken McLeod (Can also be downloaded for free)

The 37 Practices of Bodhisattva Commentary by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche

Translations which can be downloaded for free:

Ken Mc Leod’s translation on his website, Unfettered Mind:

https://unfetteredmind.org/37-practices-of-a-bodhisattva/ 

Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtsos commentary:

https://dharmaebooks.org/thirty-seven-practices-bodhisattva/ 

The Lotsawa House translation:

www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/gyalse-thogme-zangpo/37-practices-all-bodhisattvas

About the Teacher

Mathias Pongracz has been a student of Chogyam Trungpa Rinoche since1983 and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche since 1991. He was also student of Kobun Chino Roshi. He teaches primarily in Austria, Hungary, Czechia, Belgium, and France.