Have you ever asked yourself the questions: "Why do I put so much energy into chasing after happiness, only to be disappointed?" or "Why is it so hard to find peace and contentment?" Buddhism teaches that true freedom and happiness can only be found within, by transforming our own minds. Find out more about this essential truth that the Buddha taught in this weekend course, based on the Four Noble Truths, the first teaching the Buddha gave after his enlightenment.
Who can attend: This program is appropriate for beginners with no prior knowledge of meditation or Buddhist philosophy, and also for more experienced students wanting to deepen their understanding.
Venerable Tenzin Chogkyi became interested in meditation after reading "Be Here Now" and "Autobiography of a Yogi" in the early '70's. For the next 30 years, her spiritual path was meandering and haphazard, and included several dead ends, until she bought a one-way ticket to India in early 1991 with the intention of meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She became a student not only of His Holiness, but also of Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche and Lama Zopa Rinpoche during the year she spent studying at Tushita Retreat Center in Dharamsala and Kopan Monastery. In late 1991, she was asked by Lama Zopa Rinpoche to come back to the US to become the co-director of Vajrapani Institute in California. In 1995, she began working at FPMT International Office, first as co-director and then later as center services coordinator. In early 2000, she began a long, solitary retreat that lasted 6-1/2 years. She became a Tibetan Buddhist nun in 2004. Since emerging from retreat in the summer of 2006, Tenzin Chogkyi has been traveling and teaching worldwide and is known for her clarity, humor and warmth. As of August 2009, in addition to touring, she is based part time at Vajrapani Institute in Boulder Creek, CA.
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