ACI Reno Diamond Heart Center, Reno, Nevada

ACI 3 – Meditation

dylanadmin — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 04:47:30 +0000

This Course is based upon the Prayer of Samantbhadra, as taught by Buddha, as well as sections of the Great Book of the Steps to Buddhahood (Lamrim Chenmo) by Je Tsongkapa (1357-1419).
Dates: Every Monday Evening starting on Jan 16, 2011 (10 sessions)
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: ACI Reno, Diamond Heart Center
Instructor: Molly Dahl
Registration & Information: 775-313-7493
Course Flier: ACI course 3 flier

There are no prerequisites for attendance, and homeworks, quizzes and final for this course are highly recommended, but are not required.
Taught by Molly Dahl. Please call Molly at 775-313-7493 for more information. Pre registration is appreciated.
There is a suggested donation of $10 per class for this course; no one will be turned away for inability to pay. Dharma is always free. Your donation helps support Diamond Heart Center and teaching expenses.

Molly Dahl has been studying Tibetan Buddhism with several teachers over the last 3 years. She has studied the open teachings with Geshe Michael Roach and Lama Sumati Marut. She is currently studying the advanced teachings with Lamas Brandy and David Fishman. Recently, she has become fascinated with the study of Positive Psychology with Dr. Winston McCullough, Tibetan Buddhist scholar and Psychology professor at Oregon State University.

The 18 courses of the Asian Classics Institute were compiled and translated by Geshe Michael Roach from his 20 years of training in the Gelupka tradition of Tibetan Buddhism (the lineage of the Dalai Lamas), in monasteries in India and with his teacher Khen Rinpoche. Free online courses are available at The Knowledge Base or the Asian Classics Institute.)

Growing up ~ A Special Teaching by Dr. Winston McCullough

dylanadmin — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:11:39 +0000

Growing Up
How to Realize Genuine Happiness

Discover proven methods for achieving deep and true well being, based on 21st century research from Positive Psychology and insights from ancient wisdom traditions East and West.

Dr. Winston McCullough, a professor of Comparitive Religion and Psychology at Oregon State University is an international teacher of spiritual philosophy. Widely recognized for his understanding of Tibetan Buddhism Practice and Modern Psychology, he brings a fresh modern voice to ancient wisdom.

Dates: Friday, December 9th (Thank you Lama Winston for a great teaching!)
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: ACI Reno, Diamond Heart Center
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation

Instructor: Dr. Winston McCullough
Registration & Information: 775-857-6745

RSVP on Facebook Here
Course Flier: Growing up Flier>

Offering Yoga, Dharma, Wisdom and Meditation Study Classes and events for the Reno, Sparks and Lake Tahoe areas

Blair — Sun, 08 May 2011 22:05:35 +0000

Below is our current list of upcoming Classes & Events for the ACI Reno Diamond Heart Center
with occasional listings from other ACI Centers.

View the complete and detailed calendar of events with latest additions or last minute schedule changes here >

Start Your Meditation on Fire!

Taught by Molly Dahl. Please call Molly at 775-313-7493 for more information. Pre registration is appreciated.

There is a suggested donation of $10 per class for this course; no one will be turned away for inability to pay. Dharma is always free. Your donation helps support Diamond Heart Center and teaching expenses.

Book Discussion Group Starting Up

Class/Event Description: An informal group to discuss the book: Authentic Happiness Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment by Martin Seligman, Ph.D. Participants are asked to read to page 83 for the first meeting. Mark any passages you would like to discuss. There are no prerequisites for participating in this class.

Facilitated by Tassy

Cost: Free or Love Donation to Center

Class Times: 6-7:30pm
Session Dates: Mar 6, 20, 27 (Tuesday Evenings)

Ending Date: Mar 27

Number of sessions: 3 (No class on March 13th)

"Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism"

An exploration of the foundation of Tibetan Buddhism in words we can understand…

(Dharma Essentials I)

Class Dates: Sundays, Feb 26, Mar. 4th, 11th & 18th

6-8pm

Taught by Blair

"Dharma Essentials" — everything you need to know to begin, renew, or enhance your spiritual life! (no matter your spiritual tradition)

A 4-week introduction to the teachings Tibetan Buddhism, why it is important, how to use it our lives and how we can incorporate it into an authentic spiritual practice. Information will be shared not only through the lens of Tibetan Buddhism but other spiritual traditions, as well as via a "common sense" approach to dealing with this ancient teaching.

The Dharma Essentials Courses provide "essential" versions of the 18 ACI Formal Study Courses for those who just want the "bottom line" or do not have the time for the full Formal Study Course. Each Dharma Essentials Course consists of four classes of oral instruction and assumes no previous background in Buddhism. Each class is based on a few pages of reading from the original texts (often translated from the Tibetan for the first time).

Unlike the Formal Study Courses, Dharma Essentials Courses require no homeworks, quizzes, or final examination. Each class comes with a fifteen minute per day recommended meditation assignment that corresponds to the material covered in that class and is designed to help your spiritual practice and improve your life and your enjoyment of that life.

Requested Donation: $10 (All proceeds benefit ACI Reno Diamond Heart Center)

(Note: This is an ongoing series and will eventually cover all 15 of the Dharma Essential courses)

For inquiries please contact: 775-857-6745

Tibetan: Melts in Your Mind, Not your Hands

Come enjoy an informal and fun atmosphere (with Chocolate) in the company of others as we lovingly and playfully expand our understanding of key Tibetan words that are used throughout the ACI Formal Courses (with a few Sanskrit terms mixed in for good measure). We will also be looking at some of the major "lists" that consistently come up in our dharma studies (6 Perfections, 8 Worldly Thoughts, 6 Kinds of Suffering vs the 3 Kinds of Suffering, 10 Qualities of a Qualified Lama, and more!). Recommend that students bring a stack of 4×6 or 3×5 note cards or other materials that will aid them in their studies efforts. Class has no grades and no homework and is entirely self-directed.

Lead by Betsy

Cost: Free or Love Offering for Center

Class Time(s): 6:30-7:30 pm

Starting Date: Feb 17th

Ending Date: April 27th

Number of sessions: 6, every other Friday, NO class March 16th

Class Requirements: None

ACI Formal Study Course 8

(Level two of Higher Knowledge, Abhidharma)

"Death and the realms of Existence "

NOTE: No Class on December 8 and December 22.

Welcome to the Star Trek of the ACI course series! This is one of the most fascinating of all the courses, taking us on a journey through all the different realms of existence and the kinds of beings that reside in each realm (think of that famous bar scene in Star Wars!) and what causes rebirth in such realms. In addition we will look at how world systems form, evolve and are destroyed, what eons are, and where we might be right now in that vast order. We will also explore some principles of karma, and the nature of the bardo state, the state in between death and rebirth and how to influence that in your present life.

This Course is based upon the Treasure House of Higher Knowledge (Abhidharma Kosha) by Master Vasubandhu (350 AD), along with its commentary by the First Dalai Lama, as well as sections of the Great Book of the Steps to Buddhahood (Lamrim Chenmo) by Je Tsongkapa (1357-1419).

Dates: Every Thursday Evening starting on Nov 10, 2011 (11 sessions)
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: ACI Reno, Diamond Heart Center
Instructor: Beverle Deerfoot
Registration & Information: 775-848-2158
Course Flier: ACI course 8 Flier >

There are no prerequisites for attendance, and homeworks, quizzes and final for this course are highly recommended, but are not required.

Taught by Beverle Deerfoot. Please call Beverle at 775-848-2158 for more information. Pre registration is appreciated.

(Beverle Deerfoot has completed the 18 courses of the open teachings (The 18 ACI Formal Study Courses) and the 18 courses of the higher teachings, under the guidance of her teacher, Lama Sumati Marut.

Yoga Classes 2x a Week at Diamond Heart!

Wednesday Evenings Gentle Yoga, 6:00pm with Molly: All levels welcome!

Bring your yoga mat and enjoy a mid-week break from all your stress!

Friday Morning, 9:30am to 11am with Tracy

Start your Friday on the right foot with an energizing yoga practice with Tracy Daynes. Some mats available at the studio.

Heart to Heart Sewing

A new offering at Diamond Heart… HEART TO HEART SEWING – Begins Sunday, November 13th from 1:00 to 3:00. Betsy and Diane will be sewing britches and sundresses for children in Africa. If you would like to join us, please bring your own portable sewing machine, an extension cord, and a folding card table. If you do not know how to sew there will be other duties available, such as cutting out material from patterns, pressing, and hand stitching. For more information please use the contact form or call the ACI Reno phone number (775-857-6745) and leave a message.

Come and discuss spirituality while learning to knit. All skill levels welcome. Never knitted before? We will teach and inspire you. Please bring a pair of large knitting needles (#13 or 15) and a skein of super bulky yarn.

Knitting From The Heart

Come chat about dharma, learn to knit or just bring a smile and enjoy some nice company!
Classes on available select Saturdays from 11:00-1:00, check calendar for specific dates
Location: ACI Reno, Diamond Heart Center
Instructor: Karen Sabo
Donations gladly accepted.
Call 775-351-5477 for more information.

Other Upcoming Events in the Planning Stage

Friday Night Dharma Talks, Activities & Presentations!

We are continuing to make efforts to begin having Dharma and Dharma related events every Friday evening at the Center featuring local Sangha members presenting various topics. Watch for details soon on our Blog, Online Calendar, and Facebook and eblasts.

Retreat Facilities Now Available
to all Lineage Students

Recognizing that retreat time is essential for spiritual health and spiritual progress, our sister sangha ACI-Cape Ann, is sponsoring two retreat houses specially selected for their suitability as quiet refuges.

ACI Reno Open House

Blair — Sun, 08 May 2011 19:41:03 +0000

Please join us for our First Annual Dharma-Q Open House Celebration!

May 21, 2011 ~ Starts at 10am with classes and events all day long!

Hey Dharma Friends!

If you or a friend are curious about how yoga, meditation or spirituality might improve your life, or want to see the changes at ACI Reno or just want to hang out with some dharma folks, please come join us at Diamond Heart Center for some, or all of our events on May 21, 2011 from 10:00am to 8:00pm. Meet and socialize with some of our members, participate in short classes, enjoy some food and fine spring weather, and sway with the sounds of “The Tods.” (David Newman’s band).

Did we mention the FREE Raffle and BBQ???

Here is the schedule of events for the day…

10:00-11:00 Yoga for Kids / Art for Kids
(Parents welcome to watch or join in)
11:30-12:30 Tibetan Heart Yoga
1:00-3:00 Music / Dancing with “The Tods”
3:15-3:45 A Spiritual Life: Why and How
4:00-4:30 Meditation Class
4:45-5:15 You Can Change the Past
5:30-6:30 Partner Yoga

Everyone can enter the drawing for great FREE PRIZES:

Skagen Watch & Garden Statuary
Yoga Classes & Private Meditation Session
Reiki Session, Swedish Massage
Health and Beauty Treatments
Dharma Recordings and Books
And much more!

Location: ACI Reno, Diamond Heart Center
More Information Call: (775) 848-2158

Please download the flyer and put on your favorite bulletin board and share with friends >

ACI Course 8

Blair — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:55:17 +0000

ACI Formal Study Course 8

(Level two of Higher Knowledge, Abhidharma)

“Death and the realms of Existence ”

There are no prerequisites for attendance, and homeworks, quizzes and final for this course are highly recommended, but are not required.

Taught by Beverle Deerfoot

Please call Beverle at 775-848-2158 for more information. Pre registration is appreciated.

Beverle Deerfoot has completed the 18 courses of the open teachings (The 18 ACI Formal Study Courses) and the 18 courses of the higher teachings, under the guidance of her teacher, Lama Sumati Marut.

Lama Marut Podcasts… always amazing

Blair — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 23:34:01 +0000

Hi Everyone… Just a quick note. Our dear Lama Marut has given many, many precious teachings over the years that speak to a wide audience no matter the tradition or path they follow. We decided it would be a good idea to share them with you, our wonderful friends both near and far…

Here is the most recent one:

A Lama Marut Podcast: We’re not happy because we’re ignorant, but ignorance is not not-knowing… it is false knowledge. Lama Marut looks to the first teaching that The Buddha did for the answer to how to be happy. Listen to the MP3 or download: http://ow.ly/4esLP

Enjoy! You can also sign-up to receive more of his podcasts at www.LamaMarut.org. We will post more of these over time.

And remember to “Be Happy!” (with wisdom of course).. because how you can help others unless there is joy in your heart and an attitude of kindness? (Whoever heard of a bummed out Buddha anyway?)

3 Year Retreat Needs Help – Water Supply Emergency

Blair — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:27:42 +0000

Due to record-breaking cold weather at Diamond Mountain, there has been a disastrous failure of the water system which has only temporarily been repaired. Please watch the video requesting support from Geshe Michael Roach and if you are able to help with either time, resources or funds, please visit their website <http://retreat4peace.org/> and communication directly with them or make a financial donation at their donation page (please use the drop down menu on the donate page to select the “water emergency” option.

From Diamond Mountain:

Please donate now to help us repair the retreat water system. Choose “Water emergency” from the drop-down menu on the donations page.

Watch the video on YouTube: Geshe Michael Roach on the Diamond Mountain Water Emergency

The Divine Body at Play

Blair — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 05:11:58 +0000

A Buddha is the ultimate artist. Their creations are continuous, spontaneous, compassionate and filled with deep joy. This unique series of classes offers spiritually-minded people comprehensive and powerful tools, from authentic Buddhist and Yogic traditions, to release and realize the creative forces in their lives.

Thank you to our teachers Mira Kingsley and Brian Reid for a wonderful weekend workshop on living life as a work of art.

Downloadable audio files from the classes:

Enlightened Rest

4 Bodies of a Buddha: Dharmakaya

4 Bodies of a Buddha: Rupakaya

4 Assassin’s of the Artist’s Ego

Yoga Nidra

Readings from the classes:

Enlightened Rest

4 Bodies of a Buddha

Extra Goodies

About Mira Kingsley

Mira’s practice of Mahayana Buddhism has been guided by her Teacher, Venerable Sumati Marut. Under his tutelage, Mira has taken the foundational and higher vows of the Mahayana tradition and completed the 36 open and advanced courses of the Asian Classics Institute (ACI) curriculum. Mira currently teaches Dharma at Mahasukha Center in LA and in Santa Barbara, where she also serves as a Professor of Dance at UC-Santa Barbara. She has been teaching yoga and dance as a sacred art around the U.S and internationally for over a decade. As a dancer, Mira has been performing professionally since the age of 12 and has worked on prestigious stages nationwide. Her work as an artist focuses on the compelling relationship between the performing arts and spiritual practice.

About Brian Reid

Brian has completed the 36 open and advanced courses of the Asian Classics Institute (ACI) under the guidance of his Heart Teacher, Venerable Sumati Marut. He has happily taken the foundational and higher vows of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. Brian serves as a Board member of ACI-LA and Marketing Director of Mahasukha Center, where he teaches Dharma and meditation. As an artist, Brian is a published author and professional actor, who has worked at acclaimed theaters in NYC, LA, Chicago, Boston and London. His film and TV credits include Grey’s Anatomy, Law & Order and many others.

ACI Cape Ann offering Retreat Houses to Lineage Students

Blair — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 18:16:18 +0000

From the ACI Cape Ann Sangha…

ACI Cape Ann Retreat House 1

Retreat Facilities Now Available to all Lineage Students

Recognizing that retreat time is essential for spiritual health and spiritual progress, ACI-Cape Ann is sponsoring two retreat houses specially selected for their suitability as quiet refuges.

For pictures and descriptions of the retreat facilities will give you information to help your decision-making process, please download our PDF Retreat House information sheet.

ACI Cape Ann Retreat House 2

To submit an application for a retreat, please fill out this PDF application form and email it to retreat@aci-capeann.org.

Those considering retreat will find helpful information at AWAKENING JOURNAL. This journal reveals how personal retreats can create peace, quiet and perspective in your life. Provides you with the resources, knowledge and inspiration to take some personal time to get to know who you truly are, what you want to change about your life and how to make those changes.

For more Retreat Housing information visit our sister Sangha, ACI Cape Ann.

ACI Reno, Diamond Heart Center New Website Goes Live!

Blair — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:39:48 +0000

Time to Celebrate the Launch of the New ACI Reno Website!

Just a quick exuberant post celebrating the launch of the new ACI Website!

A BIG “Thank You!” to everyone who participated, reviewed, approved, supported, made effort and eagerly awaited the culmination of the effort. Truly it was a team effort and will become the hub of information about all the classes and events that grace the Diamond Heart Center.

And we would like to specifically thank Lama Marut for his “gentle leadership” that put us on the road to this website and the creation of the center. Thank you!

If you would like to stay up-to-date with the comings and goings of the ACI Reno, Diamond Heart Center, please sign up for our email newsletters. To see a copy of the current newsletter here >