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.

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>

Read our New Middle Way Center Mission Statement >

SCROLL DOWN to see our current list of upcoming Classes & Events with occasional listings from other local and visiting teachers. Or “CLICK HERE” to view the complete and detailed calendar of events with latest additions or last minute schedule changes on our online calendar >

The recordings from Lama Marut’s Global Buddhism and Inclusive Buddhism are Now Available for Online Listening or Download > Thank you Lama Marut for your recent “Inclusive Buddhism” online talk! We look forward to the next installment “Pragmatic Buddhism” on May 18th! (See below for more details)

May 17th thru 19th (Frid, Sat, Sun) Dr. Winston McCullough will be presenting in Sacramento if you wish to attend those talks. Learn More >

Practical Buddhism

Internet Talk with Sumati Marut

This Saturday, May 18, 2013, 6pm (Local Reno Time) via Live Internet Feed

This session will be be held at Beverle Deerfoot’s home (not at Diamond Heart) and will be starting promptly at 6pm local time, so please come a little early.
If you don’t know where Beverle lives, please send an email to Blair for address and map (blair@integrismarketing.com)

The next teaching from Lama Marut is coming in May and is entitled “Practical Buddhism.” The talk will be followed by a LIve Q&A session via internet chat and video feed.

In this, the third of three internet talks, using a new video streaming technology to improve feed quality, to the seven Middle Way Centers around the world, Lama Marut addresses the question of how we can make the the spiritual teachings of Buddhism accessible  and relevant to people in the modern world — Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.

Specific topics in this talk will include:

• Translating the teachings into ordinary English and avoiding foreign, esoteric, and overly sectarian terminology
• Applying the teachings to every aspect of our everyday lives and not keeping them quarantined from the reality we live in
• Acknowledging the equality of men and women and emphasizing a householder rather than a monastic orientation
• Centering our practice on the here and now rather than fixating on the supernatural or other-worldly goals
• Taking personal responsibility for our own practice and for our relationship with our teachers

Other centers times and dates:

• 6pm, May 18, Los Angeles
• 7pm, May 18, Saskatoon
• 8pm, May 18, Nashville
• 9pm, May 18, Cape Ann
• 11pm, May 19, Melbourne
• 9pm, May 19, Singapore

“Living the Lifestyle of a Yogi”

Visiting Teachers Claire & Darin

Please join us for an evening event with Claire Thompson and Darin McFadyen for an exploration of advices from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika on how to put the love, unity and connectedness you feel on the dance floor into practice in your life.

• When: Monday May 20th
• Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
• Location: The New Diamond Heart
• Donation: $10

Download Flyer Here >

PLUS on Sunday in Reno with Claire and Darin:

International DJ/ Music Producer FreQ Nasty, a yoga practitioner for 13 years, and his partner Yoga/Meditation teacher Claire Thompson offer an engaging and interactive workshop on the ecstatic, life-changing experiences people have with music, Yoga and the dancefloor.  The 3 hour Yoga of Bass workshop combines philosophy and discussion with a vibrant yoga asana and free movement class set to a specially sculpted bass-oriented DJ set by Atmaspheric, FreQ’s downtempo alter-ego.  Then keep the dancing going as Darin spins a Dub Kirtan DJ set, featuring exclusive music from the  Dub Kirtan All Stars.
Beats – Bass – Chant – Dance:

• www.DubKirtan.com
• www.yogaofbass.com
• https://www.facebook.com/events/520643814659912

Study Group ”Spiritual Renegade”

“Spiritual Renegades Guide to the Good Life” Book Study Group Getting Started!

Have you read Lama Marut’s new book from last summer?
Have you read it and want to explore the implications with others?

Join Sara Johnson, Kimberly Hoole and Jenna O’Neil in an informal setting to discuss the topics put forward in the book and look at relevant application to our lives.

Here is a link for the book:
“A Spiritual Renegade’s Guide to the Good Life”

Details:

• 3rd Monday of the month starting June 17th
  (no session in July and resume in August)
• Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
• Location: TBA (details coming soon)

For more information please contact Jenna at ladyjbo@gmail.com

Monthly ”Peace Meditation”

Coming very soon!

Based on the Maitreya Project’s Guided “Peace Meditation” format, these sessions will be held on a regular date and time on an ongoing basis.

From the Flyer:
Many of us are looking for ways to contribute to world peace and to heal the earth. The style of meditation we will use is a simple method for leading people of every faith and philosophy, to the very heart of loving-kindness, which is the root cause of peace and happiness.

Loving-kindness is the only real cause of peace. The attitude of loving-kindness generates peace in the individual, which in turn creates peace in the family, peace in the community, peace within thenation, and in turn, peace within the world. The Maitreya Peace Meditation is a practical method by which anyone, with or without a religious inclination, can generate loving-kindness.

More info, dates, times and final flyer to be announced soon!

ACI Course 12

A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, Part III, Level 5 of the Middle Way Philosophy

Starting Thursday, May 2, 2013 from 6:15pm to 8:15pm for 11 consecutive weeks.

The last in the three course study of Master Shantideva’s extraordinary text from 700 AD, aided by the commentary by Gyaltsab Je, circa 1400 AD, and covers the magnificent Ninth Chapter of the Guide, which is an exquisite text on emptiness. Topics to be covered are the Perfection of Wisdom, how to perceive emptiness directly, proofs of emptiness, the two truths, the nature of ultimate reality, and how to reach nirvana and enlightenment. This text delivers!

Suggested donation is $10 per session – no one turned away for lack of funds.

Paths to Happiness — Study Group

Join Us The 1st Monday of Each Month at Diamond Heart!

Next class is Monday, May 6, 2013, (this session will be held at the new Diamond Heart location-1055 W. Plumb Ln, #202, Reno) with optional yoga for all levels starting at 6:00 and discussion starting at 7:00pm.  This month we will begin the exploration of the sixth path, Virtue.  We all have a propensity for, and talents in certain positive character traits, which we’ll refer to as our virtues.  We’ll be discussing how to identify and enhance our particular strengths or virtues and use them for optimal benefit for ourselves and others.

This course started in June 4, 2012 but OK to join anytime! The Paths to Happiness, as taught by Dr. Winston McCullough, integrates modern psychology research with ancient eastern spiritual wisdom and philosophy to reveal how true happiness is an actual possibility for everyone. This interactive series will follow Dr. Winston’s on-going teachings and research using readings with discussion of numerous contemporary psychology books, as well as guided meditations to examine the genuine causes of happiness.
• No prior knowledge or experience needed
• By donation only (No one turned away due to lack of funds)

For more info contact the program facilitators:
• Tassy Class 775-250-8444
• Ed Kingham 775-267-9443

Meditate!

Join Molly Dahl at Diamond Heart

Feeling Down? Need a lift or some peace? Join Us!

Designed to be casual, fun and related to your life, this meditation is like no other. Low key and still something you can use in your day to day life and also enjoy! So if you want to learn the basics of meditation, have questions or just want to chill with great people and get some feedback on your meditation practice this is a great way to get engaged and have some fun. Bring your friends or family!

Suggested dontation: $10 (No one turned away due to lack of funds)

Download Print Ready Flyer Here >

Vinyasa Slow Flow with Jole

Come join one of our newt yoga teacher, Jole, for a slow and meditative vinyasa flow that can incorporate challenging poses. Jole emphasizes building strength and flexibility together, using the breath as a tool to observe internally. Please come for an adventure inside where we can all grow together. Photo and Flyer coming soon!

Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
$12 drop in

 

A Special Monthly Yoga

Yoga Nidra - The Yoga of Deep Relaxation

First Sunday of the Month
10am to 11:30am

The busier we are, the more our bodies and our minds crave a deep, rejuvenating relaxation. This branch of yoga allows us just that!

You’ll be in savasana, the relaxation posture, for just over an hour. A guided meditation will take your mind and deep consciousness into deeper and deeper states of relaxation, all the while your awarness is present, not sleeping.

It’s delicious.

Please bring a blanket.
Maybe a pillow if you’d if like.

$12 drop-in fee.

Download the Flyer Here >

Local Community Group Needs Our Help

“We Care Volunteers”

Amber Dobson feeds the homeless of Reno every Monday through Thursday at 7:15 pm in the parking lot of the Community Assistance Center at 4th and Record Streets. She cooks and provides a hot meal with her own resources along with donations from the Reno volunteer community. There are at least 200 hungry souls each night and often the number climbs to over 300 during the summer months.

There is now a food collection bin at Diamond Heart in hopes that our Sangha can fill it up with some of the many items that she needs. Since Connie Klooster helps out once a week, it is easy for her to deliver these donations to Amber. If you prefer a cash donation, that is always welcome as well. Thank you for your contribution!!

For more information contact Connie Klooster at 775-830-5118
Or Visit We Care Volunteers Online 

Non-perishable food items for drop off at Diamond Heart include but are not limited to:

• Canned Vegetables, Fruits
• Spaghetti Sauce in a Jar & Dry Noodles or Rice
• Canned Soups, Chili, or Beans / Legumes
• Bottled Salad Dressing

You can also show up at Record St., and help out in any way you can (M-TH 7:15pm). This is not only a great way to give, but you can observe the making of a real-life Bodhisattva (Amber). Sweet!!

To quote Lama Marut “Don’t be a Buddhist… Be a Buddha!”

Heart to Heart Sewing

Meets every other Sunday at Diamond Heart, from 1:00 to 3:00. Diane with the help of others 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 dates and more information please see the Diamond Heart Calendar use the contact form or call (775-857-6745) and leave a message.

 

“Sunday Hour” with Sarah J.

(On Hold Until Until Sarah gives a new start-up date! Hopefully soon!)

Join Sarah for her “Sunday Hour” that explores a variety of topics in a casual and supportive environment. Got questions? Bring those too! Topics for next 6 Sundays include:

• Happiness: How to really get some satisfaction!
• Deep Relaxation: (To be taught by Molly Dahl)
• Doubt: Dropping the perfection problem
• Obstacles: Seek and destroy mission
• Your Amazing Life: Finding yourself on vacation!
• Finding your Teacher: From First Grade On

Bring a Friend! These sessions are FREE! (but of course donations are gladly accepted)

 

Other Upcoming Events in the Planning Stage

Friday Night Dharma Talks, Peace Meditation, Fun 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 ourOnline 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 Vajramudra in Cape An, MA, is sponsoring two retreat houses specially selected for their suitability as quiet refuges.

Read more here >

The Diamond Heart center of Reno is a volunteer organization dedicated to the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism in the Gelukpa tradition as well as other authentic spiritual traditions and practices that support the realization of a true and ultimate happiness. Our spiritual director is Venerable Sumati Marut. Thank you for your support and interest and please feel free to contact us with any questions!

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 Formal Study Course 8

(Level two of Higher Knowledge, Abhidharma)

"Death and the realms of Existence "

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?)

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

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 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.

?

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 >

Lady Niguma lived in India about a thousand years ago. She was the partner of Master Naropa, the yogi who brought yoga to Tibet around in the eleventh century. She was, herself, a very accomplished yogini. She designed a yoga practice to remove the stress and trouble of modern life.

Her yoga, called machine of the body in Tibet (trulkor), is unique in that the asana is described as a method for enlightenment. It works at the level of the emotions — in the subtle body — the place where the prana (called lung ["loong"] in Tibetan] flows. Her yoga works to open the chakras in the body, creating the climate for happiness.

Lady Niguma’s yoga purifies the mind and the body. Working from muladhara chakra (at the root/perineum) up to mahasukha chakra (at the crown of the head), each knot in the subtle body is loosened and stretched so that constricted prana can be released from the side channels (ida and pingala nadi) and flow in the central channel (sushumna nadi).

We regularly practice Lady Niguma’s yoga at Diamond Heart Center (ACI-Reno). Please contact email Lora Rose through our contact form or call (775) 544-7165 for more information on our yoga program including Lady Niguma’s yoga.

More About Lady Niguma Yoga

There are written records of yoga postures (asana) in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and other later texts, however, Lady Niguma wrote her yoga asana one thousand years ago. It is the oldest known written yoga asana. The Yoga Sutra, written ~250 A.D., is a text on yoga philosophy; it doesn’t include any reference to specific poses (asanas).

Teachings on Lady Niguma’s yoga (audio and written materials) can be found at The Knowledge Base.