Join us as we explore the function of Buddhist vows and how to take, keep and restore them.   Other topics include taking a Teacher, Karma, The Four Forces of Purification, The Four Truths, and The Six Perfections.

Everyone is welcome, no previous experience with Buddhism is needed.

Dates: Eleven Thursday nights, beginning April 12th

Time: 6-8:00pm

Instructor: Beverle Deerfoot

Download printable flyer here

Suggested Donation: $10

Please call Beverle Deerfoot at (775)848-2158 to register.

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>

Or view the complete and detailed calendar of events with latest additions
or last minute schedule changes her on our online calendar >

What does Morality have to do with mystical experience anyway?

Join us as we explore the function of Buddhist vows and how to take, keep and restore them.   Other topics include taking a Teacher, Karma, The Four Forces of Purification, The Four Truths, and The Six Perfections.

Everyone is welcome, no previous experience with Buddhism is needed.

Dates: Eleven Thursday nights, beginning April 12th
Time: 6-8:00pm
Instructor: Beverle Deerfoot
Download printable flyer here
Suggested Donation: $10

Please call Beverle Deerfoot at (775) 848-2158 to register.

Save the Dates!

May 25th:  Dr. Winston McCullough

Explorations in Radical Optimism

Deconstructing the Ego to Reconstruct the Self 

Isn’t it OK to have a healthy ego? What part of “me” am I trying to give up? And what is this Self, this “something much more expansive, loving and profound” that we’re creating space for?

Reno Evening Discussion
Everyone has a natural tendency to focus on “me” – my body, my feelings and my thoughts. This self-focus has played a critical role in keeping each of us safe, alive and fed.  And in developing our ego construct – the story we tell ourselves about who we are. But, there comes a time when this prioritization of “me” and limited view of “who I think I am” actually get in the way of our personal and spiritual growth.  Join Dr. Winston McCullough as he shares practical, empowering steps to identify and let go of the ego so we can make space for something much more expansive, loving and profound to thrive within.

When: Friday, May 25, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: Diamond Heart (map)
Suggested Donation: $20 (No one turned away due to lack of funds)
Register or more info: please email tracydaynes@sbcglobal.net or call 775-750-2235

Download Flyer Here >

Dr. Winston McCullough Coming to Tahoe too!

Dr. Winston McCullough will also be teaching a 5-Session Memorial Day Weekend Series at Mountain Yoga in South Lake Tahoe!

Learn more about the Tahoe event on the Mountain Yoga Website.

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Lama Marut is Coming to Reno and Lake Tahoe!

May 28th and 29th with Lama Marut At Diamond Heart

• Lama Marut – Special Talk at Diamond Heart
  “Polishing Stones: Finding the Guru in Irritating Persons”
  Monday, May 28, 7-9 pm
  Where: Diamond Heart (map)
  Description: Lama Marut is Back!! One night only at Diamond Heart! Join us for a wonderful evening of teachings on perfecting your practice.
  Suggested donation $20 (No one turned away for lack of funds
• May 29th (Tuesday) 3:00–4:00 pm
  “A Spiritual Renegade’s Guide to the Good Life”
  Sundance Books and Music, 121 California Ave, Reno
  Info: Philip Barry, 775-786-1188, events@sundancebookstore.com
• May 29th (Tuesday) 7:00–9:00 pm
  “Spiritual Renegade’s Guide to the Good Life”
  Unitarian Universalist Church, Neil Road, Reno, NV
  Info: Tassy Class, 775-250-8444, tassyc@gmail.com

A true spiritual practice is for desperados. It’s for rebels and insurrectionists willing to pit themselves against a life defined by perpetual dissatisfaction, egoism, and greed. Come and spend of evening of quality time with Lama Marut as he stops by Diamond Heart to give us some special teachings that are not a part of his book tour presentations.

Download Flyer >

Lama Marut will also be in Lake Tahoe May 30th and 31st!

Visit Mountain Yoga’s website for more information >

• Wednesday, May 30, 2012 | 7:30 – 9:30pm
  Location: Mountain Yoga
  “Bad Story, Good Story, No Story:
  Improving the Inner Monologue as the Spiritual Quest”
• Thursday, May 31, 2012 | 7:00pm
  Location: Lake Tahoe Community College, Aspen Room
  One College Drive South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
  An Evening with Lama Marut
  LTCC Writers Series presents:
  “A Spiritual Renegades Guide to the Good Life”

“Gimme’ Shelter – An Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism”

An exploration of the principles of Buddhist Refuge in words we can understand and concepts we can relate to…

(Dharma Essentials 2)

Class Dates: Sundays,  May. 6th, 20th, (Last two class dates TBD due to other upcoming teachings)

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 some basic elements of 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.

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

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.

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.

Read more here >

Tibetan: Melts in Your Mind, Not your Hands

TEMPORARILY ON HOLD – PLANNING ON STARTING AGAIN IN FALL 2012 

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.

The Asian Classics Institute of Reno is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism in the Gelukpa tradition of the Dalai Lamas. 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.

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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 >