Deer Park Institute

Tuning Fork Film Workshop

2011-12-24T04:01:00.000-08:00

November 26-30, 2011

The Tuning Fork Films workshop took place in the Tara hall on the last week of Nov 2011. There was a total of 21 participants. Most of them were young Indian. The group also had Asians and Europeans.

The workshop was conducted by Ankit, Sachi and Sumit. The daily schedule was packed with little breaks. The first three days where light which was mainly about watching films and learning how to look at it from a film makers point of view. The last two days where the longest and went into the late hours of the night, which made it mentally changeling. There was lots of interaction with the stall and participants mainly cause the staff played lead roles in almost all of the film that were made.

As a part of the practical part of the workshop we had to make our own film with only a day and a half in hand. We were put into groups of four which only made it harder as we all four had different ideas on what the same film should be.

After lots of long hours we managed to come up with films that most of us did not think was possible. A link to the films made by all first time film makers can be found here http://www.youtube.com/user/tuningforkfilms/videos

~Elroy Fernandes

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo ’s teaching – The 4 Noble Truths

2011-12-03T02:10:00.000-08:00

November 12-13, 2011

Recently Tenzin Palmo gave a 2-day Dhamma talk on The Four Noble Truths. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and insightful experience. Her clear, humorous speech was very easy to relate to, but what I liked most about her was that even though she is a Buddhist nun, she came across simply as a fellow human being who is following the spiritual path.
It seems to me that her words are equally applicable to everyone, irrespective of the path one is on; Words of universal truth. Her speech constantly reminded me of the similarities that exist between all paths, that they all lead to the same place, and that we are all searching for the same thing. What a lovely realization.
~Glen Debnam

Jetsunma for me has a way of teaching that communicates to my down to earth human situation, which also touching my true nature. Jetsunma has an ability to bridge and weave what seems to me a big gap between the two.
Thank you, Jetsunma, and may you have a long life.
~ Karen Yuen

Indian Perspectives on Shiksha (Education)

2011-10-17T04:40:00.000-07:00

September 29-October 2, 2011

This four days conference was organized by Deer Park Institute and SIDH (Society for Integrated Development of Himalayas) under the patronage of Samdhong Rinpoche. There were 20 invited educationists and philosophers from different Indian traditions to present their thought and belief systems.

Below are extracts of comments from organizer and participants of the conference:

“Thank you for taking out so much time, traveling a long distance and participating in the conference on "Indian Perspectives in Shiksha (education)" in the beautiful ambiance of the Deer Park Institute at Bir, Himachal Pradesh. For me personally and I am sure for many of us, it was truly an enriching and energizing experience. Even though I was organizing the conference I did not know many of the presenters personally and one is grateful to them for accepting the invitation to come for this unusual conference where "papers" were not read but the proceedings unfolded in a natural manner and the speakers spoke from their experience and from their hearts rather than intellectualizing the deliveries.

The idea behind the conference was to put together different perspectives on Shiksha from different Indian traditions. One understands that perhaps the objective was too lofty to be achieved in one 4 day sitting but it did open up the possibilities for a series of dialogues to take the idea forward. It also gave glimpses of many different directions in which this effort can be taken forward."
~Pawan Gupta
SIDH, Mussoorie

“I think the conference went very well. This conference was mainly to put together the traditional view on education of the various great Indian traditions as well as current efforts making by individuals and groups. For this, we achieved quite substantial information….
Our second effort should be, to find the similarities and dissimilarities among the traditions and more importantly, which are relevant today and how it can be utilize in the present days education process. If one or two research scholars could work on it then there might be some tangible result can bring out from the conference deliberation.”
~Samdhong Rinpoche

“Thanks so much to everybody for an inspiring and illuminating 4 days. As ever Deer Park shines brightly, an awakening gem in an already blessed valley. I am so glad I attended the conference.
One thing the conference showed is that together we can achieve so much. Not by becoming a sort of tasteless khichidi, but rather by inspiring and educating one another so we begin to see and live the big picture beyond narrow compartmentalization, out of our little wells and into the sea.”
~Bhikkhu Sumati, Kabir

“After many years I could disconnect myself from the world outside for at least four days. I can’t precisely recall as to when I experienced, if at all, this kind of serenity and peace, despite my daughter’s indisposition. Rimpoche ji’s presence during this period had a profound impact on me which I can’t explain. I was greatly impressed with his wisdom, composure, humility and a great sense of humors.”
~Mahesh
The Heritage School, Gurgaon

Wisdom Chapter of The Way of The Bodhisattva (August 20-27, 2011)

2011-10-13T01:15:00.000-07:00

By Geshe Dorji Damdul
It is August and the rolling hills of Kangra are covered in dark rain clouds. At Deer Park however there are blessings showering down in the form of Geshe Dorje Damdul’s teachings on the ninth chapter (also known as the ‘Wisdom’ chapter) of “Bodhicharyavatara”, one of the central root texts of Mahayana Buddhism, composed by Acharya Shantideva in the 8th (?) century. Coming from the thirsty plains, one cannot seem to have enough of both the rain and the wisdom!

During the seven day long teachings, Geshe la took one on an amazing journey of discovery, presenting the profound teachings as one would carefully unfold a precious antique silk scarf to reveal an exquisite pattern. Geshe la’s English is immaculate and he speaks with great clarity, enthusiasm and insight. His energy and compassion are infectious and he has the ability to address and inspire a wide cross section of audience—Easterners, Westerners, those new to the Dharma, as well as seasoned scholars and practitioners. Geshe la patiently answered all questions and clarified doubts from the eager audience that filled Manjushri Hall. One came away with the feeling of awe at the incredible depth and subtlety of the teachings and with immense gratitude to Geshe la and the organizers at Deer Park for having made this auspicious exchange possible.

~Dr. Badrinarayanan
New Delhi

3-day Silent Meditation Retreat (August 21-23, 2011)

2011-10-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

Led by Khenpo Nawang Osal & Melitis Kwong

Thank you for this opportunity to be peaceful.

Thank you, Melitis for sharing your knowledge of meditation & Buddhism with us. I enjoyed the process of getting in touch with myself on a deeper level. I am also very happy to be able to take away some meditation techniques & Buddhist philosophy for use in my own time. These tools will be very beneficial over the coming years. I found the environment here to be very peaceful and supportive. I look forward to spending more time at Deer Park in the future.

Thank you, Melitis for providing a collection of books – I found it very helpful to have the words of different teachers and philosophers to reflect on.

~Melanie Foote

My stay in Deer Park has been a very positive one. Having arrived here for a 3 days meditation course (the right view) I subsequently decided to stay for longer than anticipated. The time here had been very valuable to me. I’m grateful to every one of you for the warmth and compassion you all show to make Deer Park so receptive and open to the wandering human spirit. It was my privilege to have met you all in my lifetime.

~Love, Ruaidhri

Arya Tara Teaching by Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche 22-24 April 2011

2011-04-26T02:12:00.000-07:00

Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche just blessed us here at Deer Park with three days of extraordinary teachings on Chime Phagme Nyingtik, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s great terma that includes three long life deities in one practice.

We couldn’t have possibly received a more profound, clear, and detailed teaching on this sadhana. The transmission Rinpoche gave us is extremely precious due to his vast and complete knowledge, direct experience and personal connection with this particular practice. Rinpoche’s sharp wit and incredible brilliance were clearly transmitted through his brilliant translator, Gyurme, whom we were very fortunate to have.

We were all entirely fortunate and moved by the nature of this teaching.

Thank you, May all be auspicious.

Laura

Carpe Diem Education group visit : April 14th -18th

2011-04-26T02:10:00.000-07:00

Carpe Diem students group had been coming to Deer Park in the past 3 years to learn about Buddhism and to attend workshops. This spring the student groups had come to participate in the writing workshop of “whose trip it is” led by Janet Thomas.

Melitis Kowng led some talks on Buddhism and Khenpo Ngawang Osel accompany the students to visit Dzongsar Institute which they found the experience to be very educational.

Students express their appreciation and their experiences at Deer Park:

“Deer Park is an incredibly beautiful and inspiring place to be. I love the atmosphere, the people, the healthy food and the dogs. I really enjoy my stay. It’s such a peaceful place. Thank you very much” – Lydin

“Our stay here was absolutely splendid. The space Deer Park hold for people to relax into the creative and inner space is something special. Thank you so much” - Noah

“Melitis was an absolute joy and her insight into Buddhism and Chinese medicine was so helpful. She brings such a welcoming energy to Deer Park, which sets the mood for everyone else. Our lovely Khenpo who toured us around Dzongsar Institute was a great guide and so charismatic. He was so helpful and had us giggles!”

Love, Jessica.

Janet Thomas writing workshop: Whose trip it is: April 15-17th

2011-04-26T02:06:00.000-07:00

My experience at Deer Park had been one of stunning beauty, from that first sunset alight in the patterns of thousands of buzzing bugs to the inner reawakening of my love for writing. I came here thinking I would maybe get a little insight from the workshop, but ended up reconnection with a side of myself school long ago suppressed. I like the workshop as never about getting told what writing is or how to do it, but rather an invitation to rewrite all the rules. Thanks to Janet and all Deer Park staff.

Luke

I came to India with a burning desire to write, yet prior to the travel writing workshop had managed to write nothing. I’ve afraid to write, worried it wouldn’t be good enough. But as we shared our experiences, challenges, circumstances and failures with each others, I was reminded of the beauty of being human and the value of sharing my story, Everyone has a story to tell, and I learned to trust that the writing knows more then I do. So break out your notepad and pens, laptops and cameras because if I can do it, you can do it too.

Karen Stover

Insight March 28-April 2 by Nrupen Madhvani

2011-04-22T02:46:00.000-07:00

Insight :exploration of the self through the medium of photography and visualization

Nrupen Madhvani

The lights are turned low , the projected is displaying some of the best pictures in the world, as a few students entry the world of photography.

Nrupen takes the students on a journey with a time machine or as most people call it a camera. The focus of the workshop was on the way we look at the world, and how we put that into a frame. The workshop was for 6 days which started with lighting and went into apacher, shutter speed and ISO, what type of gear is useful. It also includes the story of photography and the relation to painting and many tricks that would take years of trial and error to find out. The students have projects which were later displayed and commented on to help the students. Topics of shooting moving objects, still objects, shooting indoors and outdoors were also covered. Nrupen is someone who is not only a good photographer but a good teacher. The students were happy to learn from him and are hoping to have more workshops like this again.

Elroy hernandez

Memoir Workshop March 23-27th Janet Thomas

2011-03-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful, inspiring 5 days in Janet’s workshop. The time was filled with stories and writing that made you laugh one minute and cry the next. It opened my heart to meet such wonderful people that shared their most intimate moments of life. I also leant about my writing which I didn’t think I was capable of and refresh my past love of books.

Sharon (Australia)

Janet is an extraordinary teacher, opening doors in our minds, nurturing us as we walk through difficult passages with compassion and laugher. A group of strangers have formed a bond of friendship under her intelligent and affectionate care.

Monisha (India)

The workshop has been a fascinating turn in my life, inspiring me to write and write….

Rahl Hasija (India)

I am so grateful for my time at Deer Park and being part of Janet’s writing workshop. Janet has reawakened my dormant love of writing. She has engaged and inspired us all through her feedback, advise and guidance. Thank you so much.

Rebecca (Thailand)

I discover Deer Park through Janet’s workshop & vice versa. Wonderful place, wonderful workshop, delicious food. I will be back.

Lilia Angello (USA)

Think Sangha,International Network Engaged Buddhists,March 14-18,2011

2011-03-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

Think Sangha is an Engaged Buddhist think tank that is part of the larger International Network of Engaged Buddhists. They use the sangha model to create a Buddhist analysis of social issues as well as support each other in the spirit of transformation and dialogue. They recently held a meeting at Deerpark at which we were also present.

The three days of participating in their dialogues were wonderfully alive and engaging. The session began with some of the Think-Sangha members sharing the nature of their work in Engaged Buddhism and also had some sharing in the afternoon by non-Think Sangha participants. Both of these were followed by questions- answers and general discussion. On the second day the group split while some went to Dharamsala to recieve the Dalai Lama's teachings and some others stayed behind at Deerpark. The topics covered on both days were wide-ranging and spontaneous. They included understanding the nature of Engaged Buddhism, some thoughts around karma, Buddhism as related to culture, the nature of INEB, corporate capitalism and the education system, the possibility of an INEB-India etc. There was also a lot of space for unstructured interaction over lunch, dinner and walks in the nearby fields.

On the third day we had the good fortune of meeting with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo and visiting her nunnery Dongyu Gatsal Ling near Tashi Jong.

Interacting with Think Sangha and reading some of their writings we found a similar articulation to what we have been trying to get at for a while. So we're really glad to have met such like-minded (and like-hearted!) people and look forward to learning and working together more in the future.

Manasi Karthik

Introduction to classical Tibetian Language February 14- March 11 ,2011

2011-03-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

by Prof.Kurt Schwabe

I thoroughly enjoyed it as I think Kurt’s teaching method was very good. He focused on the writing system, pronunciation and grammar as said on the website. He took time and made sure we understood. I think beginners should just focus on one or two areas like the way Kurt taught. We’re not forced to remember everything since we will know them along the way.
I learnt a little bit of Tibetan before but got frustrated as I didn’t have the time to practise because of work and other distractions. While attending this course at Deer Park, I had time and chance to practise every day right after attending the lessons which really helped.
I will come back to Deer Park to attend a similar course if the weather is not as cold as while I was there and if I have enough annual leave. The environment at Deer Park is very nice and everyone (staff and volunteers) there is so friendly which make one wants to go back.
I’m grateful to Kurt and everyone at Deer Park. I will definitely continue practise what I’ve learnt from Kurt.
Wendy Tsui

Avastha Vinyasa February 28 - March 2, 2011

2011-03-07T03:44:00.000-08:00

Attending Dr. Robert Svoboda's, in Deer Park, was simply a gift.

During the course, I realized that Dr. Svoboda is a very learned man in Sanskriti, knowledge of India and that Vinyasa does not only mean to align your body during your asana practice. In a nutshell, his teaching was about life and how to use its fire wisely, in order to walk through the spiritual path of transformation from the gross to the subtle without burning or freezing. He ordered every teaching in such a way that he created time to talked about science, linguistics, technology, precious human life, tantra, sukha, dukha, deities, astrology, cosmic history of mind, life and well being.

I feel very grateful to Deer Park for having created such a wonderful learning experience for all of us. I think I learned some skills to recognize my present condition and act accordingly. Its hard to find more words to describe this experience, specially after been blown away by the energy of Dr. Svoboda's well meant and naturally ordered words.

Of course, this was all possible thanks to facilities like the teaching hall, all budget accommodation/toilet/showers and beautiful gompa welcoming retreatants/scholars/artists or just passing byers. But specially, thanks to Deer Park staff who are amazing. They took care of everything, very warm and nice people, truly receptive of other cultures. Every meal we were happy to discover that people sitting around the table, or the fireplace, were all from different nationalities. All these circumstances together make it so easy to soak up the atmosphere of Sarasvati, goddess of wisdom, and create a new situation: having a hard time to say good bye and arising a new wish...to come back soon :)

By Maria Jose (Mexico )

Songs of Milarepa and Drukpa Kunley , December 5-9, 2010

2011-03-07T03:31:00.000-08:00

Songs of Milarepa and Drukpa Kunley
Led by Drubgyud Tenzin Rinpoche

"I found the teachings on the songs of Milarepa and Drukpa Kinley led by Drubgyud Tenzin Rinpoche to be so intelligently and thoughtfully presented, that I am sure I will feel inspired for a long time yet. Rinpoche used the basic Mahayana teachings on the Paramitas, renunciation and bodhicitta as a foundation for the magnificent temple of Milarepa and Drukpa Kunley's understandings as expressed through their songs. Brilliant ! Thanks so very much for offering such teachings to us.

With gratitude, Ani Kalden

This was the first time for me that I am attending any Buddhist teachings, but being in deer park I have to attend this one. The teaching was on songs of Milarepa and Drukpa kunley by Drubgyud Tenzin rinpoche.Though it was my first time in any teaching like this but the teachings were so simple and yet very profound, that even the beginner like me can understand. And the way rinpoche taught, there was no way that I felt like a beginner. Songs of Milarepa and Drukpa kunley were very simple and you don’t need to be a Buddhist to relate to the songs because all the songs were sang keeping in mind the common people’s misery. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rinpoche for making him available for us. There were almost 30 people from all over the world to attend teaching. This was a great opportunity for all to get to know the core of Buddhism and what is the essence of Buddha’s teaching. For me personally, this teaching aroused the desire in my heart and soul to learn and to know more about Buddhism and to attend teachings more often.

Thank you deer park
Tenzin Tamding

Carpe Diem Students’ Group visit to Deer Park, November, 13-19, 2010

2011-03-07T03:24:00.000-08:00

From November 13th to 19 th, 2010, Deer Park hosted a group of students from the US to spend 6 days under a program of Introduction to Buddhism and Meditation. The Carpe Diem Education group has been coming to Deer Park for the past 3 years to study Buddhism.
Melitis Kwong led the Dharma talks and discussion on Buddhism and the students attended part of Ven. Sudhammacara’s silence retreat. Students also visited Dzongsar Institute and Sherab Ling monastery and had a full day outing at a hot spring nearby.
Students thoroughly enjoyed their stay at Deer Park and left some positive remarks to express their appreciation.

Remarks from Students:

“It’s been so refreshing to spend time here and have such a warm welcome to Deer Park. I will always remember this place. Thank you.”
Nelle Edge

‘I’m so grateful for the way Melitis explained such complex topics related to Buddhism and facilitated meditations that turned out to be deeper than may be anything external I had experienced. I’m also grateful for the way she oversaw our experience at Deer Park and made sure we were well taken care of. I’m going to be taking a lot from this experience.”
Mindfully yours, Andrea

Letter to a Friend by Nagarjuna ,13. -19. October 2010

2011-03-07T03:21:00.000-08:00

Comparative View of Buddhism and Hinduism

For all who want to train on the Bodhisattva path,
I have written The Thirty – Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas,
Following what has been said by the excellent ones
On the meaning of the sutras, tantras and treatises.
Togmay Sangpo
Author of the Thirty Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas

For all who want to train on the Mahayana
I have taught Nagarjuna´s letter to a friend……
Following what has been said by the excellent ones
On the meaning of the sutras, tantras and treatises.
These could be the words of Mr. Narayan Prasad Rijal, who has given all his time, loving -kindness, compassion and patience to us, a group of around ten people from various countries, in October 2010 in Deerpark , Bir.
Some of us like myself, have attend his teachings for the second time.
Again I experienced his immense generosity in sharing all his knowledge about Hinduism and Buddhism. The way he has chosen to share his wisdom with us, shows his great expertise in many fields. He taught in a way which suited the different dispositions, interests and capacities of the participants. He possesses great communication skills, never got upset with our repeated questions. His speech was pleasant and always cheerful, even if the content and the meaning were hard to digest.
In the break too, he gave all his time and love to explain and share whatever knowledge he possesses, always encouraging us to train on the path…..taking our time to understand….not to be discouraged by setbacks…..
He left us behind with great pleasure, enough things to think and meditate about and the wish, to meet him again and get more teachings from him.
He is a great master, a genuine teacher.
Thanks a lot.
Dorothee Ruhr – Manali in December 2010

Ven. Sudharmacara's Retreate, November 13-19 ,2010

2010-11-29T00:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much. I am back at home and have been telling my entire family and my close friends how much they can benefit from the retreat being conducted by you.

‎"Concept is a prison."

The retreat was so well planned, though a bit hectic for my back. I feel great. Thank you! Hope to see you soon, too.

Hope this finds you well. Coming back to the real world was a rude shock. Things that were part of my daily life revealed themselves to be suffering. I feel a real need to meditate whenever I can. The path you have told us about rings true to me. I hope to see you in Delhi.

Feeling so much healthier and more confident, less sad. Again thank you for your help and insights.
Ven. Sudharmacara

The Vibration of Consciousness : A Retreat-Seminar with the Spanda Karika, Aug 28 –Sep 6 2010

2010-09-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

Led by Dr. Bettina Baeumer

This wonderful place , the Deer Park Institute, with its Spirit of enquiry, scholarship and worship, its good people, good organization and its social and eco sensitiveness was an ideal ambiance for our retreat seminar on Spanda~ the vibration of consciousness.

For me the seminar was a pilgrimage beyond space and time, a pilgrimage to recognize oneself in the mirror of Kashimir Shaivism, a pilgrimage to the source of knowing and doing.

This pilgrimage was lead by Dr. Bettina Baeumer with great wisdom and love. Her precious teachings were like personal transmissions of knowledge, a key of understanding and experiencing this profound system of Spanda Karikas. The times of silence and meditation let space to deepen the treasures, letting them sink inside the cave of my heart.

Spanda
Movement in stillness
Stillness in movement
Swami Lakshman Joo

Thank you so much!

-By Usha

It’s wonderful to be back in Deer Park. It’s a lovely place, physically and spiritually. Just to be here is great, even if we do nothing. But if teachings are also to be there, it’s nothing like it. Over the last year, I’ve been through two retreats on Kashmir Shaivism and one on Buddhist philosophy. There is a lot of learning at different ways of looking at life, enrichment of life values and harmonious integration of inner and outer.

-By G. Raj

3 days meditation retreat (21st Aug. to 23rd Aug. 2010)

2010-09-11T05:06:00.000-07:00

Led by Ven. Aggacitta and Melitis kwong

I have read a few books and attended many teachings in Australia on different topics about Buddhism. I was also regularly meditating. However, The Deer Park 3 day Meditation course led by Melitis Kwong and Venerable Aggacitta was the best introduction to both meditation and Buddhism. It covered technique and philosophy and has inspired me to learn more about Buddhism and continue my meditation practise. The support and guidance of Melitis and Venerable were encouraging and gentle and I really appreciated their openness and availability to answer the never ending list of questions I had! It was also good to do both walking and sitting meditation as it helped me to bring awareness into my daily life (when moving). The evening screening of teachings by Dzongsar Kyentse Riponche also really helped me understand some concepts that I have been struggling with for a while, such as dependent arising and emptiness( and were also good for a laugh). It has taken my practise and understanding of the philosophy to another level - for that I am very grateful. Deer park Institute it self is a beautiful peaceful place conducive to learning and the temple an inspiring place to meditate! The environmental policies (zero waste) and efficient use of resources also inspiring. Because the staff are also friendly and welcoming it has made coming back here for a yoga course, like a feeling of coming home to family. The library is also a wonderful resource to be able to access during my visit. I feel that I could still approach Melitis and Venerable with any questions I have, and that is a really wonderful feeling. Thank you to them both and to the founders and directors or Deer Park for creating and running such a wonderful institute.

- By Lisa Smith

The three day meditation course with Melitis Kwong and Venerable Aggacitta in August at Deer Park was a profoundly confirming experience for me in my path in Buddhism. Having spent many years practicing yoga, different forms of meditation, recently sitting a 10 vipassana course and having studied Asian philosophy as part of my Arts degree in Australia four years ago, I came into the course with an intellectual understanding of some of the concepts and a practical experience of the method of meditation. Despite this previous experience I was still unable to link the two. The three days was a much gentler method than the vipassana course, as it involved sitting and walking meditation and gave me the opportunity to learn more about the relationship between method and wisdom in Buddhism through the wonderfully comprehensive and easy to understand evening recorded lectures from Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. Having daily interviews with Melitis enabled me to speak through any of my doubts, questions and and allowed me to begin to understand the interdependent relationship between method and wisdom in the Buddhist tradition. Thank you for a wonderful course, it has inspired me to continue on this path, particularly now that I have come to learn that Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche has a gompa in my home town Kyogle in Australia.

- By Sarah Daley

Zero Waste Zero Warming Himalaya

2010-08-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

Last week, 50 friends representing 24 organizations across the Himalayas assembled at Deer Park to discuss our concerns on climate change and waste, and decided to work together beyond borders to stop trashing Himalayas and to restore it to a clean, ecologically sound, just, peaceful and healthy Himalayas.

“Towards Zero Waste Himalaya” workshop was organized by the Deer Park Institute, Thanal – Kerala and Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) to impart the concept and philosophy of Zero Waste, and to develop an action plan and programmes at grassroot level for preserving the Himalayan region from getting dumped with waste.

“Himalayas were a pristine place which produced many teachers who travelled across the globe with messages for mankind. May this initiative send people around the world to preach Zero Waste. There is an energy in the gathering which will build relationships beyond borders and materials,” Mr. Jayakumar C.,
the founding member of Thanal said.

The workshop was concluded on 8th August 2010 with drafting of the ‘Bir Declaration on Zero Waste Himalayas’, where the groups decided to work together for a Zero Waste Himalaya through concerted actions and setting up pilot projects in India, Nepal and Bhutan.
It further decided to observe 8th August as ‘Zero Waste Himalaya Day’ and to take stock of the progress of work in the meeting in 2011 in Nepal hosted by WomenAct.

Colorful Murals in Deer Park

2010-08-11T04:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Deer Park Friends,

We would like to share with you the two beautiful murals painted by our Honduras friend Bella Wilshire in our bookshop and dining area.

Before starting the mural for our dining area, Bella invited the local Tibetan & Indian school children to join her on this mural of Mother Earth.

They are so beautiful! Thank you, Bella.

The Deer Park team! We too have reasons to play in mud...

2010-07-22T23:50:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Prashant and I work here in Deer Park.
Here is our team, the male energy though...!
We have had a busy monsoon with some amazing teachings, workshops and visits by partners from Sri lanka, Thailand along with volunteers from U.P, Chennai (India), Indonesia.
Now we are busy preparing for upcoming Zero waste meet and much more fun in the monsoons...

By Prashant Varma

Intensive Retreat on the Buddhist View

2010-07-19T03:04:00.000-07:00

Topic: Two Truths as Interpreted by the Four Schools of Buddhism and their Significance on the Path to Enlightenment
Geshe Dorji Damdul

"The last three days have been an absolutely wonderful experience. The sessions were thoughtfully planned out and above all, we were extremely blessed to have such as wonderful teacher as Geshe Lobsang. Not only he guides us step by step by through the meditation practice but through questions and answers period, he cleared our many doubts with immense patience. I honestly believe that each one of us has come away from this retreat feeling much richer in our understanding of the Dharma."

By Vasundhara

"I wanted to write a note about the teaching recently given at Deer Park

by Geshe Dorji Damdul on the Two Truths. First I have to say what energy
Geshe-la gives to his teachings and coaching for us lucky enough to
attend his classes. Yes I said coaching. Geshe-la technique pulled us
along with his grasp of the subject and enthusiastic encouragement to
debate the topics. As you can tell I am a fan. I made the mistake of not
registering a room there. I found after class the discussions were also
educational"

By: Sammy Squyres

Eight Verses for Training the Mind by Langri Tangpa

2010-07-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

"With her characteristic sincerity, warmth, directness and humor, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo really brought home the teaching on the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation. The text is a jewel of the Kadampa tradition, and through it, Jetsunma showed us how we can turn every interaction with other people into "practice." The peaceful atmosphere and delicious food at Deer Park also helped make for a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Thank you!"

By Peter Aronson

Shamatha Meditation Retreat

2010-06-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

A Poem for Geshe Lopsang Tsepel

To the Buddha in you
Subtle virtuous smile, encapsulates my mind
The humility in communication, makes me humble every moment
For the monk who attracts me like glue,
I bow to the Buddha in you.

The talks started from meditation, led on to renunciation
The fire of fascination, was kept alive, as in, re-incarnation
The stories were humorous but the message went through,
I bow to the Buddha in you.

Fear virtue more than vice, is what I have heard as advice
Comparison sometimes is not an option as there is, drastic proportion
For the monk who has only virtues,
I bow to the Buddha in you.

Wars change course of mankind, what changes course of man?
If these people were asked to find, they will confirm it’s the gentle man
Showering flowers of gratitude on you,
We bow to the Buddha in you.

By Vaibhav Mathur

Yoga Intensive Retreat

2010-06-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

I had never been to a yoga class before Kristna’s 7 days Yoga intensive at Deer Park and was very surprised within a couple of days to have more energy and better awareness of breathing and posture. There was also an improvement in physical strength and mental calmness. Highly recommended!!

By Ken Jackson (New Zealand)

Seven days, 14 classes, hundreds of sun salutation, Deer Park’s Hatha Yoga Intensive has been a healthy challenge for my body, calming the mind, and revolutionary for my breath. Instructor Kristna Chaitanya is a confident, practiced yogi with a wealth of yoga theory. I recommend the course for experienced yogis who are ready for a truly intensive week of power yoga, pranayama, and lots of sun salutation.

By Micah Stanek

Workshop on Classical Charya Dance

2010-05-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

In this workshop, we learned 16 offerings of Charya Dance in four days. It was very nice.

Retreat on Kamalashila's Stages of Meditation

2010-05-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

Comments from participants of the program:

“This was an excellent teaching for beginners to learn about Buddhism and stages of meditation.

Geshe Lhakdor’s vast knowledge and experience was exhibited by his ability to easily explain complicated concepts with a touch of humor.

I look forward to attending future teachings lead by Geshe la.”

By Donna Lew ( USA )

“I appreciated the program very much. I learned a lot about Mahayana tradition and the important role of compassion plays in daily life as well as in meditation.

And Geshe Lahakdor is the embodiment of his teaching which made the teaching that much stronger. I hope and I’m quite sure that some of the teachings will find their way into my life.”

By Kasper Martinot (Holland)

Last year I updated my mobile phone, the year before that my computer but in the last few days I got the opportunity to update myself. Gheshe Lhakdors teachings we full of wisdom with a lot of depth. The best part was that they were enjoyable and the conversations were such that friends are talking.

Taking the Stages of Meditation as platform Gheshe La made us understand emptiness, compassion, equanimity and our mind. It was a pleasure to be a part of these teachings as it opened my eyes in true sense.

By Vaibhav

Opening the Dharma

2010-04-19T00:10:00.000-07:00

Comments from participant in Deer Park's Teaching program

"thank you so much for offering this valuable teaching. Lama Sonam Phuntsok has such a deep and wide knowledge base and he was able to skillfully offer both practical and theoretical elements. I now have a much more clear understanding of the development and characteristics of the lineages, as well as a stronger foundation in the practice of equanimity.

Many thanks!"

By Katie Hazard, USA.

Comments from participant in Deer Park's Writing Workshop

2010-04-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

I've been at Deer Park, an institute of 'Classical Indian wisdom' doing a writing course for the last few days. The centre is nestled amidst the fields, trees and hay of a lazy North Indian mountain town called Bir, home to a prominent Tibetan exile community.Unlike other places I've travelled to, Bir does not loudly seduce its tourists. The more subtle flirtation of living Tibetan Buddhist masters and the promise of leisurely paragliding over snowy ranges is what draws the odd assortment of visitors here.This is not a place for those with deeply entrenched expectations about spirituality, or those shy of seeming contradictions.

Just last night, I sat drinking tea beside the institute's Tibetan temple, indulging in toilet humour with a translator of Tibetan Buddhism from East Germany, and the only Moldovan I have ever met, watching our British companion fart and juggle simultaneously with zen-like concentration and precision. Bir is a place for unaffected and simple relaxation. However far they may have travelled to get here, whether they are doing free classes in art, theater, gardening or meditation, all those who sojourn here are looking for some kind of peace and insight..."

Ben Joffe

Art Retreat on the five elements

2010-03-29T02:14:00.000-07:00

Comments from participants in Deer Park’s Art retreat Workshop

The recent art retreat held at Deer Park was a fantastic event and space for creativity for all who attended. Poet Andrew Schelling and artist Marlow Brooks from Naropa University worked as a remarkable duo to enable a workshop on the theme of the five elements – wood, metal, fire, earth and water. Their passion and enthusiasm for the subject shone through as they lead workshops, teachings and lectures. The retreat cumulated in a performance with the poets reading their work aloud against a backdrop of calligraphic art. Sign me up for next year!

Julie Fairless MA (London)

Lecturer, Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore

"It was my first art retreat. Through this art retreat, I discover the 5 elements and get a craving for learnig it more. I was supposed to stay in Bir for one week but stayed here for more than one month instead. This is such a beautiful place and from participating in the art retreat, I found it hard to leave. I will really miss this place.

I want to thank Deer Park Institute for organizing such a wonderful course."

Sunmi Kim

Exploring Mind and Embodiment through Theatre Games

2010-03-14T03:45:00.000-07:00

Comments from Participants in Deer Park's Theatre Workshop

A popular new addition to this year’s arts curriculum was Susan Campbell-Webster’s popular Improvisational Theatre class. A participant writes..

I joined the theatre improvisation class two days late. I had heard the whoops of joy coming from the classroom and my shy heart cowered at the thought of all that unfettered being. Finally the wisdom of leaning into that which fills us with dread became something that I could act upon, and with a heavy feeling in my digestive system I entered the class. The first exercise increased the weight – we had to speak, I thought we were just going to play games.

When it was my turn to go my mind went blank, I couldn't think of anything funny or clever, only honesty was there "I am always finding my shyness and trying to overcome it". After that I warmed up a little and started to feel good with the group and the wonderful teacher who reminded us of the theatre saying "I've got your back" meaning that we are all there to catch one another if someone should fall. The complete lack of inhibition of some of the members inspired me and over the next two days as we played mirroring, improvisation and various other games, I opened up and the feelings of self-doubt and abdominal tension evaporated, and a space was left where I could simply enjoy, feel free and trust that nothing that I did in the class would be wrong.

Best wishes and thank you for the wonderful programs.

Kaye

Therapeutic! Apart from equipping us with tools that helped us learn how to act - the workshop can transform you. It rid the shy of inhibitions yet the improvisations calmed aggressive behavior. It provided methods of concentration and ways to rid ourselves of past baggage. Enlightening. I carried away many treasures to share with my 900 children.

Kajoli Khanna (educator & social worker)

Unlocking the door to the classical wisdom tradition

2010-03-13T21:52:00.000-08:00

Comments from participants in Deer Park’s month-long Classical Tibetan Language course

Reading the Heart Sutra in a month? Impossible?

Yet it is what Deer Park is offering in its one month course in Classical Tibetan, with Prof. Kurt. Starting with learning the alphabet, we rapidly switched to the study of the grammatical constructions. Before jumping into our first phrases, we learned how to use efficiently the various dictionaries to access the vocabulary and how to juggle with the word order and put together the ‘bricks and cement’…

And in the fourth week… off we go! We started to read the Heart Sutra! Obviously, reading and understanding the words is not.. realizing its meaning, but it is a fair start and an encouraging first step in our discovery of a new, vast and profound world: the Dharma scriptures in Tibetan language.

Now it is up to us to use this precious baby-knowledge to explore further and improve our skills. Thank you Prof. Kurt and Deer Park, you gave us the keys to travel through a new world!

Highly recommendable!

Dana

Kurt’s class provides an excellent foundation, whether you want to learn to read texts or to speak colloquial Tibetan. His teaching style is patient, supportive and firm – you have to do your homework but he is always ready to provide any extra help you need, inside or outside the classroom.

In less than one month, I learned far more than I ever expected to learn. The most important thing I got out of the class was feeling I had a key to unlock the meanings of many of my own practice recitations.

Lois

Permaculture is coming to Deer Park.

2010-01-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

This is an introductory blog for the new permaculture and landscaping projects happening at Deer Park.

I began my training at a permaculture education center and eco-village in Northern Thailand, the Panya Project. After intensive training and living with the community for eight months, at the request of the Director Prashant Varma, I have taken on the role of the resident permaculture designer. My role is to help bring permaculture and it's over arching vision to the deer park community.

So what exactly is Permaculture? Permaculture is a design system for human settlements that mimics the relationships found in natural ecologies. It is a way of reframing ones relationship to the land they already live on by learning how to harness the natural resources that are readily available. The goal is then to help make the settlement more sustainable while rejuvenating the land in the same process.

By working with the Deer Park staff and local community members we have a vision of bringing the principals of permaculture and organic gardening into action. The vision is to have Deer Park as a place for learning, but also to be an embodiment of our own principals we are teaching through workshops and outreach programs. These principals being: ecological awareness, sustainability, a living healthy model for local communities, and also a haven for local flora and fauna.

This is an exciting time for Deer Park with lots of change happening. Over the next few months we are implementing a sacred grove in the front “parking” lot. With the help of long time resident of the Kangra valley, and exponent of Mud House building and nature design, Didi Contractor, this project will help transform the once parking into a real park. Giving Deer Park a natural feel to its rightful name.

I will be bringing monthly updates on the project to this blog. Any feedback or insights are welcome. I am also grateful to share my skills in such a thriving community as Deer Park.

May all beings be happy,

Martha Asselin

Longchen Nyintik Ngondro Retreat, Dec.23-Jan.1

2010-01-13T02:36:00.000-08:00

On the crisp, sunny day of 23 December, 2009, a group of dedicated practitioners began a 10-day Longchen Nyingthik Ngondro retreat at Deer Park Institute. During the 10 days, retreatants recited daily prayers and made sang offerings at the Buddha Hall; did prostrations and offered bodhicitta prayers at the Kangyur Hall; and received daily teachings by Drubgyud Tenzin Rinpoche and Lama Sonam Phuntsok at the Manjushri Hall. The retreatants were also granted group audience with Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche and Mingyur Rinpoche.

There were many auspicious circumstances throughout the retreat. Among them, the most auspicious moment took place on full moon day of 12/31. Led by Drubgyal Tenzin Rinpoche, accompanied by Khenpo Sonam Tashi, 25 people took Bodhisavtta vow in front of Buddha hall at 12:30am at the beginning of the partial Lunar eclipse. Many of us consider this to be the most joyful and memorable New Year we had even experienced.

“May the precious Bodhicitta take birth in those who has not taken birth,
May it not diminish in those I whom it has taken birth,
And may it increase more and more.”

Buddhism and Ecology Workshop

2009-12-22T21:09:00.000-08:00

Deer Park Institute organized its second “Buddhism & Ecology” residential participatory workshop on the 2^nd & 3^rd of December, 2009. This workshop was aimed at encouraging the practice of Zero Waste and educating the monasteries & nunneries about the increasing global environmental problems. It also aimed to collaborate with them in solving the problem of plastic waste, with waste segregation as the first step in managing our own waste.

The workshop was attended by a total 16 monks and nuns and 2 lay people. There were 8 participants from Gaden Choeling, Kirti Monastery, Dolmaling Nunnery, Gyuto Monastery and 2 lay representatives from H.H Karmapa Labrang in Dharamsala. We also had 8 participants from DGL Nunnery, Nyingma Monastery and Dzongsar Monastery in and around Bir.

The workshop schedule included games, film screenings, presentations, eco-walk, group and open discussions. The Buddhist philosophy of Four Noble Truths and Interdependence was brought into the activities as a base for understanding the true nature of environmental problems: touching on the suffering, causes, cessation and the path towards the sustainable existence of lives on Earth.

One of the interesting heated discussions we had was about the offering of 'tsog' (ritual food offerings) which has become a source of waste generation because of all the plastic packaged offerings used in pujas. The concept of Zero Waste Puja was introduced to the participants by suggesting various alternatives available. We agreed to collaborate among monasteries and nunneries in taking action towards the solution of waste problems. We hope this workshop will bring some positive changes in the way things have been carried out hitherto.

Wisdom in Healing workshop

2009-12-20T22:56:00.000-08:00

Deer Park recently had 35 to 40 people attend the Wisdom in Healing workshop. Participants included 6 students, 3 lecturers and 3 Tibetan doctors from the Tibetan Medical College (Men-Tsee-Khang) in Dharamasala. This was Deer Park’s first attempt to present an introductory workshop on the 3 major healing systems in Asia: Chinese, Tibetan and Ayurveda. The workshop included lectures on the fundamental principles of each system, hands-on demonstration of acupressure based on Chinese acupuncture meridians, Tibetan cupping techniques and Ayurvedic herbal formulas in daily usage.

Participants applauded Deer Park as a suitable and supportive venue for conducting such workshops and expressed enthusiasm for future workshops of this nature.

The workshop ended with a Medicine Buddha prayer chanted by the Tibetan Medical College participants, which filled the room with positive healing energy. May all beings be free of suffering!

Ecology workshop with school children at CST Bir

2009-12-11T20:42:00.000-08:00

On Monday 23^rd of November 2009, Deer Park Institute organized an environmental awareness workshop with the school children of CST Bir. The kids were all very young, from 1^st to 4^th Standard. They were all cute, chubby & very noisy! Our aim for this workshop is to introduce to them the growing problem of waste in Bir and waste management as the first step in handling our own waste. Since they were all very small, it was challenging for us to reach them, to deliver the message, to make them understand about the waste problem and also to make them realize their contributions to the problem and how they can personally take responsibility through small actions in changing their habits in a positive way.

We assumed that kids wouldn’t like to have a long and heavy preaching session, hence we designed our workshop in such a way that they would have fun alongside learning something out of games during the whole session. But we ran half an hour over our planned schedule just trying to make them quiet & attentive. No wonder!

However, the result was quite positive in the end, judging by the answers they gave to our questions.. And they left the classroom with the tune of our singing energizer played during the workshop. We are looking forward to doing more such activities with these kids in future.

A letter from a student

2009-12-03T22:10:00.000-08:00

Dharma in the 21C. is changing with easier access to information and an ever increasing interest in the West. The availability of translated dharma materials outside of traditionally Buddhist countries has expanded greatly. Students or seekers today can have exposure to various traditions and from this vantage point, see the underlying or unifying principles across a broad spectrum of tradition.

Venerable Sudhammacara is an example of the possibilities of our modern age. His is a view of great breadth and depth. I was lucky enough to experience this recently while in a mindfulness meditation retreat at Deer Park in November. Venerable Sudhammacara brings experience from the Zen tradition, the Theravada forest tradition of Myanmar, and the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. His careful avoidance of Buddhist terms that can easily slip into jargon, made retreatants rethink or let go of Buddhist conceptualizations that we often automatically rely on, thinking we already understand the meaning without renewed consideration.

Venerable Sudhammacara's vast experience has shown him the pitfalls of commonly practiced meditations. Why do serious mediators not make progress after 10-15 years of devoted practice? The explanations were subtle and spare and so carefully considered. They were critically important to my understanding.

By rephrasing the questions with careful use or avoidance of terms/language, he helped me understand what I was doing in meditation and why. Venerable Sudhammacara is perhaps even ahead of his time. With respect and appreciation, I deeply commend Venerable Sudhammacara and Deer Park for their foresight and expansive vision.

I hope your onward travels go well.

Most sincerely...

With gratitude,

Sally

The 21 Praises to Tara

2009-11-18T04:34:00.000-08:00

The 21 Praises to Tara is a well known prayer in the Buddhist tradition. Tara is said to embody both compassion and wisdom. In this workshop, chanting both the 108 names and the 21 praises of Tara, Raji conveys clearly the in-depth meaning of each word of the text, expressing the various aspects of Tara from the most peaceful to the most wrathful. It was a very enriching experience to learn the subtle and profound meaning of this sacred prayer and to chant it in Sanskrit. Thank you Raji for sharing this knowledge with us, to deepen our understanding of Mother Tara

Deer Park Staff 's Vacation to Parasher

2009-11-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

During the Diwali holiday, all Deer Park’s full-time staff had a vacation to Parashar Lake. The trip took 4 hours, but we stopped by many places like Hindu temples and Mandi for lunch before we reached the actual place. We arrived there around 4pm. It was very cold. Nevertheless, the place was very beautiful up on the hill, surrounded by valleys. We could see clusters of hills and mountains from there. All the staff really enjoyed the place, the scenery, the air and the atmosphere around. We played games together as soon as we arrived. We also went to a Hindu temple about 10 minutes walk from where we were staying, which they said marked the spot where in 2000 BC a Rishi lived and meditated. Next to the temple there was a lake, in the middle of which there was an island that keeps moving. There was a photo which was taken decades back where the position of the island was exactly in the opposite direction to where it was when we were there.

On the first day, we spent the night telling each other ghost stories, from both real experience and hearsay. The stories felt quite timely, because we were staying in a place where we were the first guests. We continued with a singing competition to find Deer Park’s Idol, around the room heater (sorry, not a campfire). On the second day, we went up to highest hill in the area to see the panoramic view, meditate and play local games (kabadee). We left the place and headed back to Deer Park at 11 a.m. Overall the vacation was a very nice, exciting and memorable trip, thanks to Deer Park

English Volunteering for Local youths

2009-10-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Teaching English at Deer Park has opened up many creative avenues, the students are thoroughly enjoying learning English through artistic means.

I too enjoy learning with my students, they are delightful and I feel this program has endless potential. Thank you Deer Park, volunteering here is bliss!

Eco Handicraft

2009-10-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

In June 2008, Deer Park started a workshop to train local villagers in making handicrafts with recycled waste materials. The aim of this project is both to support the local economy, through sustainable livelihood, and to protect the environment by reusing resources. The project has drawn an enthusiastic response from a core group of villagers, who are now producing a range of products which are sold in Deer Park’s on-site shop.

Bags, wallets and folders are made from discarded cloth scraps mixed with new cloth, and cards from recycled paper. Since February 2009, the project team has also been producing custom-made clothes, which have proven popular with Deer Park’s guests and visitors.

“Before I came here I had no idea about handicraft work and I didn’t know how to use these crafts. Since we started work I have learned a lot from the project and it has made me recognize that handicrafts are very useful for us and our environment. If people know how to repair their clothes and recycle cloth to make a wallet, book cover or card, instead of throwing it in the river or on the ground, just this alone could help us save the environment for the future”

Trilock Kumar

Handicraft group coordinator

Bir village

The view of Buddhism and Hinduism.

2009-10-20T05:10:00.000-07:00

From October 4-14^th, Nepalese Buddhist teacher Narayan Prasad Rijal made his first visit to Deer Park , on the invitation of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. For 8 days, Narayanji taught the entire essential Buddhist path and view with great clarity, constantly quoting from Buddhist sutras and Vedic texts to distinguish the subtle language and conceptual differences of view between Buddhism and Hinduism.

Participants were moved by Narayanji’s humble manner and the depth of his knowledge and experience. We all appreciated this opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Buddhist path and to clarify any confusion concerning the views of both Buddhism and Hindusim. In addition, we also learned many Sanskrit terms and were able to chant the profound prayer of Samantabhadra in Sanskrit with a melodic tune. We look forward to Narayanji’s next visit to Deer Park .

Clowns visit Deer Park

2009-10-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

Last week Deer Park hosted a unique and colourful performance by 30 clowns from the German theatre group Irrwisch. The mime/music piece, entitled 'Dil ki yatra' ('Journey of the Heart'), depicted the heroic journey of a young woman towards courage, self-confidence and maturity. Language proved no barrier for the hundred-odd local Indian and Tibetan children and their parents who came to enjoy the clowns' comic antics, dance and dazzling costumes.

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo packs the house

2009-10-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

‘How to deal with negative emotions’ was the theme of a weekend of teachings by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo (Oct 3-4) and participants went away armed with a fine toolbox of antidotes for anger, greed and ignorance. Ever fresh, inspiring, practical and funny, Jetsunma spoke to the hearts of beginners and seasoned meditators alike, emphasizing the need to lay solid foundations before starting work on the ornate walls and roofs of Vajrayana practice..

Some 150 people packed Manjushri Hall for the two days of teachings, a rare treat from the former cave-dwelling yogini. Jetsunma has now officially retired from international teaching and will be spending more time at her nunnery, which is just a short drive from Bir, so we are hoping to see more of her!

Volunteering at Drophen School, an attempt to provide opportunities for disabled adults in Bir.

2009-10-09T05:16:00.000-07:00

My name is Pushpa and I am a trained speech pathologist / special educator. A recent move from America back to India had left me weary and restless, I wanted to get away from the chaos of it all and found an opportunity to do that as a volunteer through Deer Park. I thought it would be a good idea to try and get involved in the short time that I had in Bir.

Drophen is an adult day center serving individuals with physical, emotional and mental disabilities. I met the current students. They were friendly but shy, nervous to talk to me and constantly apologizing for their poor Hindi. I think friendliness knows no language barriers and these simple individuals were only eager for some warm company and a generous attitude. Currently the school is struggling with the lack of a good program and consistent staff.

My interactions with the students, the staff and the people at Deer Park led to a meeting where further plans were laid out for vocational opportunities for the students.

We have restarted a latent vegetable garden; Deer Park is willing to buy the vegetables that the students grow. Deer Park has also offered to buy paper bags made by the students and provide a safe environment for the students to come for supervised work tasks so they can learn valuable work skills. I am eager and excited to see how all this pans out in the coming months.

The experience here has taught me some valuable lessons - to stay focused on specific goals and not let doubt get the better of me. I have also re-learned the value of being patient and having a positive attitude, something I often forget even though I expect that of other people, especially the disabled individuals that I attempt to serve. I am really glad I came and hope I can come back sometime soon. If you are interested in further information on how to help the students at Drophen School, please contact the staff at Deer Park.

2009-10-03T04:38:00.000-07:00

We were very fortunate to host Dr. Bettina Bäumer, a direct disciple of the last Acarya of Kashmir Saivism, Swami Lakshman Joo (1907-1991). She has translated the Vijnana Bhairavainto German and English and taught it a number of times in Europe and India. She has authored and edited books on Indian philosophy, art, aesthetics and spirituality, with special focus on texts of Kashmir Saivism (Abhinavagupta). Living and working in Varanasi, she is currently Visiting Professor in Religious Studies at the University of Salzburg (Austria).

At Deer Park, Dr. Bäumer led an intensive one-week contemplative study and practice retreat on the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra. The retreat drew over 30 participants from half a dozen different religious traditions and from all corners of India and the world. Some were already familiar with the text and others were completely new, though the direction was contemplative and not merely academic.

The Vijnana Bhairava is one chapter from the ancient Rudrayamala Tantra. As a Bhairava Agama it is a purely monistic teaching where Bhairavi (Parvati) asks Bhairava (Lord Shiva) to reveal the essence of the way one has to tread on the path to the realization of the highest reality ˆ the state of Bhairava. In his answer Bhairava describes 112 ways to enter into the universal and transcendental state of consciousness. Traditionally regarded as a manual for masters, the Vijnana Bhairava is a comprehensive aid to students of meditation from any tradition since it deals with the most profound underlying principles of spiritual practice. Because it contains a vast library of techniques, from the most elementary to the most advanced, the Vijnana Bhairava is relevant to aspirants at every stage of spiritual development.

Recollection of the Mahatma

2009-10-01T21:55:00.000-07:00

So inspiring and encouraging to see our youth re-discover the "Mahatma"

Deer Park Institute has hosted a 2 day festival remembering "Mahatma Gandhi" on his birthday. Prabodh Parikh (Poet, Art and Film Critic) is leading us to experience and taste the wisdom and simplicity of the "Mahatma" through Films, photographs, paintings, music and his recorded speeches.

To commemorate Gandhi Jayanti, which is a national holiday celebrated in India to mark the occasion of the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the "Father of the Nation". It is celebrated on October 2, every year. It is one of the three official declared National Holidays of India and is observed in all its states and union territories. The United Nations General Assembly announced on 15 June 2007 that it adopted a resolution which declared that October 2 will be celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence.

Over 200 students from local schools participated, along with 75 students from different parts of the world also joined in the screenings, exhibits and talks.

Ladakh Trip, My First Time Experience

2009-09-29T05:15:00.000-07:00

Ladakh is a land of high passes, located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. We, a group of 4 people – me (Nicky), Noryang, Phat, and Tashi – went there for a study trip. It was fun and enjoyable. The view during the trip was the most beautiful scenery I’d ever seen.

There were thousands and thousands of people at HH Dalai Lama’s teaching. It was my first time seeing and attending such a big event. It was also my first time seeing His Holiness. He taught about unconditional love, interdependence and the Six Paramitas. It was a very good and touching teaching.

We went to the historical site of a Buddhist castle on top of the hill in Leh. It was quite sad that we found waste on the route. We could see garbage in almost every corner on the way up to the place. We can see the beauty and the flaws that colour the place.

From all of the experiences, our home stay in Likir was the best experience I had. It was my first time working in the fields for harvesting with the local people. We would sing one after another. After the male finished his verse, the female continued hers, and we sang all through our work. We had a break in the field sitting together and drank some milk tea and ate some Ladakhi bread.

We continued our work after the break. The host family was not the only one there; members of other families joined and helped the work and fun. After we finished pulling out the grass, we collected it and tied it all in bundles. They helped each other with the harvest, so for example after their relatives came to help them, the next day this family would be the one that helped the other family. The bond as family, bond as community, communication, togetherness and collaboration values were stronger among them. For me, as a city person, it was not a usual sight to see. These were values which I thought only existed in the old days.

After the grass was tied together, we carried the bundles which weighed about 4-5 kg on our backs to the house up the hills. We had to walk about 1.5 km uphill. It wasn’t really an easy job. We stopped many times for a rest. I went up and returned two times and it exhausted me already. But our host father, who was 70 years old, lead the line and went up and down 3 or 4 times. I was also amazed that the grannies, who were also quite old, did the same thing. I couldn’t believe how weak I was despite my young age.

We got all the ingredients for the dinner from their own garden and then we made our dinner together with the host family. I cannot cook and don’t have any experience preparing food and cooking. So it was also my first time doing it.

There was also more communication and exchange of information, which brought us closer like a family together, creating a warmer bond.

On our way back home, I saw snow for the first time, and finally we got stuck in the snow and had to spend a night in a tent. As a city person from a tropical country, the cold I had was awful, but luckily I managed to survive the weather.

Maitreya's Uttaratantra

2009-09-29T04:44:00.000-07:00

In mid-September we held a 10-day study group on Maitreya's Uttaratantra, based on DVD recordings of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche's teachings on this classic Mahayana text. The subject of the teaching was not easy since it talked about ultimate truth, but Rinpoche was able to use various examples to bring it down to earth for us to understand.

The metaphors of the “glass and the dirt” and the “dead leaf” were great examples to illustrate the profound concepts of Mahayana. Rinpoche’s joyful expression and humour brought laughter to the group and made the teaching come to life. Participants from different levels who attended the class felt they were able to gain certain insight that would be beneficial in their lives.

Home Calling - Noryang reflects on her Ladakh ecology exposure

2009-09-26T07:54:00.000-07:00

My recent study tour to Ladakh was one of the most amazing journeys that I’ve ever embarked on. For me it was like living my dream, the dream of being in Tibet that I’ve been deprived of since my birth. I was thrilled to see mountains hiding behind each other like a newly wedded bride and the rivers and streams so serene and uncontaminated. The fluttering colorful Buddhist flags seemed to be singing a welcoming song and the red cheeked people in their traditional Ladakhi dress reminded me of my people in Tibet.

Moreover, the best part was the presence and the teaching of the His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which boosted my self-exploration and uplifted my spirituality.The meetings with inspiring people, like Helena from Ladakhi Women’s Alliance, Becky of SECMOL and Sonam of Zomsa Eco-Shop, have left a footprint within me to stretch my own personal boundaries and to be more responsible towards the nature and society we live in. Overall, this trip has been very inspiring and so much fun that while leaving Ladakh I closed my eyes and said “I promise to come back to you and experience all the wonders that you provide to make me feel at home.”

Waste segregation at Nyingma monastery ,Bir

2009-09-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

children's expression of the ecological crisis!

2009-09-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

Zero waste training

2009-09-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

Deer Park just concluded a 2 day residential workshop for over 15 participants who represented various organizations involved in waste and ecological issues in the Kangra valley.

Theme- GLOBAL ECOLOGICAL CRISIS & THE ZERO WASTE APPROACH

This workshop focused on the Global Ecological Crisis and its causes and conditions, as well as on its interconnectedness with our modern consumption system on the large scale and the actions of every individual on the small scale. After examination and discussion of the Global Ecological Crisis, the group was introduced to the Zero Waste Approach. This was followed by discussion of the role that every individual can play to create a sustainable change.

Finally we focused on the local context of Kanga Valley (Dharamsala and Bir in particular) and reflected on the changes needed on the level of local politics and civil society and especially on the actions needed from the individual level.

It was a participatory workshop in which participants discussed and found possible solutions to various ecological issues through games, discussions, film screenings, etc. The methodology used for this workshop could be transferred to programs organized by participants own organizations.

The purpose of the workshop was:

To create awareness about the ecological crisis on a global and on a local level.
To introduce the participants to the Zero Waste approach
To inspire participants to take responsibility to act both individually and collectively for positive change

eco future!

2009-09-23T02:47:00.001-07:00

Upcoming Programs at Deer Park

2009-09-22T02:41:00.000-07:00