BUDDHISM 101 AT TELLURIDE YOGA CENTER

04 May BUDDHISM 101 AT TELLURIDE YOGA CENTER

In July 2010 a group of red-robed monks from the Gaden Shartse Monastery unpacked their cymbals and longhorns on the grass in front of Ophir Town Hall and blessed the whole valley with their eerie chanting and music. Last year, they returned to create an intricate sand mandala as part of the  Telluride Institute‘s Compassion Festival. With them, as driver, translator and main spokesperson traveled an American monk, Jangchub Chophel.

This week, Jangchub returns but with a different name. He is once again John Bruna and he is wearing civilian clothes, but John is more committed than ever to practicing and teaching the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha.

In practical terms, John Bruna is director of the Gaden Shartse Cultural Foundation and spiritual director for the Way of Compassion Dharma Center – www.compassiondharmacenter.com. He spends half his time in personal practice; the other half teaching. Thanks to his ever-present sense of humor, his sparkling mind, and his clarity, John does his job fabulously well.

Friday evening, May 11, continuing through Sunday, May 13, John Bruna returns to Telluride to teach Buddhism 101 at the Telluride Yoga Center. He sums up the course:

“A five-session workshop on the essence of Buddhism and how the teachings apply in our modern world. I often call this talk ‘Buddhism 101 in Plain English.'”

Buddhism does not need to be complicated and mysterious. The philosophy is actually quite simple, practical, and includes many universal themes that can be integrated into our own spiritual lives. Since this is a beginner’s class, no previous studies are required. Just come with an open mind and questions. If five sessions seem overwhelming, please join us for whatever fits your schedule.

The following sums up the particulars of the course:
When:
Friday,        May 11,               7 – 9 p.m.             session1
Saturday,    May 12,               7:30 a.m.             morning meditation
2 – 3:30 p.m.       session 2
7 – 9 p.m.            session 3
Sunday,      May 13,               7:30 a.m.             morning meditation
2 – 3:30 p.m.        session 4
7 – 9 p.m.            session 5

Where:
At the Telluride Yoga Center, upstairs in the Nugget Building

How much:
Whatever you feel is appropriate

More info:
Call Elisabeth at 970 708 7750

For a preview of Buddhism 101,  click the “play” button and listen to my conversation with John.