Are you curious about Buddhism and a path of mindfulness?
Tuesdays, Mar 24–Apr 14
6:00–7:30 pm PT
onsite at Nalanda West
“We’re cultivating our intelligence as opposed to expanding or upgrading its contents. It’s like brightening a room by putting a higher-watt light bulb in a lamp. Suddenly we can see everything in the room much more clearly.”
— Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
Please join on Tuesday evenings for Introduction to Buddhism, a cycle of teachings based on the fundamental discoveries of the Buddha. We’ll learn about the Buddhist view and practice meditation that supports the cultivation of compassion, insight, and understanding.
- What is mind?
- How do we understand reality?
- How can we reduce the suffering of ourselves and other beings?
The teachings are based on the original teachings of the Buddha and lay the foundation for understanding major Buddhist philosophical traditions. Each of the four courses has four classes and follows a study curriculum developed by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.
BUDDHISM 101: THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA AND THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
Tuesdays, Feb 24–Mar 17
- The Buddha was not a Buddhist
- Poverty Mentality and True Freedom
- The World of Suffering and the Human Condition
- Taming the Monkey Mind
BUDDHISM 102: TRAVELING FROM CONFUSION TO ORIGINAL SANITY
Tuesdays, Mar 24–Apr 14
- The Path is the Goal
- The Play of Confusion and Sanity (aka The Four Truths)
- Trips of Confusion: Working with Emotions I
- Trips of Confusion: Working with Emotions II
BUDDHISM 103: KARMA, REBIRTH AND SELFLESSNESS
Tuesdays, Apr 21–May 12
- The Four Seals of the Buddha’s Teaching – Part 1
- The Four Seals of the Buddha’s Teaching – Part 2
- The Four Reminders
- Connecting with the Buddha’s Heart
BUDDHISM 104: THE FOUR FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS
Tuesdays, Jun 2–23
- Mindfulness of Body
- Mindfulness of Feelings
- Mindfulness of Mind
- Mindfulness of Phenomena
Format
These classes will only be held onsite at Nalanda West.
The course is free but we ask that you register. Donations are gladly accepted.
Printed study curriculums by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche are available for purchase at the Nalanda Store. We recommend that the class readings be done prior to each class.
e-Books are also available:
Apple Books
Introduction to Buddhism 101: The Life of the Buddha and the Spiritual Journey
Introduction to Buddhism 102: Traveling from Confusion to Original Sanity
Intro 103 – Karma, Rebirth & Selflessness
Intro 104 – The Four Foundations of Mindfulness
Google Play Store
Introduction to Buddhism 101: The Life of the Buddha and the Spiritual Journey
Introduction to Buddhism 102: Traveling from Confusion to Original Sanity
Intro 103 – Karma, Rebirth & Selflessness
Intro 104 – The Four Foundations of Mindfulness
Facilitator
Rysiek Frąckiewicz connected with the Kagyü lineage at age 19 and sought instruction from teachers including Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche before meeting Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche at Nitartha Institute in 1998, formally requesting to become his student a year later. Rysiek has facilitated Nalandabodhi study and meditation curriculum courses in Seattle for several years and is also a dharma photographer, with portraits printed in Shenpen Ösel, Bodhi, and Lion’s Roar magazines, as well as books by Wisdom and Shambhala Publications. Through the great kindness of his teacher, Rysiek had the opportunity to accompany and photograph H.H. the 17th Karmapa on several visits throughout the USA. He works as a technology professional, currently instructing IT bootcamps as part of a diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative.
Date/Time
Date(s) - Tue., April 14, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location Nalandabodhi Seattle @ Nalanda West
