Buddhist Meditation IAP

RSVP HERE

Dates: January 19 - 21 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Location: SPXCE Room (W31-110)

There will be 3 drop-in sessions each day for 3 different meditation traditions.

Mind (9:30-11:00 AM): Vipassana meditation - Learn how to focus through contemplative meditation

Hand (1:30-3:00 PM): Yogic meditation - Learn to prepare the body for meditation focused on bodily harmony

Heart (5:00-6:30 PM): Metta meditation - Learn to spread love with mantras intended to open the heart <3

Some of the guest meditation leaders are listed below!  Tea will be served.

• Ven. Dorjey Dolma (Tibetan)
• Ven. Deung Myoung Sunim (Korean)
• Ven. Tenzin Gyurmey (Tibetan)
• Ven. Nedagamuwe Samitha Thero (Bhante Samitha) (Sri Lankan)
• Saly Sirothphiphat (Thai)
• Prahlad Iyengar (Hindu)
• Dr. Santoshkumar Raut (Indian Buddhist)
• Kyle Saisakorn Sandberg HDS MDiv student with IMS experiences

A Dialogue Lab providing training in empathic listening and intellectual hospitality, based on the work of the Ideos Institute.

In these polarized times, what does it mean to disagree well?  This IAP, you are invited to participate in a workshop that will equip you with skills of empathic intelligence and enable you to pursue meaningful dialogue across difference.

This mini-course builds on a curriculum developed by the Ideos Institute, experts in empathic intelligence and producers of the documentary film “Dialogue Lab: America.”  Lunch will be served free of charge at each session!

Join us for a special four-part workshop on the Yoga Sutras, a collection of ancient teachings providing guidance for holistic well-being of the body, mind, and spirit.

In this workshop, you'll explore the rich philosophy and practices of the Yoga Sutras and learn how to integrate these teachings into your daily life. Whether you're new to yoga and spirituality or an experienced practitioner, this workshop aims to offer valuable insights and practices to support your overall well-being. We invite you to participate in this unique opportunity for learning and personal growth.

The workshop will be facilitated by HG Sadananda Dasa, the MIT Vaishnava Hindu Chaplain, who has been practicing bhakti yoga for over 14 years and is a monk in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. As a disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, HG Sadananda Dasa brings extensive background and experience in yoga and spirituality, making this workshop a valuable experience for all participants.

Workshop Dates: Thursday, Jan 11, 18, 25 & Feb 1, 2024

Availability is limited, so please register at the earliest using this link: tinyurl.com/iapmityogasutras 

Embark seamlessly on a transformative journey with the Bhagavad Gita, the crown jewel of Vedic wisdom. In this revered spiritual text, a divine conversation unfolds between  Sri Krishna and his devotee prince Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where doubt and moral dilemma shroud Arjuna's mind just before the epic war. This crash course offers more than a mere exploration of ancient verses; it promises a transformative experience. Dive into the spiritual science of the Gita through engaging presentations, discussions, and skits, covering crucial aspects like soul, super soul, time, nature, and karma. Your journey culminates in a one-day retreat on January 20th, surrounded by nature's serenity. Immerse yourself in interactive activities to absorb the teachings, with details for this enchanting culmination unveiled during our sessions. 

Key features:

• Demystifying ancient wisdom.
• Big bang or Big brain.
• Cracking Karma.
• Magic of mantras.
• Do we live more than once?
• Rising beyond temptations.
• Reincarnation: Fact or fiction.
• Why do bad things happen to good people?

About the speakers: HG Radheshyam Das and HG Acharya Ratna Das, esteemed Vedic Scholars and monks rooted in elite engineering backgrounds. Particularly the gold medalist from IIT Bombay (one of the India's elite college), their three-decade-long monkhood seamlessly blends science and spirituality. Join us to unlock the secrets of the Bhagavad Gita where ancient wisdom meets modern understanding.

**To sweeten the deal, a delectable vegetarian meal will be served at the end of every session, ensuring you have the best experience on your journey !!!

Reason for God is an annual dinner series during IAP.  We host a guest speaker each night who will help us explore some of the big questions around the existence of God, Faith and Science, the Bible, Christianity, and Philosophy.  Come for a free catered meal and an engaing talk followed by Q and A.  Bring your questions. This series is designed for anyone - from the most skepitcal to those that believe in God and those who are spiritual, but not religious.  Come learn, come discuss, and come eat!  

RSVP HERE

Not all Buddhists meditate, in fact, some do not meditate at all!... Then, what do the Buddhists do and what do the Buddhists believe in? Can we really generalize their practices and beliefs? What comes with the tradition do we lose when focusing mostly and heavily on meditation alone? 

This three day introductory IAP takes you into the fun, vibrant, ornamented, messy, breathing, controversial Theravāda Buddhism, one of the earliest kinds of Buddhism, which is still practiced in some parts of Southeast Asia and in Sri Lanka. The course focuses on Thailand and Myanmar through the eyes of Theravāda Buddhists. 

You will learn basic knowledge and vocabs to talk about the tradition like scriptures, teachings, and practices. You will be introduced to some complex issues and questions regarding the tradition. Comments, questions, concerns, and dialogues are welcome. On the last day, there will be home-cooked Thai food for everyone while the conversation focusing on food and faith. 

No background in anything is needed! Just be ready to step into the world of the unseens, animals, ghosts, relics, flowers, dust, and magics where time doesn't work the same way you're familiar with. 

Session 1: January 24 (Wednesday) 7-9 pm W11-155  Theme: The Pāli Canon and the Theravāda World through the eyes of Theravāda Buddhists

Session 2: January 25 (Thursday) 7-9 pm W11-155 Theme: Theravāda Buddhism and its relationship with other traditions in present days Thailand

Session 3: January 30 (Thursday) 6-8pm + home-cooked Thai food will be provided W11-190 Theme: Food and Faith

All sections are led by Saly Sirothphiphat an MDiv II student at Harvard Divinity School, a Thai Theravāda Buddhist and Win Kyaw Harvard Divinity School MTS '22 who studies Myanmar and Theravāda Buddhism. 

Hosted by the Addir Interfaith Dialogue Program

Islam is frequently talked about in the media, but continues to be a mystery to most people.

What is the Muslim's concept of God? The afterlife? Who was prophet Muhammad? What do Muslims say about Abraham, Moses, and Jesus? What are the core beliefs and practices of Islam?

This session offers an opportunity to see beyond common misconceptions and learn from Muslims about their fourteen-century old faith, professed by 1.9 billion people worldwide. The session also touches on Islamophobia and student lived experiences on campus. A Q&A session is included.

The session is intended for first-timers only

Islam is frequently talked about in the media, but continues to be a mystery to most people.

What is the Muslim's concept of God? The afterlife? Who was prophet Muhammad? What do Muslims say about Abraham, Moses, and Jesus? What are the core beliefs and practices of Islam?

This session offers an opportunity to see beyond common misconceptions and learn from Muslims about their fourteen-century old faith, professed by 1.9 billion people worldwide. The session also touches on Islamophobia and student lived experiences on campus. A Q&A session is included.

The session is intended for first-timers only

How do religions evolve and change? Is there anything inevitable about religious violence or peace? Who's the Flying Spaghetti Monster? Join us this IAP for an interactive series all about understanding religion's role in the world today.

A Dialogue Lab providing training in empathic listening and intellectual hospitality, based on the work of the Ideos Institute.

In these polarized times, what does it mean to disagree well?  This IAP, you are invited to participate in a workshop that will equip you with skills of empathic intelligence and enable you to pursue meaningful dialogue across difference.

This mini-course builds on a curriculum developed by the Ideos Institute, experts in empathic intelligence and producers of the documentary film “Dialogue Lab: America.”  Lunch will be served free of charge at each session!

Islam is frequently talked about in the media, but continues to be a mystery to most people.

What is the Muslim's concept of God? The afterlife? Who was prophet Muhammad? What do Muslims say about Abraham, Moses, and Jesus? What are the core beliefs and practices of Islam?

This session offers an opportunity to see beyond common misconceptions and learn from Muslims about their fourteen-century old faith, professed by 1.9 billion people worldwide. The session also touches on Islamophobia and student lived experiences on campus. A Q&A session is included.

The session is intended for first-timers only

Islam is frequently talked about in the media, but continues to be a mystery to most people.

What is the Muslim's concept of God? The afterlife? Who was prophet Muhammad? What do Muslims say about Abraham, Moses, and Jesus? What are the core beliefs and practices of Islam?

This session offers an opportunity to see beyond common misconceptions and learn from Muslims about their fourteen-century old faith, professed by 1.9 billion people worldwide. The session also touches on Islamophobia and student lived experiences on campus. A Q&A session is included.

The session is intended for first-timers only

Join us for a special four-part workshop on the Yoga Sutras, a collection of ancient teachings providing guidance for holistic well-being of the body, mind, and spirit.

In this workshop, you'll explore the rich philosophy and practices of the Yoga Sutras and learn how to integrate these teachings into your daily life. Whether you're new to yoga and spirituality or an experienced practitioner, this workshop aims to offer valuable insights and practices to support your overall well-being. We invite you to participate in this unique opportunity for learning and personal growth.

The workshop will be facilitated by HG Sadananda Dasa, the MIT Vaishnava Hindu Chaplain, who has been practicing bhakti yoga for over 14 years and is a monk in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. As a disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, HG Sadananda Dasa brings extensive background and experience in yoga and spirituality, making this workshop a valuable experience for all participants.

Workshop Dates: Thursday, Jan 11, 18, 25 & Feb 1, 2024

Availability is limited, so please register at the earliest using this link: tinyurl.com/iapmityogasutras 

How do religions evolve and change? Is there anything inevitable about religious violence or peace? Who's the Flying Spaghetti Monster? Join us this IAP for an interactive series all about understanding religion's role in the world today.

Embark seamlessly on a transformative journey with the Bhagavad Gita, the crown jewel of Vedic wisdom. In this revered spiritual text, a divine conversation unfolds between  Sri Krishna and his devotee prince Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where doubt and moral dilemma shroud Arjuna's mind just before the epic war. This crash course offers more than a mere exploration of ancient verses; it promises a transformative experience. Dive into the spiritual science of the Gita through engaging presentations, discussions, and skits, covering crucial aspects like soul, super soul, time, nature, and karma. Your journey culminates in a one-day retreat on January 20th, surrounded by nature's serenity. Immerse yourself in interactive activities to absorb the teachings, with details for this enchanting culmination unveiled during our sessions. 

Key features:

• Demystifying ancient wisdom.
• Big bang or Big brain.
• Cracking Karma.
• Magic of mantras.
• Do we live more than once?
• Rising beyond temptations.
• Reincarnation: Fact or fiction.
• Why do bad things happen to good people?

About the speakers: HG Radheshyam Das and HG Acharya Ratna Das, esteemed Vedic Scholars and monks rooted in elite engineering backgrounds. Particularly the gold medalist from IIT Bombay (one of the India's elite college), their three-decade-long monkhood seamlessly blends science and spirituality. Join us to unlock the secrets of the Bhagavad Gita where ancient wisdom meets modern understanding.

**To sweeten the deal, a delectable vegetarian meal will be served at the end of every session, ensuring you have the best experience on your journey !!!

Reason for God is an annual dinner series during IAP.  We host a guest speaker each night who will help us explore some of the big questions around the existence of God, Faith and Science, the Bible, Christianity, and Philosophy.  Come for a free catered meal and an engaing talk followed by Q and A.  Bring your questions. This series is designed for anyone - from the most skepitcal to those that believe in God and those who are spiritual, but not religious.  Come learn, come discuss, and come eat!  

Buddhist Meditation IAP

RSVP HERE

Dates: January 19 - 21 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Location: SPXCE Room (W31-110)

There will be 3 drop-in sessions each day for 3 different meditation traditions.

Mind (9:30-11:00 AM): Vipassana meditation - Learn how to focus through contemplative meditation

Hand (1:30-3:00 PM): Yogic meditation - Learn to prepare the body for meditation focused on bodily harmony

Heart (5:00-6:30 PM): Metta meditation - Learn to spread love with mantras intended to open the heart <3

Some of the guest meditation leaders are listed below!  Tea will be served.

• Ven. Dorjey Dolma (Tibetan)
• Ven. Deung Myoung Sunim (Korean)
• Ven. Tenzin Gyurmey (Tibetan)
• Ven. Nedagamuwe Samitha Thero (Bhante Samitha) (Sri Lankan)
• Saly Sirothphiphat (Thai)
• Prahlad Iyengar (Hindu)
• Dr. Santoshkumar Raut (Indian Buddhist)
• Kyle Saisakorn Sandberg HDS MDiv student with IMS experiences

RSVP HERE

Not all Buddhists meditate, in fact, some do not meditate at all!... Then, what do the Buddhists do and what do the Buddhists believe in? Can we really generalize their practices and beliefs? What comes with the tradition do we lose when focusing mostly and heavily on meditation alone? 

This three day introductory IAP takes you into the fun, vibrant, ornamented, messy, breathing, controversial Theravāda Buddhism, one of the earliest kinds of Buddhism, which is still practiced in some parts of Southeast Asia and in Sri Lanka. The course focuses on Thailand and Myanmar through the eyes of Theravāda Buddhists. 

You will learn basic knowledge and vocabs to talk about the tradition like scriptures, teachings, and practices. You will be introduced to some complex issues and questions regarding the tradition. Comments, questions, concerns, and dialogues are welcome. On the last day, there will be home-cooked Thai food for everyone while the conversation focusing on food and faith. 

No background in anything is needed! Just be ready to step into the world of the unseens, animals, ghosts, relics, flowers, dust, and magics where time doesn't work the same way you're familiar with. 

Session 1: January 24 (Wednesday) 7-9 pm W11-155  Theme: The Pāli Canon and the Theravāda World through the eyes of Theravāda Buddhists

Session 2: January 25 (Thursday) 7-9 pm W11-155 Theme: Theravāda Buddhism and its relationship with other traditions in present days Thailand

Session 3: January 30 (Thursday) 6-8pm + home-cooked Thai food will be provided W11-190 Theme: Food and Faith

All sections are led by Saly Sirothphiphat an MDiv II student at Harvard Divinity School, a Thai Theravāda Buddhist and Win Kyaw Harvard Divinity School MTS '22 who studies Myanmar and Theravāda Buddhism. 

Hosted by the Addir Interfaith Dialogue Program