Diamond Light Tibetan Buddhist Group

The Power of Purification with Geshe Tsultrim
2021-06-08 18:30 - 20:00, 2021-06-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2021-06-22 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Onlie via Zoom, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
6 Tuesdays May 18 – June 22, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Discover the power of purification through the Vajrasattva Deity. Join Geshe Tsultrim as he teaches the aspects of Vajrasattva and the purification practice. This class is open to practitioners of all levels, no initiations or empowerments required.
Click on the Zoom link to join: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
Cost: Suggested donation of $10-$20 to cover the cost of the class and support the teacher. No one turned away for lack of funds. You can give online: https://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/ or through Venmo: search “Diamond Light”
For more info: http://www.diamondlightsac.org
Geshe Lobsang Tsultrim is part of the Gaden Shartse Monastery in south India. “Geshe” is a degree that is earned after several years of intensive study and passing the highest-level exams. It is the monastic equivalent of a western “Ph.D.” degree. Having successfully passed these exams, Geshe Tsultrim is an expert on Buddhist philosophy. He is also a skilled artist, specializing in traditional Tibetan art. Geshe Tsultrim has been teaching in the United States since 2001.

Online: How Karma Works
2021-06-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Online event
Karma: all of our actions and thoughts have inevitable results, both positive and negative, for better or for worse. Navigating our lives—and future rebirths—depends on understanding causality: how karma works. Understanding karma is crucial to reaching our goals, both material and spiritual. In this six-week course, we will examine what Buddhism teaches us about how our actions create karma and karmic results by looking at selections from Buddha’s teachings. The class will be live online, with replays and handouts provided.
Texts we’ll look at include “Kamma: A Study Guide” by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (an anthology of Gautama Buddha’s lectures), “Treasure House of Knowledge” (Sanskrit: “Abhidharmakosha Karika”) by Vasubandhu (circa 350 AD), and commentary from “Illumination of the Path to Freedom” written by the First Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gendun Drup (1391-1474).
The non-doing of what is unskillful,
the performance of what’s skillful,
the cleansing of one’s own mind:
This is the Buddhas’ teaching.
-Dhammapada
Tuesdays June 29–August 10, 2021, 6:30pm–8pm Pacific time
Click on the Zoom link to join: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
Cost: Suggested donation of $10-$20 to cover the cost of the class and support the teacher. No one turned away for lack of funds. You can give online: https://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/ or through Venmo: search “Diamond Light”
About the teacher: Michael “Mojo” Tchudi has been practicing dharma since 2005. He has formally studied several lineages of Buddhism, Daoism, and Yoga. Mojo completed a Master of Arts in Buddhist Classics with an emphasis in Sanskrit translation at Dharma Realm Buddhist University in 2019. Mojo has taught at dharma centers, yoga studios, conferences, and schools, including two years teaching Ethics and World Religions at Developing Virtue Secondary School. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Saybrook University. Learn more at http://www.mojohito.com/

Kindness, Clarity, Insight: A Deep Dive into the Six Perfections
2021-08-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Sierra 2 Center, Room 14, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
The Six Perfections are a practice that can help us benefit others, ourselves, and is an integral part of the path to enlightenment. The Six Perfections are a guide for Buddhist practice and virtues to be cultivated to bring one to enlightenment.
The Six Perfections describe the true nature of an enlightened being, which, in Mahayana practice, is to say they are our own true buddha-nature. By cultivating these Perfections, we bring this true nature into expression.
Join Geshe Tsultrim as we take a deep dive into the Six Perfections over 11 weeks.
Tuesdays, August 17 – October 26, 2021
6:30pm-8:00pm
This class will be in-person and online (Geshe’la will be teaching online from home).
If you would like to attend in-person, pre-registration is required and there are capacity limits, so please plan to attend the entire series.
How to attend:
Register to attend the event in-person.
Be sure to follow the Diamond Light COVID-Protocols.
Join live online with Zoom. (Meeting ID: 224 735 8115)
Cost: Suggested donation of $10-$20 per class to cover the cost of the class and support the teacher. No one turned away for lack of funds. You can give online: https://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/ or through Venmo: search “Diamond Light”
For more info: http://www.diamondlightsac.org
About the teacher: Geshe Lobsang Tsultrim is part of the Gaden Shartse Monastery in south India. “Geshe” is a degree that is earned after several years of intensive study and passing the highest-level exams. It is the monastic equivalent of a western “Ph.D.” degree. Having successfully passed these exams, Geshe Tsultrim is an expert on Buddhist philosophy. He is also a skilled artist, specializing in traditional Tibetan art. Geshe Tsultrim has been teaching in the United States since 2001.

Outdoor Gathering and Reconnecting Celebration
2021-08-21 11:30 - 13:00 | Curtis Hall at Sierra 2 Center, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
When: Saturday August 21st 11:30am-1pm
Where: Courtyard behind Curtis Hall (2791 24th Street, Sacramento CA 95818).
Who: You! Everyone is invited. Please bring family and friends!

Live music performed by Jay Nair
Drinks, snacks, and definitely dessert!
Chatting and catching up with friends
Lama Amie will say a few words about new projects and exciting opportunities
There will be time for people to share a few words if they wish (similar to giving a toast!)

After a tough year, we want to thank YOU for keeping Diamond Light strong and thriving. We are excited that we are going to be holding classes both in person and online starting August 17!
To celebrate, we would like to have an outdoor celebration Saturday, August 21st from 11:30am-1:00pm. We will be gathering in the courtyard by Curtis Hall, which is outside with plenty of space for physical distancing. Snacks and drinks will be provided, and Jay Nair will be performing music! Family and friends are welcome to join us.
Diamond Light Meditation Center will be open for small groups and individuals to visit the room, and make an offering at the alter if you would like. Room capacity is about 12 people at a time.
If you are attending the gathering, please follow Diamond Light’s COVID protocols.
We are looking forward to reconnecting in person again!

6 Healing Sounds: Working with Emotions in the Body
2021-09-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Zoom, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Friday, Sept 24th
6:30–8:30 pm Pacific time
on Zoom
Beginners Welcomed! Cost $25
No one turned away for lack of funds
Register here!
These 6 Healing Sounds are an ancient Qi-Gong practice based on the 5 Element Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. We’ll explore sounds and movements which correspond to specific emotions, organs, and energy channels of the body/mind organism—all relating to the 5 Elements of the natural world. This practice has been used to balance the emotions and physical body for over 2,000 years and can be especially healing in these challenging times.
What is Qi-gong?
Qi-gong is an internal “vital energy” practice of body posture, movement, breathing, and awareness together in unison. Qigong has traditionally been practiced as a healing art, cultivating and balancing the ‘qi’ (“chi”) to activate the body’s innate healing ability, as well as a transformative Taoist spiritual practice.
About the teacher:
Anand Parikshak is a meditation teacher with a focus in the teachings of the Tao and the cultivation of emotional wellbeing. As an Indian-American, Anand was first taught meditation and posture from his father- the son of a yogi and Vedic educator. During his teens, Anand took a personal interest in meditation inspired by a connection to Nature and his main mentor, Dr. B Bayard, a Taoist practitioner and physician. Under Dr. Bayard’s training and the training of other great teachers, Anand has studied meditation, qigong, and Tai Chi Chuan. With respect to the teachings given to him, Anand now leads and developments meditation and mindfulness based programs for individuals from all walks of life. He has been honored to teach all around the world including prestigious institutions such as UCSF’s Osher Center, American University’s School of International Service, and the United States Department of State.

Restoring the Terrain: Cultivating the Luminous Pearl
2021-09-25 12:30 - 16:30 | Zoom, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Saturday, September 25th
12:30 pm–4:30 pm Pacific time
on Zoom
Beginners Welcomed! Cost $45
No one turned away for lack of funds
Register here!
In this workshop we’ll go through the initial Qigong sequence of “Restoring the Terrain”, opening to and exploring the inner experience of each movement. The practice ultimately creates the body as an alchemical vessel where the vital energy (qi) is held and transformed. , and our physiology healed. The luminous peart pearl, our alchemical product, is the DNA for the compassionate and rainbow bodies.
While this practice builds on an ongoing class, we’ll be playing with each movement slowly enough that beginners are welcomed.
What is Qi-gong?
Qi-gong is an internal “vital energy” practice of body posture, movement, breathing and awareness together in unison. Qigong has traditionally been practiced as a healing art, cultivating and balancing the ‘qi’ (“chi”) to activate the body’s innate healing ability, as well as a transformative Taoist spiritual practice.
About the teacher:
Anand Parikshak is a meditation teacher with a focus in the teachings of the Tao and the cultivation of emotional wellbeing. As an Indian-American, Anand was first taught meditation and posture from his father- the son of a yogi and Vedic educator. During his teens, Anand took a personal interest in meditation inspired by a connection to Nature and his main mentor, Dr. B Bayard, a Taoist practitioner and physician. Under Dr. Bayard’s training and the training of other great teachers, Anand has studied meditation, qigong, and Tai Chi Chuan. With respect to the teachings given to him, Anand now leads and developments meditation and mindfulness based programs for individuals from all walks of life. He has been honored to teach all around the world including prestigious institutions such as UCSF’s Osher Center, American University’s School of International Service, and the United States Department of State.

Postponed to 2022: Compassion Cultivation Training
2021-09-29 18:30 - 20:30 | Zoom, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
With Seona Gwon
When: Sep 29, 2021 – Nov 17, 2021 (Every Wednesday for 8 weeks) 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Online Zoom
THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED UNTIL 2022. PLEASE CHECK BACK!
Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) is a multi-week personal and professional development course designed at Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education and taught around the world by Certified Facilitators. The program includes practical tools and exercises designed to enhance your awareness, compassion, and resilience.
CCT will support you to improve your relationships with friends, family, clients, patients, staff, and coworkers.
You’ll walk away from each CCT class with tools and practices you can immediately put to work. CCT will help you:

Improve awareness
Increase connection to others
Decrease the distress you may feel in difficult situations

CCT is a two-hour weekly class that includes:

Large and small group discussions to share learning experiences
Guided meditation to improve awareness
Listening and communication exercises to build compassionate interactions

You’ll also have daily homework of one guided meditation per day and informal practices to try as you go about your day.
Tuition
This course has four levels of tuition, on a sliding scale:

Supporter: $150 – $200 This amount supports our basic event costs
Mid Level: $200- $250 This amount supports our event and helps keep our event to people of all income levels
Sustainer: $250 – $350 This amount supports our event, allows all income levels to attend, and supports our physical center to remain open.
Pay-what-you-can: No one turned away for lack of funds.

About the Teacher: Seona Gwon
Seona works as a teacher, producer, writer, translator, and interpreter in South Korea, and occasionally in California. She is an International Dharma Instructor, certified by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Also, Seona is a certified teacher of Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) and Mindful Self Compassion (MSC), teaching in both Korean and English. For 15 years, Seona was an Instructor at Joongang Sangha University, the primary buddhist university in Korea for monks and nuns, also taught in the graduate school of Dongguk University’s Buddhist Department, and at the International School of Buddhist Studies (ISBS), a graduate program for Korean nuns. As a producer, she brought the famous Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh to South Korea in 2003 for a countrywide visit, and Zen teacher Norman Fischer in 2017. Seona has worked as a researcher at the Dongguk University Academy of Buddhism.
Seona has a PhD in Buddhist Studies from Dongguk University, with a dissertation on “Modern Compassion Meditation in the West.” She continues to expand her studies, including completing the Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness (TSM) course and becoming a certified teacher in Self Compassion Training for Healthcare Communities (SCHC).
Seona is highly interested in the ongoing dialogue between West and East regarding methods to relieve suffering in the modern world, and especially interested in the Western secular programs focused on mindfulness and compassion. She often serves as interpreter for these programs in English, and served Jon Kabat Zinn in his first visit to South Korea, in 2012, to introduce Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
Seona has been a practitioner of Korean Zen (Seon) since childhood. She lives with her husband, John, in Seoul, South Korea. Her central path is developing and deepening her own compassion and then manifesting it in life and action in the larger world.

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The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life with Jay Nair
2021-11-02 18:30 - 20:00 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life with Jay Nair
3 Tuesdays November 2nd, 9th, and 16th, 6:30pm-8:00pm
This class will be in-person and online (Jay will be teaching online from home).
How to attend:
In person: 2791 24th Street Room 14, Sacramento CA 95818 (upstairs, parking lot in back)
Be sure to follow the Diamond Light COVID-Protocols.
Join live online with Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
(Meeting ID: 224 735 8115)
A Bodhisattva is a spiritual warrior who blends compassion and wisdom to reach ultimate peace for the benefit of themselves and others. Join Jay Nair to learn how to harmonize one’s life with Bodhisattva practices and wisdom.
Cost: Suggested donation of $10-$20 per class to cover the cost of the class and support the teacher. No one turned away for lack of funds. You can give online: https://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/ or through our business page on Venmo (@diamondlight)
For more info: http://www.diamondlightsac.org or email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com
About the Teacher:

Hailing from a traditional South Indian Yogic family, Jay Nair grew up by the banks of river Periyar, has been practicing some type of yoga and socially engaged spirituality from early on in life and studying modern Mindfulness since 2010. He also received training in Tibetan and Vipassana practices, and participated in many long term yoga meditation retreats. Jay Nair is trained in Indian Music and started performing solo concerts at the early age of ten. Since then Jay has been performing and recording Indian and world fusion music. IT Engineer by profession, Jay is a blend of Science, Art and Spirituality and believes Technology and Consciousness transforms each other.

Gratitude Celebration with Amie Diller and Jay Nair
2021-11-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Sierra 2 Center, Room 14, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Join Lama Amie Diller and Jay Nair for a night of music, stories and meditation that inspire graditude.
Tuesday November 23, 6:30pm-8:00pm
This class will be in-person and online
How to attend:
In person: 2791 24th Street Room 14, Sacramento CA 95814 (upstairs, parking lot in back)
Be sure to follow the Diamond Light COVID-Protocols.
Join live online with Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
(Meeting ID: 224 735 8115)
For more info visit: www.diamondlightsac.org

Hailing from a traditional South Indian Yogic family, Jay Nair grew up by the banks of river Periyar, has been practicing some type of yoga and socially engaged spirituality from early on in life and studying modern Mindfulness since 2010. He also received training in Tibetan and Vipassana practices, and participated in many long term yoga meditation retreats. Jay Nair is trained in Indian Music and started performing solo concerts at the early age of ten. Since then Jay has been performing and recording Indian and world fusion music. IT Engineer by profession, Jay is a blend of Science, Art and Spirituality and believes Technology and Consciousness transforms each other.

Amie Diller stumbled on Tassajara Zen Mountain Center at age 18, dropped out of college, and embarked on a life-long passion for the study and practice of Buddhism. For the last 15 years Amie has been practicing & teaching internationally in the Tibetan Gelugpa Buddhist tradition. Being a certified nurse-midwife and mother have also brought great joy, along with fertile ground for practicing in the world with a wise and compassionate heart. She is the Spiritual Director at Diamond Light Tibetan Buddhist Center.

Mahaprajapati: The Woman Who Raised the Buddha with Diane Wilde
2021-12-07 18:30 - 20:00 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Mahaprajapati: The Woman Who Raised the Buddha
Tuesday December 7, 6:30pm-8:00pm
This class will be in-person and online (Diane will be teaching online from home).
How to attend:
In person: 2791 24th Street Room 14, Sacramento CA 95814 (upstairs, parking lot in back)
Be sure to follow the Diamond Light COVID-Protocols.
Join live online with Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
(Meeting ID: 224 735 8115)
For more info: http://www.diamondlightsac.org
Mahaprajapati was the Buddha’s mother (actually his aunt who nurtured and raised him). Oddly, little was written about her or her influence over her son, or the establishment of the female sangha — both lay and monastic. Ancient stories about her made their way to China, Sri Lanka, Tibet and Thailand but were excluded from the Pali Canon except for one volume, the Therigatha – “versus of the elder nuns.” Her life experience, her approach to teaching and her relationship with the women of her sangha was generally ignored by the monks of her time, and even now. New research and access to ancient “herstory” are now slowly becoming available. What this new information offers is a picture of a compassionate woman, a gifted leader — who was beloved by her entire community. Mahaprajapati and her community of women had to approach the Dharma with a different sensibility due to the misogyny of that time. Their approach to the Dharma, which we will discuss, may be what is needed in today’s world as Buddhism continues to evolve.
Cost: Suggested donation of $10-$20 per class to cover the cost of the class and support the teacher. No one turned away for lack of funds. You can give online: https://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/ or through our business page on Venmo (@diamondlight)
About the teacher:

DIANE WILDE (Community Teacher and Buddhist Minister)
DIANE WILDE was born in Verona N.J. In her mid-twenties, she moved to California where she married, had two sons, and was a small business owner for thirty-five years. In 2001 she was a founding member of Sacramento Insight Meditation. In 2003 she began attending yearly Vipassana silent retreats, and also began annual thirty day silent solo self-retreats at her home. Her eldest son was sentenced to prison on drug related charges just prior to her husband’s death. This event caused her to volunteer in prison as a meditation teacher for over eighteen years. She became a Buddhist prison chaplain and in 2010 founded Buddhist Pathways Prison Project (aka Boundless Freedom Project). She completed a two year mentorship program at Sacramento Insight Meditation in 2006 where she is currently a Community Dharma Teacher. She is a 2008 graduate of Sati Center’s Buddhist Chaplaincy program and in 2012 graduated from Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s Community Dharma Leadership Training Program. In 2015 after two additional years of study, she was lay-ordained as a Buddhist minister by Gil Fronsdal. Her Pali/ordination name is Reverend Vimuttipala, meaning “Defender of Freedom.” She is a board member of Sati Center for Buddhist Studies in Redwood City, as well as the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Buddha's Enlightment with Lama Amie Diller
2021-12-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Sierra 2 Center, Room 14, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Join Lama Amie as she discusses the Buddha’s enlightenment through teaching and stories!
Tuesday December 14, 6:30pm-8:00pm
This class will be in-person and online
How to attend:
In person: 2791 24th Street Room 14, Sacramento CA 95814 (upstairs, parking lot in back)
Be sure to follow the Diamond Light COVID-Protocols.
Join live online with Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
(Meeting ID: 224 735 8115)
For more info visit: www.diamondlightsac.org

Amie Diller stumbled on Tassajara Zen Mountain Center at age 18, dropped out of college, and embarked on a life-long passion for the study and practice of Buddhism. For the last 15 years Amie has been practicing & teaching internationally in the Tibetan Gelugpa Buddhist tradition. Being a certified nurse-midwife and mother have also brought great joy, along with fertile ground for practicing in the world with a wise and compassionate heart. She is the Spiritual Director at Diamond Light Tibetan Buddhist Center.

Volunteer Event: Care Packages for those in need
2021-12-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Sierra 2 Center, Room 14, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Join us to put together care packages of survival supplies for those experiencing homelessness.
Tuesday December 21, 6:30pm-8:00pm
at Diamond Light Meditation Center
2791 24th Street, Room 14 Sacramento CA 95818
upstairs, parking lot in back.
More details about this event will be provided in December!

Closed for the Holidays
2021-12-28

New Year's Retreat with Lama Amie Diller
2021-12-30 - 2022-01-01 | 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
***RETREAT FULL***
Visions of Wholeness and the Mandala of the Awakened Feminine
with Lama Amie Diller
3-Day Retreat — Limited Capacity for In Person Retreat, Remote option available
Thursday December 30, 2021-Saturday January 1, 2022
*Exact times to be determined
Please plan to attend all days, no partial retreat available
Retreat Cost = $150
Scholarships available, please email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com to request a scholarship.
The Buddhist mandala is an archetypal symbol of wholeness and a wonderful invitation to live in alignment with our heart’s deepest longings. We’ll explore and practice with the 5 Buddha Families in their feminine forms, in connection with the 5 elements, and in relationship to the pscyho-spiritual nature of our original wholeness.
The teachings will be based on a new book by Rob Preece – The Mandala and Visions of Wholeness: Within Tibetan Buddhism and Jungian Psychology (Essence of Tantra Series).
Purchase the book here!
The weekend will include a New Year’s ritual as well as tips for continuing your individual practice.
Pre-registration required. Register here.

Amie Diller stumbled on Tassajara Zen Mountain Center at age 18, dropped out of college, and embarked on a life-long passion for the study and practice of Buddhism. For the last 15 years Amie has been practicing & teaching internationally in the Tibetan Gelugpa Buddhist tradition. Being a certified nurse-midwife and mother have also brought great joy, along with fertile ground for practicing in the world with a wise and compassionate heart. She is the Spiritual Director at Diamond Light Tibetan Buddhist Center.

A Skillful Approach to Emotions with Sunil Joseph
2022-01-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Sierra 2 Center, Room 14, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
A Skillful Approach to Emotions with Sunil Joseph
4 Tuesdays January 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th; 6:30pm-8:00pm
How to Attend:
This class will be in-person and online (Sunil will be teaching online from home).
In person: 2791 24th Street Room 14, Sacramento CA 95818 (upstairs, parking lot in back)
Be sure to follow the Diamond Light COVID-Protocols.
Join live online with Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
(Meeting ID: 224 735 8115)
Description:
What if our emotions were messengers from a deeper intelligence attempting to guide us to fulfillment? Emotions are generally viewed as irrational, confusing, challenging, disruptive, threatening, unreliable, messy, etc. This is caused, in large part, by the fact that we are not taught how to listen to our emotions and understand their messages. Emotions are the currency of human relationships. Our ability to navigate our emotions and the emotions of our loved ones has a direct impact on the quality of all our relationships and thus our lives.
In this class, we will introduce Marshall Rosenberg’s model of emotions as messengers helping us enrich life within self and others. This class will deepen both your cognitive vocabulary and your somatic (bodily) awareness of emotions. It will introduce Rosenberg’s method of compassionate inquiry into emotions to discover their underlying life-serving messages. About 20% of our class time will be spent on theory related to the model. The remaining 80% of our time will be invested in experiential learning. Please bring some paper and something to write with. You are encouraged to experiment with the model and make your own conclusions about its value in your life. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary. All are welcome. You can drop-in to one or more sessions if you cannot attend the whole series since the core principles will be woven into each session.
Cost:
Suggested donation of $10-$20 per class to cover the cost of the class and support the teacher. No one turned away for lack of funds. You can give online: https://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/ or through our business page on Venmo (@diamondlight)
For more info: http://www.diamondlightsac.org or email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com
About Sunil:
I have been a student of empathy-based approaches, including Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Mindfulness, etc., since 2004. I completed BayNVC’s NVC Leadership training in 2008 and have been sharing NVC with groups and individuals since then. I completed the 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program offered by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach in 2021. I am currently a trainee facilitator with GRIP Training Institute, grip-traininginstitute.org, which offers a 1-year healing and accountability program to incarcerated populations. For more: myempathycoach.com.

Cultivating Emotional Balance: Three Day Intensive with Dave Smith and Lani Potts
2022-01-28 - 2022-01-30 | Online event
3-Day Online Retreat
Friday January 28, 2022 – Sunday, January 30, 2022
9am-5pm PDT (9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm)
Please plan to attend all days, no partial retreat available
Retreat Fees: $300
Scholarships available, please email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com to request a scholarship.
Space is limited! Preregistration required, Register now: https://bookwhen.com/diamondlightsac/e/ev-stv2-20220128000000
The Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB) training was sparked during a meeting between behavioral scientists, a neuroscientist, a monk, a philosopher, and the Dalai Lama in 2000, as a new approach to understanding our emotional lives. Combining contemporary emotion based scientific research with contemplative practices and psychology drawn from Buddhism, the Cultivating Emotional Balance training gives participants new tools to use emotion as a path for transformation.
Join an original format for learning and integrating the basic tools of Cultivating Emotional Balance. In this workshop, participants develop attention, restore motivation, identify the root causes of enduring happiness, explore anger and sadness, investigate different pathways of empathy, practice self-compassion, and build connections through vulnerability and trust.
Our goal is to support the participants in acquiring tools for cultivating emotional balance in daily life. Your guides are CEB teachers, Lani Potts and Dave Smith. Together, they are a dynamic duo with experience teaching the fundamental concepts of CEB.
Day 1:
– Lay the groundwork for emotional awareness
– Learn how to track emotions
– Cultivate a basis of joy in meditation and stabilize attention in the body.
Day 2:
– Investigate the roots and strategies for working with the emotions of anger and sadness
– Develop mindfulness, introspection and compassion for your mental and emotional habits.
Day 3:
– Explore your internal longing for contentment and flourishing,
– Reflect on on genuine well-being and a meaningful life
– Meditations that establish the clarity of intention and commitment to you and others well-being.
Each day focuses on learning and practice:
9am-12pm PDT Emotion Awareness Workshop:
– Includes powerpoint instruction, small group breakouts, activities, and interactive discussion
2pm-5pm PDT Contemplative Practice and Meditation:
– Includes guided practice and instruction on contemplative themes.
– These sessions will be recorded
**Can be watched the next morning for those in later time zones.
As a Dharma practitioner and certified Cultivating Emotional Balance teacher, Lani Potts also brings to CEB her training and experience as a yoga and meditation teacher along with a long-established Buddhist meditation practice. Lani is a recently retired educator with over 38 years of experience as an elementary teacher, principal, teacher and administrator coach, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. In her “retirement,” Lani actively teaches CEB, coaches CEB teachers and students, and serves as the Cultivating Emotional Balance Program Director. She also teaches mindfulness and meditation as part of a UCSF study on mindfulness with cancer patients and lives in San Jose, California.
Dave Smith is an internationally recognized Buddhist Meditation teacher, addiction treatment specialist, CEB trained teacher, and published author. He has extensive experience bringing meditative interventions into jails, prisons, youth detention centers and addiction treatment facilities. Dave teaches residential retreats and classes, provides training and consulting in both secular and Buddhist contexts and works with students through his meditation mentoring program. He recently founded the Secular Dharma Foundation and lives in Paonia, Colorado.

The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life with Jay Nair
2022-02-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Sierra 2 Center, Room 14, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life with Jay Nair
Tuesdays March 8, 22, and 29th 6:30pm-8:00pm
This class will be online (Jay will be teaching online from home).
How to attend:
In person: 2791 24th Street Room 14, Sacramento CA 95818 (upstairs, parking lot in back)
Be sure to follow the Diamond Light COVID-Protocols.
Join live online with Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
(Meeting ID: 224 735 8115)
A Bodhisattva is a spiritual warrior who blends compassion and wisdom to reach ultimate peace for the benefit of themselves and others. Join Jay Nair to learn how to harmonize one’s life with Bodhisattva practices and wisdom.
Cost: Suggested donation of $10-$20 per class to cover the cost of the class and support the teacher. No one turned away for lack of funds. You can give online: https://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/ or through our business page on Venmo (@diamondlight)
For more info: http://www.diamondlightsac.org or email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com
About the Teacher:

Hailing from a traditional South Indian Yogic family, Jay Nair grew up by the banks of river Periyar, has been practicing some type of yoga and socially engaged spirituality from early on in life and studying modern Mindfulness since 2010. He also received training in Tibetan and Vipassana practices, and participated in many long term yoga meditation retreats. Jay Nair is trained in Indian Music and started performing solo concerts at the early age of ten. Since then Jay has been performing and recording Indian and world fusion music. IT Engineer by profession, Jay is a blend of Science, Art and Spirituality and believes Technology and Consciousness transforms each other.

No class tonight - back next week!
2022-02-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Sierra 2 Center, Room 14, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States

Healing from the Source: Vajrasattva Retreat with Rob Preece
2022-03-04 | Onlie via Zoom, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
4-Day Online Retreat
Friday March 4, 2021-Monday March 7, 2022
7am-5pm PDT
Please plan to attend all days, no partial retreat available
Sliding scale $200-$300
Scholarships available, please email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com to request a scholarship.
This retreat will be open to anyone who has a background in the Tibetan tradition, no specific empowerment is required to attend.
Space is limited so register now: https://bookwhen.com/diamondlightsac/e/ev-s8ku-20220304000000
We each have within us an innate source of health, vitality and wisdom known as our Buddha Nature. In the Tantric tradition we can awaken a relationship to this source of healing through the practice of Vajrasattva. This retreat offers an opportunity to experience the extraordinary nature of this way of healing and, combined with the practices of Mahamudra and Kum Nye, it can begin to enable the liberation and transformation of the energy of emotions, stress and tension held in the body.
Traditionally the practice of Vajrasattva is one of the preliminary practices for Tantra. It is regarded as profound foundation of awakening to our innate nature that can become a resource throughout our life. The practice of Mahamudra opens us to the innate, pristine nature of the the mind and the experience of non-duality.The practice of Kum Nye is valuable in deepening our capacity for meditation and freeing energy that can become stuck within sitting practice.
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During this retreat we will also begin to explore the practices associated with the cultivation of Tummo or “inner heat” and will be particularly appropriate for those who have worked with Rob before. We will be exploring the healing potential of this practice as it opens up our relationship to the energy body.
This retreat is for those who have some experience of meditation within the Buddhist tantric tradition, it is not considered an introduction for those without experience. Anyone wishing to attend who has not worked with Rob before may be asked to give some clarification of their background of practice.

Rob Preece
Rob has been a practicing Tibetan Buddhist since 1973. In 1980 he went to India and was in retreat for around five years exploring in depth the practice of tantra, meditating under the guidance of his teachers Lama Thubten Yeshe, Gen Jhampa Wangdu and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Returning to the West, in 1985 he began a Jungian based psychotherapy training, gradually developing a synthesis of Jungian and Buddhist understanding. He worked as a psychotherapist for around 28 years and then began to focus upon spiritual mentoring. Since 1985 he has been leading meditation retreats, following the influence of Lama Yeshe who particularly encouraged his integration of a more Western approach to tantric practice. He is an experienced Tangkha painter as well as the author of The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra; The Wisdom of Imperfection; and most recently Tasting the Essence of Tantra. Today he teaches retreats in the UK with his wife Anna and also in Europe and the US.

Online: Vajrasattva Meditation
2022-03-07 18:30 - 19:30, 2022-03-14 18:30 - 19:30, 2022-03-21 18:30 - 19:30 | Online event
We each have within us an innate source of health, vitality and wisdom known as our Buddha Nature. In the Tantric tradition we can awaken a relationship to this source of healing through the practice of Vajrasattva. Doing this practice can begin to enable the liberation and transformation of the energy of emotions, stress and tension held in the body.
Traditionally the practice of Vajrasattva is one of the preliminary practices for Tantra. It is regarded as profound foundation of awakening to our innate nature that can become a resource throughout our life.
Enjoy community, support, and inspiration. Join long-time meditator and Tibetan Buddhist practitioner David Drabble as he shows us what it takes to set up and keep a daily practice! Each class will have instruction, discussion, and meditation.
Drop-ins encouraged!
Mondays 6:30pm-7:30pm
Click the link to join our virtual classroom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
suggested donation: $10-$20 per class, no one turned away for lack of funds
http://www.diamondlightsac.org

Diamond Light Sangha Meeting
2022-03-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Sierra 2 Center, Room 14, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
We thank you, each one of you, from the depths of our hearts for your years of participation and support. You enabled Diamond Light to come into existence, together created a vibrant Sangha, and have kept the center not only open but thriving during these difficult times. Truly reason to rejoice.
It is time for our spring All Sangha meeting to start planning the next year for our community here at Diamond Light. The Board of Directors Woudl like to have an all sangha meeting to discuss next steps!
Let us know you are coming! RSVP here: http://evite.me/UAFnyV4EQe (feel free to join even without an RSVP)
Please fill out the survey: https://forms.gle/89UP4xWunUhNF1xdA
And join us for our Meeting on Tuesday March 15th from 6:30pm-8:00pm (this will be during our regular Tuesday night class time).
You can join online: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
Meeting ID: 224 735 8115
Or in person at Diamond Light Meditation Center (please wear a mask and stay home if you are sick): 2791 24th Street, Room 14, Sacramento CA 95818

Online: Vajrasattva Meditation with Elaine Jackson
2022-03-28 18:30 - 19:30 | Online event
We each have within us an innate source of health, vitality and wisdom known as our Buddha Nature. In the Tantric tradition we can awaken a relationship to this source of healing through the practice of Vajrasattva. Doing this practice can begin to enable the liberation and transformation of the energy of emotions, stress and tension held in the body.
Traditionally the practice of Vajrasattva is one of the preliminary practices for Tantra. It is regarded as profound foundation of awakening to our innate nature that can become a resource throughout our life.
Enjoy community, support, and inspiration. Join long-time meditator and Tibetan Buddhist practitioner David Drabble as he shows us what it takes to set up and keep a daily practice! Each class will have instruction, discussion, and meditation.
Drop-ins encouraged!
Mondays 6:30pm-7:30pm
Click the link to join our virtual classroom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
suggested donation: $10-$20 per class, no one turned away for lack of funds
Home

Mourning: A Compassionate Path to Healing with Sunil Joseph
2022-04-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Sierra 2 Center, Room 14, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Mourning: A Compassionate Path to Healing, with Sunil Joseph
4 Tuesdays April 5, 12,19, and 26th, 6:30pm-8:00pm
How to Attend:
This class will be in-person and online (Sunil will be teaching online from home).
In person: 2791 24th Street Room 14, Sacramento CA 95818 (upstairs, parking lot in back)
Be sure to follow the Diamond Light COVID-Protocols: We are still requiring masks, and please stay home and join online if you are sick!
Join live online with Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
(Meeting ID: 224 735 8115)
Class Description:
We have all acted in ways that we later regretted. Acknowledging our actions even to ourselves can be difficult when we feel ashamed about what we did. We may judge ourselves to be a bad human being and keep beating ourselves for what we did. Similarly, we may be carrying resentments towards people for the way they hurt us. This unresolved pain can keep us stuck in the past. In this series of 4 classes we will look at how the process of mourning in NVC can help us compassionately heal our shame, resentment, and regrets.
Cost:
Suggested donation of $10-$20 per class to cover the cost of the class and support the teacher. No one turned away for lack of funds. You can give online: https://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/ or through our business page on Venmo (@diamondlight)
For more info: http://www.diamondlightsac.org or email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com
About Sunil:
I have been a student of empathy-based approaches, including Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Mindfulness, etc., since 2004. I completed BayNVC’s NVC Leadership training in 2008 and have been sharing NVC with groups and individuals since then. I completed the 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program offered by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach in 2021. I am currently a trainee facilitator with GRIP Training Institute, grip-traininginstitute.org, which offers a 1-year healing and accountability program to incarcerated populations. For more: myempathycoach.com.

Buddhist Compassion: Caring for Ourselves and Others with Karuna Cayton
2022-05-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Sierra 2 Center, Room 14, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Buddhist Compassion: Caring for Ourselves and Others
With Karuna Cayton
5 Tuesdays May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31st, 6:30pm-8:00pm
How to Attend:
This class will be in-person and online (Karuna will be teaching online from home).
In person: 2791 24th Street Room 14, Sacramento CA 95818 (upstairs, parking lot in back)
Be sure to follow the Diamond Light COVID-Protocols: We are still requiring masks, and please stay home and join online if you are sick!
Join live online with Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
(Meeting ID: 224 735 8115)
Class Description:
The Buddhist theory and practice of compassion is unique and inspiring. Compassion is seen as both the antidote to other’s problems as well as the direct antidote to one’s own struggles. It’s a win-win: good for others and oneself. In this class we will not only look at the buddhist presentation of compassion but also how it is applicable to your everyday life in today’s world. These days it seems problems have become extraordinary – worldwide pandemic, political divisiveness, economic uncertainty, climate change – is compassion the extraordinary solution to these complex problems? Let’s explore.
Cost:
Suggested donation of $10-$20 per class to cover the cost of the class and support the teacher. No one turned away for lack of funds. You can give online: https://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/ or through our business page on Venmo (@diamondlight)
For more info: http://www.diamondlightsac.org or email diamondlight.sac@gmail.com
About Karuna:
As seen on a Sussex Directories Inc site
Karuna Cayton has been a practicing Buddhist for over 45 years. From 1975-1988 he lived at Kopan Monastery working fot the late Lama Thubten Yeshe. Upon returning to the US he got his Masters in clinical psychology and has worked for over thirty years Karuna has worked as a psychotherapist (MFT31860), teacher, business psychologist, and coach to help people achieve a more balanced life. His mission is to interpret the ancient teachings of Buddhist thought into modern language and interventions…without changing the purity of these universal ideas.

The Heart Sutra with Geshe Lobsang Tsultrim
2022-06-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Sierra 2 Center, Room 14, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95818, United States
Discover the wisdom of emptiness! Geshe Lobsang Tsultrim will use the Heart Sutra to explore emptiness and how it can transform our world. Beginners welcome!
8 Tuesdays June 7-July 26, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Hybrid options for attending:
You can attend in person:
2791 24th Street, Room 14 Sacramento CA 95818 (parking lot off 4th Ave, the room is upstairs).
Please wear a mask!
Or Click on the Zoom link to join: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2247358115
Cost: Suggested donation of $10-$20 to cover the cost of the class and support the teacher. No one turned away for lack of funds. You can give online: https://www.diamondlightsac.org/donate/ or through Venmo: search “Diamond Light”
For more info: http://www.diamondlightsac.org
Geshe Lobsang Tsultrim is part of the Gaden Shartse Monastery in south India. “Geshe” is a degree that is earned after several years of intensive study and passing the highest-level exams. It is the monastic equivalent of a western “Ph.D.” degree. Having successfully passed these exams, Geshe Tsultrim is an expert on Buddhist philosophy. He is also a skilled artist, specializing in traditional Tibetan art. Geshe Tsultrim has been teaching in the United States since 2001.

Closed for the Holiday!
2022-07-04 18:30 - 19:30 | Online event
CLosed for the Holiday! Meditation will resume next week!
