Namchak Community Blog

Greetings from Missoula, MT friends! We are currently in Phase 1 of reopening our beautiful state. While that may be cause for celebration for some, it is also cause for increased anxiety in others. I think I am somewhere in-between and unsure how to feel about it all. I am using this collection of teachings from Namchak Khen Rinpoche to design...

As the quarantine days continue to pass, I’m finding it more and more difficult to answer the question, “How are you doing?” When I take stock of my life, I have a job, food, shelter, security, health, and people I can at least call. Yet some days are just plain hard, and I struggle to allow myself to say, “I’m having a hard time.” I feel guilt...

This is the third installment of a Q&A series with Lama Tsomo about how to stay grounded during these trying times. Many people are finding themselves in close quarters with others, whether family or roommates. It can be a struggle to stay calm when we aren’t used to being together all the time and everything feels more frustrating. Do you...

This is the second installment of a Q&A series with Lama Tsomo about how to navigate these trying times. We hope you find it helpful! Many people may float between feeling great hope or great despair. What is your response to both of those states? In Buddhism, we’re told not to fall into hope or fear. With either one, we’re setting ourselves...

As we navigate the new world of COVID-19, most of us are looking for guidance and some tools to gain comfort. Staying informed about the virus is important, but it’s also important that we stay connected to each other and our practices. We’ve been asking Lama Tsomo lots of questions. This article is the first in a series of question-and-answer...

Whenever I am suffering from anything, whether heartbreak, sickness, or stress from the disease, one of my go-to practices is Tonglen— sending and receiving compassion. I find this practice to be of great importance during this time of physical distancing and heightened anxiety. The practice itself supports us in awakening our heart-minds and...

Given the active Coronavirus developments and school closures, along with the many unknowns for the months ahead, we have decided to postpone the Compassion in Action Fellowship until the 2021 - 2022 academic year. We are deeply grateful to all who have applied, nominated, and shared the Fellowship opportunity with others. The response to our new...

I was planning on celebrating my one-year Namchak employment anniversary with my co-workers and Namchak Khen Rinpoche in New York City. I was excited to see people I met at my first retreat a year ago and to connect with new friends. But a microscopic virus threw a giant and alarming wrench in my—and probably most of your—plans. As you may...

Did you know that Tibetan Buddhism has many different deities? The deities represent different aspects or elements that you may try to channel while meditating. Think of them as aspirational figures with capacities that you are growing, like compassion for yourself and those around you. During meditation you can gaze upon the visuals of the...