January "One Community" Gathering

Exploring the Heart Sutra
Part One: Building a Foundation

The start of a new year offers a chance to build a strong foundation for our practice. Join us as we explore the Heart Sutra—a concise yet profound teaching on the nature of reality—and uncover its wisdom step by step in this three-part series.

The Heart Sutra is one of the most revered teachings of the Buddha, celebrated for its depth and brevity. But this very brevity can make it challenging to understand. Its cryptic verses have been both cherished as a treasure and misunderstood as presenting a nihilistic view of existence. In truth, this short text—through a powerful dialogue between two of the Buddha’s closest disciples—invites us to see through the illusions of solid reality and discover the liberating truth of emptiness.

For beginners, the concept of emptiness can feel daunting. What does it mean for all phenomena to be "empty"? Does it deny the beauty and challenges of our lives? Far from it. Understanding emptiness offers freedom from rigid ways of seeing ourselves and the world, freeing us to live with greater clarity, compassion, and connection.

In this first of three sessions, Justin Kirkwood will guide us step by step:

• Providing essential context for the Heart Sutra.
• Exploring the setting, structure, and purpose of this timeless teaching.
• Offering an accessible introduction to the Buddhist understanding of emptiness.

Join us to build a foundation of understanding as we bring the Heart Sutra to life—one step at a time.

Details:

This month’s Sangha gathering: Tuesday, January 7th, 5:30-7:00 pm MST

Location: Online or in person in Missoula, MT

Justin Kirkwood will be teaching in person in Missoula. For those located in Missoula, you are welcome to join a group who will be receiving the teaching together at the Namchak office. For those unable to join in person, the teaching will also be live-streamed via Zoom.

About Justin Kirkwood

Justin Kirkwood is a dedicated dharma student and teacher with over 20 years of experience in studying and practicing Buddhism. Formally trained in monastic universities in India, Justin had the privilege of studying and practicing with many renowned Tibetan masters. He has also worked as a Tibetan translator and interpreter for over fifteen years, deepening his understanding of the sacred texts. Justin is a vital member of the Namchak Foundation, serving as a translator of texts, an interpreter for Namchak Khen Rinpoche, and a teacher.

About One Community

Each month, we come together for an evening of connection and learning to deepen our understanding of the dharma and build meaningful relationships within the sangha. Led by a Namchak teacher, thought leader, or staff member, each gathering revolves around a specific theme and lasts 90 minutes.

The session begins with a dharma talk, followed by a Q&A and sometimes a brief meditation. After the 90-minute session closes, participants are welcome to stay online or in person for an optional informal discussion lasting up to 30 minutes.

We invite Learning Circles, meditation buddies, and individuals to join us, and encourage you to bring friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers along to share the experience.

Address and Zoom Link

Missoula address and Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
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