October "One Community" Gathering

Join Namchak teacher and translator Justin Kirkwood for an exploration of the Eight Verses for Training the Mind, a timeless teaching from the 11th-century master Geshe Langri Tangpa.

This month’s Sangha gathering: Tuesday, October 21, 5:30-7:30 pm MDT (Please note that this gathering is a 30 minutes longer than our regular gatherings.)

Location: Online only

Justin will not be teaching in-person this month. We will not be gathering in person at the Namchak Office this month.

Overview of Evening Talk

These concise verses are a core of the Tibetan Lojong (mind-training) tradition, cherished across all Tibetan Buddhist lineages. They show how to transform ordinary life—including conflict, disappointment, and everyday stress—into opportunities for cultivating compassion and wisdom.

During this session, we will:

• Learn the heart of Lojong practice and how it bridges Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions.
• Walk through each of the Eight Verses, with practical guidance for applying them in daily interactions and inner practice.
• Connect to earlier One Community themes, including September’s Four Seals of Buddhism, by seeing how impermanence and emptiness naturally support the awakening of compassion.
  

Whether you’re encountering Lojong for the first time or looking to deepen a long-standing practice, these Eight Verses offer clear and profound instructions for opening the heart and transforming difficulty into the path of awakening.

About Justin

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 learning and discussion to deepen our understanding of the dharma and our connection with sangha. Led by a Namchak teacher, thought leader, or staff member, each gathering revolves around a specific topic and lasts 90 minutes.

The session begins with a dharma talk and is followed by a Q&A with the teacher.

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 in the experience!

Address and Zoom Link

Missoula address and Zoom link will be provided upon registration. Please note: Confirmation emails from Eventbrite often end up in spam/promotions tab. Please check there if you do not see the confirmation email.