1. What is the role of a Practice Instructor (PI)?
Practice Instructors (PIs) are Nalandabodhi practitioners who have been students of Buddhism for some time, have completed their preliminary (ngondro) practices and the Path of Study curriculum, and have made a strong aspiration to benefit the Nalandabodhi community (sangha) by working with others as a guide to their practice. Practice Instructors have also been trained and approved by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche to do this work.
2. Can I have a Practice Instructor (PI)?
In Nalandabodhi each person has either a PI, or a Practice "buddy," depending on their situation and level of practice. We encourage each other to practice and to discuss our practice. Although PIs are intended for Nalandabodhi members only, non-members can request to have a PI for six months, to help them determine if they would like to become a member of Nalandabodhi.
3. What practices should I be doing?
The best person to advise you on what practice(s) you should be doing is your Practice Instructor. Should you need further information, your Practice Instructor will be able to consult with the Directors of the Nalandabodhi Path of Meditation.
4. Can I skip certain practice requirements if I've already done them with other teachers?
As each member of Nalandabodhi is an individual, no single answer applies in all cases. You and your Practice Instructor should discuss this together. Your Practice Instructor will seek further clarification if necessary.
5. The Nalandabodhi Teachers have different titles. What do these titles mean?
Lama. Originally used only for masters of high realization, more recently this term has also become a title for people who have done the traditional three-year meditation retreat in the Kagyu lineage.
Acharya is a title given to a person who has gone through the
traditional 9-year training in a shedra, or Tibetan Buddhist
monastic academy.
The Nalandabodhi Mitras (the Mitra Council) are
the group of Western teachers appointed by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
in 2005 to provide leadership for the Nalandabodhi Paths of
Meditation, Study, and Activity. Each of these teachers holds the
title "Mitra," a Sanskrit word derived from kalyanamitra,
"spiritual friend."
Rinpoche, meaning "precious one" is an honorific
title. Traditionally, the title "Rinpoche" is given to a person who
has been recognized as the reincarnation of a great teacher, though
as an honorary title it is also given as an expression of
respect.
6. What formal protocol or etiquette is appropriate for relating with the Nalandabodhi Lamas, Acharyas and Mitras? For visiting teachers or Rinpoches?
For our precious teachers the best protocol is mindfulness, awareness, and respect. Nalandabodhi in general is not particularly formal with our teachers, although we do stand when the teacher enters the hall in a teaching situation. For visiting teachers, we follow the protocol that is traditional for them and for the occasion. If you are a Nalandabodhi member, you may consult with your PI on this.
7. I have ______experience practicing in ______tradition. How and where should I start in the NB Practice Path?
When you become a member of Nalandabodhi, you are assigned a Practice Instructor (PI). It is best to discuss your practice experience with your PI, who also can consult with the Nalandabodhi Path of Meditation Directors.
8. I am in a 12 Step program. Since Buddhism is non-theistic, what do I substitute for "God?"
Buddhism does not worship an external deity. However, your "higher power" may be seen as the luminous and clear nature of your own mind, which has never been other than perfectly pure.
9. As a non-member, what practices can I do at the Nalandabodhi Center in my area?
You are invited to practice shamatha, or calm abiding meditation, with Nalandabodhi, to take the Path of Study classes and to practice with us during times when we are celebrating the Buddhist holidays. In addition you are welcome to join a Beginning Meditation class where several shamatha practices are presented and studied. Local centers also often offer additional public meditation classes or open house evenings.