Three Jewels Community - Asian Classics Institute

Dharma, Meditation and Yoga in Singapore 2013

NEW WEBSITE UP! We have moved to: aci-sg.org

THIS WEBSITE WILL CONTINUE TO RUN IN PARALLEL UNTIL JUNE 2013. Please update your your bookmarks.

Welcome, and please join us for ongoing dharma classes, meditation, and yoga in Singapore. Follow us on Facebook to receive class alerts. See Events for upcoming public workshops, retreats, and global community webinars.

- Mondays, April 8 through June - The Bodhisattva's Way of Life, Part I (ACI Course X)
This Course is the first in a three part series based upon A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life (Bodhisattvacharya Avatara) by Master Shantideva (700 AD), and the commentary Entry Point for Children of the Victorious Buddhas (Gyalse Juk-ngok) by Gyaltsab Je (1364-1432). Master Shantideva's work is considered the best book ever written to learn how to live as a bodhisattva, and this is one of the most famous commentaries ever written; it has been translated into English for the first time for this Course. Topics include: the benefits of being a bodhisattva, the preliminaries you must undertake to become a bodhisattva, how to remove existing obstacles which prevent realization of true bodhichitta, how to collect the causes to develop true bodhichitta, the recollection and watchfulness required to think and act like a bodhisattva, The Guide as a description of the six perfections, the order in which to undertake practice of the six perfections, how to treat your mental afflictions, and an explanation of the perfection of giving and the perfection of an ethical way of life.

Time: 7:30-9:30pm, Mondays (starting April 1, 2013 through June 2013)
Venue: Shaw Tower, 100 Beach Rd, #02-45 (MRT: City Hall or Bugis)
Teachings are free of charge; donations appreciated to support ongoing sessions
Register: info@aci-sg.org

- Friday, April 5 - Meditation Fridays (ongoing)
Ongoing meditation practice sessions. A great way to wind down the work week, covering a broad range of meditation styles and topics.

Time: 7:30-9:00pm (Friday nights - see Calendar for confirmation of session)
Venue: 51B Temple St, 2/F
Teachings are free of charge; donations appreciated to support ongoing sessions
Register: info@aci-sg.org

- April 9-10 - Beginner's Yoga with Angie at Oasis Holistic (ongoing)
Yoga is a very broad and in depth, life-long experiential practice that can be rewarding and enriching. Benefits of engaging in yoga practice are many, and include, from a gross level of physical health and increased awareness to more subtle levels of a focused mind. Learn yoga asanas (postures) such as standing poses, seated poses, forward bends, twists, and more in the Iyengar tradition with Angie Goh at Oasis Holistic.

Time: Every Tuesday 12:30-2:00pm and every Wednesday 7:30-9:00pm
Venue: Oasis Holistic, Block 10 Selegie Rd, #01-50 Selegie House (MRT: Little India)
Contact Oasis at 6442 2881 to register for class
See www.oasisyoga.sg for details

- Wednesdays, April 10 - Bhagavad Gita (upcoming)
The Asian Classics Institute (Singapore) offers teachings not just from the Buddhist tradition, but from all authentic spiritual paths. We are excited about this upcoming four part discussion-based series. It will be led by husband and wife team, Ramesh and Charu, who are very familiar with this transformative text -- this is a very special treat, so don't miss out!

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most famous of the Hindu scriptures. It has been said that there is no significant problem in life, which cannot be referred to the Bhagavad Gita for a solution. Ostensibly a dialogue between God and one of his devotees, it is a veritable treasure chest of guidance on how to lead your daily life with peace and happiness, in spite of whatever comes your way.

Time: 7:00-8:30pm (Wednesdays beginning April 10 through May)
Venue: 51B Temple St, 2/F
Teachings are free of charge; donations appreciated to support ongoing sessions
Register: info@aci-sg.org

Lama Marut in Singapore - December 2012

We are very excited to welcome Lama Marut back to Singapore for an extensive series of teachings this December:

December 6 - Karma Yoga in The Bhagavad Gita

December 7 - 11 - Finding the Buddha Within and Steps on the Path to Enlightenment

Register with Asian Classics Institute (Singapore) for these timeless teachings. Teachings are free, with donations greatly welcomed to support these and future events.

Buddhism in Singapore - Dharma and Meditation Classes (Nov - Dec 2012)

Please join us for ongoing dharma classes and meditation in Singapore that build upon the recent 2012 talks by Lama Marut, and follow us on Facebook to receive class alerts:

- November 26 - through Feb 2013 - The Bodhisattva Vows (Asian Classics Institute - Course VII)
It is not possible to succeed in the Mahayana path without strictly keeping each bodhisattva vow, and to keep these vows we need to understand all 64 vows clearly. This Course is based upon Master Asanga's root text and its commentary called the Highway for Bodhisattvas (Jangchub Shunglam) by Je Tsongkapa. Topics include: the definition and types of bodhichitta, types of morality, types of vows, how bodhisattva vows are taken, an explanation of the eighteen root bodhisattva vows and forty-six secondary bodhisattva vows, the four factors needed to break bodhisattva root vows, how bodhisattva vows are broken, how bodhisattva vows are lost, how to keep your bodhisattva vows, how to restore your bodhisattva vows, and the benefits of keeping bodhisattva vows. You do not need to take the bodhisattva vows to do this course.

These courses are for people who want to take their study deeper. There are weekly homework, quiz, meditation and reading requirements.

Time: 7:30-9:30pm, Mondays (Mondays, starting Nov 5. Ends Feb 2013. Holiday break Dec 10-31)
Venue: 100 Lor 23 Geylang, #04-02 D'Centennial (Directions: Aljuneid MRT Station, Exit B - proceed left toward the overpass footbridge. After crossing the footbridge, turn right onto Lor 23 and walk 2 minutes to D'Centennial building)
Teachings are free of charge; donations appreciated to support ongoing sessions
Register: 3j.singapore@gmail.com

- Friday, December 14 - Meditation Fridays
Ongoing meditation practice sessions (resumes in December, after Lama Marut's visit). A great way to wind down the work week, covering a broad range of meditation styles and topics.

Time: 7:30-9:00pm (December 14, 21)
Venue: 51B Temple St, 2/F
Teachings are free of charge; donations appreciated to support ongoing sessions
Register: 3j.singapore@gmail.com

Class Schedules through July

Please join us for ongoing dharma classes that build upon the recent talks by Lama Marut:

- May 23 - Lam Rim Review Session
Review the key ideas presented in the first part of the lam rim, Finding a Teacher, and the foundational steps: steps shared with those of lower scope. Based on the First Panchen Lama's text, "Path to Bliss"

Time: 7:30-9:30pm on Wednesday, May 23
Venue: 51B Temple St, 2/F
Cost: Free, by donation
Register: 3j.singapore@gmail.com

- May 25 - July 20 - Meditation Fridays (bi-weekly)
Ongoing meditation practice sessions. A great way to wind down the work week, covering a broad range of meditation styles and topics.

Time: 7:30-9:00pm (May 25, June 8, June 22, July 6, July 20)
Venue: 51B Temple St, 2/F
Cost: Free, by donation
Register: 3j.singapore@gmail.com

- May 30 - Dharma Essentials I - Three Principal Paths
If you're new to Buddhist philosophy, or seeking a refresher course, please join us for this 4-part course that covers the Three Principal Paths of renunciation, compassion (bodhichitta), and wisdom. Based on the more extensive 10-part Asian Classics Institute Course I, this Dharma Essentials class will cover the key ideas that form the basis of a complete spiritual path (but without the homeworks in ACI classes!)

Time: 7:30-9:30pm, Wednesdays (May 30 - June 20)
Venue: 51B Temple St, 2/F
Cost: Free, by donation
Register: 3j.singapore@gmail.com

- June 1 -Dharma Salon
A relaxed monthly Friday night gathering presenting ideas to try out for your life (no belief system necessary!). Discussion encouraged!

Time: 7:30-9:30pm, June 1
Venue: 51B Temple St, 2/F
Cost: Free, by donation
Register: 3j.singapore@gmail.com

- July 2 - Diamond Cutter Sutra (Asian Classics Institute - Course VI)
This Course is based upon the Diamond Cutter Sutra (Vajrachedika) by Shakyamuni Buddha, along with the only known native Tibetan commentary, by Chone Lama Drakpa Shedrup (1675-1748). Topics include: how the direct perception of emptiness is accomplished, what happens after the direct perception of emptiness, how understanding emptiness leads to the destruction of mental afflictions, how the direct perception of emptiness leads to full enlightenment and paradise, emptiness and the two extremes, how empty things function, emptiness and purification, the relationship between emptiness and karma, emptiness and the bodies of a Buddha, what is non-duality, how a bodhisattva should live, the future of Buddha's teachings, and the perfection of wisdom

Time: 7:30-9:30pm, Mondays (10 weeks, starting July 2)
Venue: to be announced
Cost: Free, by donation
Register: 3j.singapore@gmail.com

Lama Marut and Cindy Lee in Singapore - May 2012 (Completed)

We are very excited to welcome Venerable Sumati Marut back to Singapore in May 2012. He will be leading three events here:

1) Free public talk
"Living the Good Life - How to Find and Perpetuate True Happiness"

May 11, 7:15-9:30pm
Venue: Civil Service Club, Auditorium, 60 Tessensohn Road. Nearest MRT: Farrer Park

An intimate evening with Lama Marut on how to achieve the happiness we all seek. Open to all.

Cost: Free - donations appreciated (suggested minimum $15), to cover venue and related-expenses. Chinese simultaneous translations headsets available for rental at venue.

Pre-registration required: talk_lamamarut@yahoo.com.sg

2) Foundational Dharma Teaching Series
"The Blissful Path to Bliss - Classical Lam Rim Teachings"

May 12-15, 7:15-9:30pm (Saturday through Tuesday evening)
Venue: Civil Service Club, Auditorium, 60 Tessensohn Road. Nearest MRT: Farrer Park

An exquisite step by step exposition on path to enlightenment, in the great Tibetan lam rim tradition. For spiritual practitioners seeking a proven and clear path to transformation, following the His Holiness the First Panchen Lama’s classic 17th century text, Path to Bliss.

May 12 "Taking Yourself to a Teacher"
May 13 "Making the Most of this Precious Life"
May 14 "Death and Rebirth"
May 15 "Finding Shelter and Understanding Karma"

Cost: Free - donations appreciated (suggested minimum $15 per evening), to cover venue and related-expenses. Chinese simultaneous translations headsets available for rental at venue.

Pre-registration required: talk_lamamarut@yahoo.com.sg

3) Special Workshops
Lama Marut and Cindy Lee will lead a series of special workshops for experienced students who have attended prior teachings:

Venue: Oasis Holistic, 10 Selegie Rd #01-50 Selegie House (Nearest MRT: Little India)

- Saturday, May 12: 3:30-5:00pm "Devotion - The Easy Path" with Cindy Lee

- Sunday, May 13: 1:00-3:00pm "The Chain of Pain: How we create it, how we can break it" with Lama Marut

- Sunday May 13: 4:00-5:30pm "How the Eight Limbs of Yoga Help You Understand Nagarjuna", plus Yoga Nidra, with Cindy Lee

- Monday, May 14: 1:00-3:00 PM "A Deep Dive Into Emptiness and Perceptual Theory" with Lama Marut

Pre-registration at: talk_lamamarut@yahoo.com.sg

Cost: Free - donations appreciated, to cover venue and related-expenses

ACI Course 5: How Karma Works (Ongoing: April - June 2012)

Please join us for ACI Course 5: How Karma Works.

Learn about the detailed workings of karma from the classic text, Abhidharmakosha. Specific topics include: types of karma, how to increase the power of your positive actions in your spiritual journey, accelerating the results of your good deeds through service, proper motivation, and acting toward powerful objects, and purifying past negative deeds.

Monday evenings April 9 - June 4, 2012 -- 7:15-9:30pm

Venue: 100 Lor 23 Geylang, #04-02 D'Centennial (Directions: Aljuneid MRT Station, Exit B - proceed left toward the overpass footbridge. After crossing the footbridge, turn right onto Lor 23 and walk 2 minutes to D'Centennial building)

Cost: Free - donations appreciated to support class expenses and upcoming public events

For course information and requirements, contact 3j.singapore@gmail.com or 9138 5438

Applied Meditation Course - COMPLETED

Please join us for ACI Course 3: Applied Meditation.

Learn about the conditions conducive for successful meditation, how to address the hurdles and problems that commonly come up during a meditation session, and learn about a broad array of useful meditation topics.

Monday evenings through March 19, 2012 -- 7:15-9:30pm

NEW Venue: 100 Lor 23 Geylang, #04-02 D'Centennial
(Directions: Aljuneid MRT Station, Exit B - proceed left toward the overpass footbridge. After crossing the footbridge, turn right onto Lor 23 and walk 2 minutes to D'Centennial building)

Cost: Free - donations appreciated to support class expenses and upcoming public events

For course information and requirements, contact 3j.singapore@gmail.com or 9138 5438

__________

**Other ongoing activities (Feb-Mar 2012):

Friday evening meditation practice 7:30-9:00pm - Feb 3, Feb 17, Feb 24 (Free - by donation), 51B Temple Street, 2/f

Teachings on Keeping Vows with Lama, Ven Dolma - Feb 15-16, 7:30-9:30pm (Suggested donation $10), 51B Temple Street, 2/f

Lady Niguma Yoga Workshop, Sundays 10:30am-12:30pm - Feb 26 - Apr 1 ($150 for six session), Oasis Holistic, 10 Selegie Rd #01-50. To register, call 9742 5477

Lady Niguma Yoga weekly morning practice, Sundays 7:00-8:30am (except Feb 12), at Macritchie Reservoir (carpark near the pond). Free. For directions and details, call 9677 9969

Tibetan Heart Yoga gathering - first Saturday each month at the Botanical Gardens, 5:00-6:30pm. To register, call 9677 9969

Lama Marut in Singapore - January 2012 (Completed)

We are very excited to welcome Venerable Sumati Marut back to Singapore in January 2012. He will be leading three events here:

1) Free dharma talk

"What's Love Got to Do With It?"

January 10, 7:15-9:30pm

Venue: Civil Service Club, Auditorium, 60 Tessensohn Road. Nearest MRT: Farrer Park

A free public talk in Singapore on generating true and lasting love and compassion for yourself and others.

Cost: Free - donations appreciated, to cover venue and related-expenses.

Pre-registration strongly recommended: talk_lamamarut@yahoo.com.sg

2) Retreat

Finding the Heart in the Heart Sutra at Bintan Island, Indonesia (January 11-15, 2012)

As a follow up to the Diamond Cutter Sutra Retreat in 2011, Lama Marut and Cindy Lee will host a five-day Heart Sutra retreat on the island of Bintan, near Singapore.

Cost: S$560 per person, including room, board, and ferry ticket (based on twin sharing). Single rooms start at S$695 for the retreat.

3) Workshop

The Essential Upanishads

January 20-22; six sessions at Pure Yoga, Ngee Ann City, Tower A, 18/F

Jan 20, 7:30-9:30pm; Jan 21, 10:00am-6:00pm; Jan 22, 1:00 - 5:00pm.

Total: 11 hours workshop

The Upanishads are among the greatest of the classical texts in the world’s religious literature and comprise the most ancient literary sources of yoga philosophy. Composed several thousand years ago, these mystical treatises continue to inspire spiritual seekers and practitioners of all faiths and backgrounds.

The term Upanishad literally means, “sitting down near” or “sitting close to”, and implies listening closely to one’s guru who has probed the deepest truths. This secret knowledge would be taught to disciples directly from the teacher within the quiet seclusion of ashrams or hermitages. These esoteric teachings form the very foundation of the practice of yoga.
In this course, we will explore the most ancient and profound sources of essential topics for the yogic tradition: the problems of desire, ignorance, and death; the discovery of karma and rebirth; the promise of liberation from suffering and transmigration through the realization of the true Self; the illusory nature of multiplicity and appearances and the liberating wisdom of unity and integration; the identification and control of the inner and outer energies; and the powerful meditational technique of laya or “dissolution.”

In this workshop, Lama Marut will draw on his extensive knowledge of South Asian philosophy and wisdom, as well as his engaging, down-to-earth and humorous teaching style, to provide practical instruction on how the deep insights into ultimate reality contained within the Upanishads can be incorporated into your yogic practice and quest for self-realization and transformation

Contact Pure Yoga at +65 6733 8863 for registration (full course S$495, individual sessions S$90).

Applied Meditation - January-March 2012 (Completed)

Please join us for the next Asian Classics Institute course! Course 3: Applied Meditation.

Learn about the conditions conducive for successful meditation, how to address the hurdles and problems that commonly come up during a meditation session, and learn about a broad array of useful meditation topics.

Monday evenings, starting January 30, 2012 (10 sessions), 7:30-9:30pm

Venue: 51B Temple Street, 2/F

Cost: Free - donations welcome to cover class expenses

For information, contact 3j.singapore@gmail.com or 9138 5438

Karmic Management (Ongoing)

Karmic Management - How to really get things done
8 part course (twice a month)

We're starting a new course based on Geshe Michael's book Karmic Management. If you want to get something done but you're stuck OR if you have a persistent bad habit you want to change - this is for you.

There are two ways to attend this course: sign up for the whole course or drop-in for the 2nd hour. The first hour is for registered course participants. We would like you to come for all sessions as they will build on each other and you will learn a practical way to get things done in your life and solve problems. You will work systematically on an issue you're facing using the KM method so that by the end of the course you will have seen some positive changes with this issue.

The second hour is a drop-in session where we work together to solve our problems or plan how to make practical changes using Karmic Management. Anyone can come to the second hour.

Dates: (2011) Nov 18, Dec 9, Dec 23, (2012) Jan 13, Jan 27, Feb 10, Feb 24, Mar 9

Time; 7.30 - 8.30pm - for registered students
8.30 - 9.30 - drop in.

Registration required for the 8 part course - please email to register.
All events at 51b Temple St, Chinatown (top floor) - MRT Chinatown
Cost: by donation for rent
** please email to let us know if you're coming to any of the sessions.

Autumn Events (Completed)

Greetings !

First off, I'd like to do a little publicity for our affiliated group - Diamond Wisdom - which organises Geshe Michael's business and success events in Singapore. They're organising two events

Geshe Michael Public Talk Review and Catch-up

Amazingly, it's almost a month since Geshe-la was here. Diamond Wisdom are offering a chance to review what he taught, and share your questions and thoughts with others.

at: Cairnhill Community Club

1 Anthony Road, Singapore 229944
(Next to Newton MRT Station)

date: Sunday 13 Nov.

Time: 6-9.30pm

cost:free

Lady Niguma Yoga Series - in Depth Workshop

Kelly Tan, a yoga teacher with many years' experience will lead a 6 session workshop to teach the Lady Niguma series that Geshe Michael designed as a daily yoga series for everyone.

The classes will go over each pose in the series in depth so that you can be 100% sure that you're doing your yoga with correct alignment. Of course, we will also go over the unique theory of Lady Niguma yoga too.

if you can't see the flyer below - please visit: http://www.diamondwisdom.sg/blog/

to register email yoga@diamondwisdom.sg

3 Jewels Events

ACI 2 Buddhist Refuge - or 'I can't get no satisfaction'

Anyone is welcome to join, but please be aware that this is not a drop-in class, and probably not suited to raw beginners. If you sign up, there are homework, and assessment requirements.

When : Every monday

time: 7.30 - 9.30pm

** there are two more classes left in this series. ACI Course 3 will begin in January 2012.

Meditation Group

Twice a month meditation session offering a gentle end to the week and a place to help you develop a regular meditation practice. Next time we'll do a meditation on anger and a sweet loving kindness meditation from the Theravadin tradition.

When: Fri 25 Nov

Time: 730-9.00pm

** NEW COURSE **

Karmic Management - How to really get things done

8 part course (twice a month)

We're starting a new course based on Geshe Michael's book Karmic Management. If you want to get something done but you're stuck OR if you have a persistent bad habit you want to change - this is for you.

There are two ways to attend this course: sign up for the whole course or drop-in for the 2nd hour.

The first hour is for registered course participants. We would like you to come for all sessions as they will build on each other and you will learn a practical way to get things done in your life and solve problems. You will work systematically on an issue you're facing using the KM method so that by the end of the course you will have seen some positive changes with this issue.

The second hour is a drop-in session where we work together to solve our problems or plan how to make practical changes using Karmic Management. Anyone can come to the second hour.

Dates: Nov 18, Dec 9, Dec 23, Jan 13, Jan 27, Feb 10, Feb 24, Mar 9

time; 7.30 - 8.30pm - for registered students

8.30 - 9.30 - drop in.

Registration required for the 8 part course - please email to register.

all events at 51b Temple St, Chinatown (top floor) - MRT Chinatown

cost: by donation for rent

** please email to let us know if you're coming to any of the sessions.

Yoga

Yoga at Macritichie

On again this week 7.00am - 8.30 am - please call Jaki if you're coming- 96779969 - and I'll give you directions.

PLease bring your own mat and water.

Tibetan Heart Yoga Series 5 - Devotion to the teacher

This lovely series embodies the idea of offering up your yoga as a gift to your teacher.

level: Intermediate

When: Sat 19 Nov , Sat 26 Nov

Time: 5.00 - 6.30pm

Where: Botanic Gardens under the big tree

bring: water, mat, mozzie repellant

**please email or call me if you're coming - class will go ahead if we have 2 students or more. 96779969

Getting there: go to Jacob Ballas children's garden carpark (on the Bukit Timah Rd side of the gardens). Walk to the end of the carpark, which leads into the main Botanic Gardens. Follow the path around to the left - yoga is under the big tree.

Overseas teachings

Geshe Michael teaches in Arizona - liberation in the Palm of your hand

From 4 Nov for 10 days, Geshe-la will teach the next chapter of what he calls the most important book ever written. This time he will share the chapters on how to be a good student, how to serve your teacher and how to find a teacher - kinda crucial !

The teachings will be streamed live http://www.ustream.tv/channel/lamrim-3-what-you-were-meant-to-be

Or you can download from http://www.theknowledgebase.com/

This subject will also continue at the retreat in Prescott Jan 6-15.

Have a sweet and mindful week ...

love

jaki

long last an update (Completed)

We're settling back into our regular sessions at 3 Jewels. All are welcome to come along.

We are also organising ongoing events under the Diamond Wisdom group, which has more of a business and life success focus ... If you'd also like to be on that email list, please send an email to info@diamondwisdom.sg

3 Jewels Events - some date changes

ACI 2 Buddhist Refuge - or 'I can't get no satisfaction'

We're about half way through this particular Tibetan Buddhist philosophy course - and there are 18 courses in total! Anyone is welcome to join, but please be aware that this is not a drop-in class, and if you sign up, there are homework, and assessment requirements.

When : Every monday

time: 7.30 - 9.30pm

Karmic Management - final session of this series

Russell will wrap up the KM rules and we'll finish working on the particular problems we've all been tackling, or the things we've been trying to get done for the past few months - we can also review and see if we've made progress to toward our goals.

When: Fri 28 October

Time: 7.30 - 9.00pm

Meditation Group

A bi-weekly meditation session offering a gentle end to the week and a place to help you develop a regular meditation practice. Next time, we'll continue using the mind to watch the mind, and we'll see how we can use our meditation to help us tackle anger.

When: Fri 4 November, Fri 25 Nov

Time: 730-9.00pm

DATE CHANGE - Fri 18 November - a whole new revamped KM class will start - so if you haven't been before - it'd be good to wait for this session. More details next week.

all events at 51b Temple St, Chinatown (top floor) - MRT Chinatown

cost: by donation for rent

** please email to let us know if you're coming to any of the sessions.

Yoga

Lady Niguma Yoga at Macritichie

Will start this weekly practice session again on Nov 30. from 7.00am - 8.30 am - please call Jaki if you're coming- 96779969 - and I'll give you directions

PLease bring your own mat and water.

Ven. Marut in Singapore, January 2011

We are very excited to welcome Venerable Sumati Marut back to Singapore in January 2011. He will be teaching two courses here:

The Way of Devotion (January 4-6, 7:30-9:30pm; Venue: Oasis Holistic, 2/F, 10 Selegie Rd, #01-50 Selegie House, Tel 6442 2881. Nearest MRT: Little India)
This three-class series of dharma classes will reveal the beauty and power of developing a close relationship with a spiritual master. Drawing upon the third chapter of Master Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, and other Asian classics, Venerable Marut will clearly explain the role and importance of devotion in one’s spiritual journey.

Cost: Free - donations appreciated, to cover venue and related-expenses.

Email 3j.singapore@gmail.com to pre-register

Hatha Yoga Pradipika Essentials (January 7-9; six sessions at Pure Yoga, Ngee Ann City, Tower A, 18/F - Jan 7, 7:30-9:30pm; Jan 8, 1:00-7:30pm; Jan 9, 1:00 - 5:30pm. Total: 11 hours workshop)
The most famous book on yoga ever written is the Yoga Sutra; but there’s nothing in the text about how to do the specific poses or asanas of yoga. The source for all the systems of yoga followed in the world today is called “Light on the Yoga of Sun and Moon,” or Hatha Yoga Pradipika in Sanskrit. The Indian yogi Swatmarama wrote this comprehensive explanation of the entire physical and spiritual path of yoga about 500 years ago.

In the workshop, topics covered by Ven. Marut will include: lineage, the ideal retreat setting, vows and commitments, a description of the major asanas, proper diet, the kriyas, pranayama, the bandhas, mudras, kundalini, partner practices, samadhi, and a deep investigation into ultimate reality or “emptiness.” In addition, the course includes stories from Cindy Lee of the lives of the great yogis of the past (the mahasiddhas) and very practical advice on how to recognize and combat the mental and physical problems that may arise from intense yogic practice. Finally, asana practice, Tibetan Heart Yoga Series 4, will be lead by Yoga Studies Institute staff Cassandra Dolorios of Texas, USA.

Contact Pure Yoga at +65 6733 8863 for registration (full course S$495, individual sessions S$90).

Post-Singapore retreat at Borobudur, Indonesia (January 10-14, 2011)
Study the Diamond Cutter Sutra at the sacred pilgrimmage site of Borobudur Temple on the island of Java in Indonesia. In addition to dharma classes focused on wisdom and ultimate reality, the retreat will also include yoga sessions, meditation and trips to the temple and grounds. For more information on itinerary, logistics and costs/registration, please see perfectionofwisdom.wordpress.com or contact Ramesh at revive.ramesh@gmail.com +65 9617 6340.

January 10, 2:30-9:30pm; Jan 11-13, 10:00am - 9:30pm; Jan 14 morning departure.

Venue: Manohara Hotel at Borobudur Park, plus Borobudur Temple grounds

Costs: Course fee S$215 (covers printed material costs and expenses associated with conducting the retreat). Optional: Room and Board at Manohara Hotel (venue) S$540 (Check in Jan 10, Check out Jan 14 morning). Total cost (excluding airfare and visa-on-arrival) for attendees planning to stay at Manohara therefore equals Course Fee (S$215) + Room/Board/local transfers (S$540) = S$755. (FEE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND FINALISATION)

** Students attending from Singapore are advised to book their own flights ASAP (for example, AirAsia flight QZ-7139 at 11:10am on Jan. 10, return QZ-7138 at 7:30am on Jan. 14)

September - October 2010, Emptiness Meditations - COMPLETED

In the spiritual path, wisdom is the third of the Three Principal Paths. To investigate the ultimate nature of reality, we will study Arya Nagarjuna's Song on the Root of the Middle Way, lam rim texts and other scriptures. Considered to be one of the greatest treatises on wisdom, the Song on the Root of the Middle Way contains 28 chapters of verse, and we will read and contemplate selected verses during the 2010-11 period. The second group of meetings will be in September 2010 (continuing in mid-October and beyond)

Dates: three evenings in September 2010 -- September 13, 20, 27 (Monday nights); continues in mid-October (exact dates to be announced)
Times: 7:30 - 9:30pm
Venue: 51B Temple St in Chinatown (2/f)
Cost: Free - donations welcome for materials and venue expenses
Contact: Alvin Lee, 9138 5438 or 3j.singapore@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE: Ven. Marut in Singapore 2011

We are very excited to welcome Venerable Sumati Marut back to Singapore in 2011. He will be teaching two courses here:

The Way of Devotion (January 4-6, 7:30-9:30pm; Venue: Oasis Holistic, 10 Selegie Rd, #01-50 Selegie House. Nearest MRT: Little India. Tel 6442 2881)
This three-class series of dharma classes will reveal the beauty and power of developing a close relationship with a spiritual master. Drawing upon the third chapter of Master Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, and other spiritual classics, Venerable Marut will clearly explain the role and importance of devotion in one’s spiritual journey.

Cost: Free - donations appreciated, to cover venue and related-expenses.

Email 3j.singapore@gmail.com to pre-register

Hatha Yoga Pradipika Essentials (January 7-9; six sessions at Pure Yoga, Ngee Ann City, Tower A, 18/f - Jan. 7, 7:30-9:30pm; Jan 8, 1:00-7:30pm; Jan 9, 1:00 - 5:30pm. Total: 11 hours workshop)
The most famous book on yoga ever written is the Yoga Sutra; but there’s nothing in the text about how to do the specific poses or asanas of yoga. The source for all the systems of yoga followed in the world today is called “Light on the Yoga of Sun and Moon,” or Hatha Yoga Pradipika in Sanskrit. The Indian yogi Swatmarama wrote this comprehensive explanation of the entire physical and spiritual path of yoga about 500 years ago.

In the workshop, topics covered by Ven. Marut include: lineage, the ideal retreat cottage, vows and commitments, a description of the major asanas, proper diet, the kriyas, pranayama, the bandhas, mudras, kundalini, partner practices, samadhi, and a deep investigation into ultimate reality or “emptiness.” In addition, the course includes stories from Cindy Lee of the lives of the great yogis of the past (the mahasiddhas) and very practical advice on how to recognize and combat the mental and physical problems that may arise from intense yogic practice. Finally, asana practice, Tibetan Heart Yoga Series 4, will be lead by Yoga Studies Institute staff Cassandra Dolorios of Texas, USA.

Contact Pure Yoga at +65 6733 8863 for registration - S$495 for workshop (individual sessions S$90).

Post-Singapore retreat at Borobudur, Indonesia (January 10-14, 2011)
Study the Diamond Cutter Sutra at the sacred pilgrimmage site of Borobudur Temple on the island of Java in Indonesia. In addition to dharma classes focused on wisdom and ultimate reality, the retreat will also include yoga sessions, meditation and trips to the temple and grounds. For more information on itinerary, logistics and costs/registration, please see perfectionofwisdom.wordpress.com or contact revive.ramesh@gmail.com +65 9617 6340.

January 10, 2:30-9:30pm; Jan 11-13, 10:00am - 9:30pm; Jan 14 morning departure.

Venue: Manohara Hotel at Borobudur Park, plus Borobudur Temple

Costs: Course fee S$215 (covers printed material costs and expenses associated with conducting the retreat). Optional: Room and Board at Manohara Hotel (venue) S$540 (Check in Jan 10, Check out Jan 14 morning). Total cost (excluding airfare and visa-on-arrival) for attendees planning to stay at Manohara therefore equals Course Fee (S$215) + Room/Board/local transfers (S$540) = S$755. (FEE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND FINALISATION)

** Students attending from Singapore are advised to reserve flights ASAP (for example, AirAsia flight QZ-7139 at 11:10am on Jan. 10, return QZ-7138 at 7:30am on Jan. 14)

August 2010 - Emptiness Meditations - COMPLETED

In the spiritual path, wisdom is the third of the Three Principal Paths. To investigate the ultimate nature of reality, we will study Arya Nagarjuna's Song on the Root of the Middle Way. Considered to be one of the greatest treatises on wisdom, the Song on the Root of the Middle Way contains 28 chapters of verse, and we will read and contemplate selected verses during the 2010-11 period. The first group of meetings will be in August 2010 (continuing in mid-September and beyond)

Dates: three evenings in August 2010 -- August 16, 23, 30 (Monday nights)
Times: 7:30 - 9:30pm
Venue: 51B Temple St in Chinatown (2/f)
Cost: Free
Contact: Alvin Lee, 9138 5438 or 3j.singapore@gmail.com

Events: February - April 2010 - (Completed)

Lama Marut's talks: Discussion Group - A chance to review the ideas that Lama Marut taught during the "Living a Perfect Life Here and Now" teachings and to ask any questions you may have.
Where: 51b Temple St, Chinatown (top floor)
Date & time: Monday 1 February, 7.30 - 9.30pm
Cost: Free

Clean Up Your Past Karma - Both Lama Marut and Geshe Michael spoke of how we can purify negative karmic seeds so that they don't have to ripen at all. This is a reflective and powerful practice to symbolically destroy specific negative seeds that you know you've created. We will host a participative ceremony to put this into practice.

Where: 74A Dunbar Walk, East Coast
Date & Time: Tuesday 2nd Feb, 7.00pm - 9.30pm
Please bring a snack to share after the ceremony

Dharma Essentials Class: Applied Meditation and the Steps of the Path to Enlightenment - this Dharma Essentials review course is a concise introduction for anyone who wishes to practice meditation effectively. It is based upon The Stages of Meditation (Bhavana Krama) by Master Kamalashila (750 AD), and presentations by Je Tsongkapa and Pabongka Rinpoche. Topics include a description of the different types of meditation, conditions conducive to meditation, the parts of a meditation practice, and the use of the Lam Rim (Steps of the Path to Enlightenment) as a meditation object.

Where: 51B Temple Street, Chinatown
Dates: Mondays, Feb 22 - Mar 8; Mar 22-29 (Five Sessions Total)
Time: 7.30p - 9.30p
Cost: Free
Pre-register: 3j.singapore@gmail.com or 9138 5438

Yoga Classes in January - Ongoing

Christmas Greetings to All - hope you're happily digesting your Christmas feasts !

Just wanted to check in and see if everyone who was at the retreat is managing to keep up with their meditation, yoga and checking their business or personal issues using 'the book'

Please feel free to drop us an email here with any queries you have (3j.singapore@gmail.com).

Also, I've set up some yoga classes if you'd like to come and practice in a bit more of a structured way.

1. Diamond Flow (Beginners) - in English

This is what we learned at the retreat. If you've always wanted to get started with yoga but weren't sure how, this is the perfect series to get you going.

When: Sunday 3 jan, 10 Jan, 17 jan, 24 Jan, 31 Jan.

Where: Oasis Yoga, Blk 10 Selegie Rd, Selegie House #01-50 (http://www.oasisyoga.sg/location)

Time: 1.30-2.45pm

Cost: $10.00 per class

2. Tibetan Heart Yoga Series 3 - the 4 Immeasureable Thoughts (intermediate) - English with Mandarin Translation

This is a beautiful yoga series where we send out thoughts of love, compassion, and joy to all beings while we do the yoga asanas.

When: Sunday 3rd jan, 10 Jan, 17 Jan, 24 Jan, 31 Jan

Where: Eng Teng Association, 132 Neil Rd, Tanjong Pagar

( http://maps.google.com/maps/place?client=safari&rls=en&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF 8&q=map+132+Neil+Rd+singapore&fb=1&hnear=132+Neil+Rd+singapore&cid=4332818188503364098)

Time: 10.00am - 11.30pm

Cost: $10.00 per class for non-members

3. Tibetan Heart Yoga Series 5 Practice Session (upper intermediate) - Offering to the Teacher

This series features an almost dance-like flow of asanas made as an offering to your teacher. It's one of the more advanced series, so some experience with yoga is recommended.

Where: Botanic Gardens

When: Saturday 2 Jan, 9 Jan, 16 Jan, 23 Jan 30 Jan

Time - 5- 6.30pm

Cost; Free

** if you'd like to come to this practice session, please ask me about specific directions for getting there :)

And starting on 9 Jan

Diamond Flow (Beginners) - in English with Mandarin Translation

Where: Eng Teng Association, 132 Neil Rd, Tanjong Pagar

When; Saturday 9 Jan, 16 Jan, 23 Jan, 30 Jan

Time: 10.00am - 11.30am

Cost: $10.00 per class for non-members

Fees charged for the yoga classes will be used in the following ways:

- to pay for renting the rooms used

- to support the Asian Classics Input Project which preserves endangered texts

- to go towards my remaining 2 journeys to Diamond Mountain University.

Please let me know if you intend to come to any of the classes, and feel free to call if you have any questions.

I hope that 2010 brings you a deeper and deeper understanding of the pen thing :)

Best wishes

Jaki

3 jewels singapore

96779969

Venerable Marut returns to Singapore January 2010 - Completed

In January 2010, Venerable Sumati Marut returns to Singapore for a week-long series of events and talks. This is a great opportunity to meet or re-connect with this warm and insightful spiritual master.

* THE YOGA OF THE BODY, MIND AND HEART: Lord Krishna's Advices on How to Live the Good Life
The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most important philosophical scriptures of the world, ranking in comparison to The Bible and The Koran. The content of this classic work is a conversation that takes place between a warrior prince, Arjuna, and his chariot driver and guide, Krishna, on a battlefield right before the beginning of a climactic war. Arjuna, filled with doubt and the realization that his enemies are in fact his family and loved ones, turns to Krishna, who in fact is the divine spirit in human form, for advice. What follows is a download of eternal wisdom that has the ability to inspire any woman or man to fulfill their own supreme accomplishment.

This five-class weekend aims to ‘yogafy’ one’s actions (karma yoga), minds (jnana yoga) and hearts (bhakti yoga). With philosophy teachings and guided meditations, Ven. Marut will lead students through the three yogas of discipline, wisdom and devotion found in this classic yogic text.

Cindy Lee will guide heart and mind opening asana classes inspired by Tibetan Heart Yoga, integrated with meditations on the essential ideas presented in Ven, Marut’s classes. Using inner and outer methods, these will help fire up your daily yoga practice.

When: January 15 (7:30-9:30PM), January 16-17 (afternoon 1:00-5:30PM)
Location and Sponsor: Pure Yoga (Ngee Ann City, Tower A, 18/F)
Fees and registration: Contact Pure Yoga at 6733 8863

* JUMP-STARTING YOUR PRACTICE
In his seminal work, The Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, Master Shantideva lays out six perfections that form a radiant bridge from suffering to happiness. In these talks, Venerable Marut will illuminate the fourth perfection of joyful effort, offering us practical steps to true and lasting happiness.

When: January 18-19 at 7:30-9:30PM
Fees: By Donation
Location: Oasis Holistic, #01-50 Selegie House, 10 Selegie Rd (Nearest MRT: Little India)
Free Parking: Mackenzie Rd (Public Car Park next to movie theater)
Pre-register: 9138 5438 or 3j.singapore@gmail.com

* LIVING THE PERFECT LIFE, HERE AND NOW
Well-known in the yoga world, the Sanskrit term jivamukti can be translated as "liberated in this lifetime." Drawing from Hindu, Buddhist and other sacred texts, Venerable Marut will bring to light the personal traits and lifestyle of a truly liberated person. Using this model, these teachings will explore how to live the perfect life, here and now.

When: January 20-21 at 7:30-9:30PM
Fees: By Donation
Location: Oasis Holistic, #01-50 Selegie House, 10 Selegie Rd (Nearest MRT: Little India)
Free Parking: Mackenzie Rd (Public Car Park next to movie theater)
Pre-register: 9138 5438 or 3j.singapore@gmail.com

ABOUT VENERABLE SUMATI MARUT
American monk Venerable Sumati Marut is ordained in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. He serves as a founding Board member of the Yoga Studies Institute, is the Spiritual Director of the Asian Classics Institutes of Los Angeles, California and Cape Ann, Massachusetts and is on the faculty of Diamond Mountain University in Arizona. As a Ph.D. and Professor Emeritus of Comparative Religions, he taught for over twenty years at Columbia University and the University of California, Riverside. He is the author of several scholarly books and translations based on Sanskrit materials.

Venerable Marut’s personal understanding of our modern lifestyle unites with his extensive scriptural knowledge of authentic South Asian traditions to create spiritual teachings uniquely relevant to contemporary times. He is distinguished and adored for his down-to-earth humour, passionate drive, and ability to make even the most esoteric elements of eastern philosophy work as tools for immediate transformation.

Karmic Management - A New Start to 2010 - Ongoing

Start 2010 right as we follow up on Geshe Michael Roach's December 2009 Karmic Management talks. These two sessions of practical tips and ideas will help you put the concept of Karmic Management into practice for your daily life. This will be an open discussion, so please bring all your questions and ideas and get ready to share!

Dates: January 5, 12, and 26th, 2010
Time: 7:30 - 9:00PM
Where: 51B Temple Street (top floor), in Chinatown
Cost: Free! By Donation Only
Discussion Leader: Jaki Fisher
Pre-registration: 9677 9969 or 3j.singapore@gmail.com

Ceremony to clean up past negative karma - February 2; Time: 7.00pm - 9.30pm/ Venue: 74A Dunbar Walk (East Coast)