Project LOTUS

Secular Spirituality, the Science of Consciousness and the Illusion of Self
2024-11-23 16:00 - 18:00 UTC
Secular Spirituality, the Science of Consciousness and the Illusion of Self⚠️ This event will be available live in English, with translation into Spanish and Italian (registration links below).
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Join Geshe Tenzin Namdak, Thomas Metzinger and Scott Snibbe for a profound dialogue on Secular Spirituality, The Science of Consciousness, and the Illusion of Self. This online event, hosted by Science & Wisdom LIVE, in partnership with FDCW and several other partners (below), will explore the intersections between Buddhist philosophy and secular spirituality, focusing on key themes like consciousness, selfhood, and the potential for spiritual growth without religious belief.
Drawing on Metzinger’s philosophical work on the science of consciousness and Geshe Namdak’s deep understanding of Buddhist mind science, they will engage with the challenging concept of “no-self” and discuss how modern science and ancient wisdom can together reshape our understanding of spirituality in the 21st century.
This event offers a unique opportunity to reflect on whether spiritual practices can thrive outside traditional religious contexts and how both secular and contemplative traditions provide insights into consciousness and personal transformation. Perfect for those interested in philosophy, Buddhism, and the evolving nature of spirituality in today’s world.
About the Topics
Secular spirituality offers a path to personal transformation without relying on religious belief, encouraging inner growth through practices like mindfulness and contemplation. The science of consciousness explores how subjective experience arises from the brain, bridging the gap between philosophy and neuroscience. Meanwhile, the illusion of self, a central theme in both Buddhist philosophy and modern cognitive science, challenges our deeply held notion of a fixed identity. Together, these ideas invite us to re-examine who we are and how we relate to the world, offering profound insights into both spiritual and scientific inquiries.
About the Speakers
Geshe Tenzin Namdak
Initially an environmental researcher with a degree in hydrology from Van Hall Larenstein University, Geshe Namdak began studying Buddhism in 1993 and was ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He completed the 20-year Geshe program at Sera Jey Monastic University in 2017, followed by a year of Vajrayana studies at Gyume Tantric College in 2019, the first Westerner to do so. With a strong interest in science, he has organised various dialogues on contemporary science and ancient contemplative wisdom of the mind. Currently, he is the resident teacher at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, and teaches worldwide. His latest book, “Freedom Through Correct Knowing“, explores the path to liberation through understanding reality as it truly is.
Prof. Thomas Metzinger
Thomas Metzinger is a distinguished philosopher and cognitive scientist, renowned for his work in consciousness studies. Formerly a Professor of Theoretical Philosophy at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Metzinger has led prominent academic and research organisations, including the German Cognitive Science Society and the Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness. His widely acclaimed books, such as The Elephant and the Blind and The Ego Tunnel, explore the nature of self and mind. Metzinger is also a member of the European Commission’s Expert Group on AI ethics and the president of the Barbara Wengeler Foundation.
You can learn more about Thomas and access lots of his work for free on his website: thomasmetzinger.com, where you will find an open-access version of his book The Elephant and the Blind, which we recommend reading in preparation for the talk!
Scott Snibbe
Scott Snibbe is the Executive Director of A Skeptic’s Path to Enlightenment, a nonprofit organization, author of How to Train a Happy Mind and podcast host, dedicated to teaching secular forms of analytical meditation. Snibbe is a longtime student of Tibetan Buddhism whose teachers include Geshe Ngawang Dakpa, Choden Rinpoche, Ven. Rene Feusi, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Jampa, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Inspired by his teachers, he leads meditations that infuse the pure lineage of the great Buddhist masters with science, humour, and the realities of the modern world.
Partners
This event is organised by Science & Wisdom LIVE in partnership with Jamyang London Buddhist Centre, Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW), Nagarjuna Madrid, Instituto Lama Tsongkhapa (ILTK) and Mind Science Academy (MSA).
Registration
This event is open to all on donation, and registration is required. Please sign up on Science & Wisdom LIVE’s Eventbrite page, by following the link below, to secure your spot and receive the English livestream link. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leading thinkers on the cutting edge of spirituality, consciousness, and the self.
Register in English with Science & Wisdom LIVE.
Translation
We are offering the event in English, with live translation into Spanish and Italian through our partners, Nagarjuna Madrid (Spanish) and Instituto Lama Tsongkhapa (Italian).
Register in Spanish with Nagarjuna Madrid.
Register in Italian with ILTK.
Recordings
We will record the session in English, Spanish, and Italian, and share the recordings with attendees after the event. To receive the translated recordings, please ensure you register with our translation partners.

Meditations for Building Inner Strength – Part 4: How We Find Meaning - Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom
2024-11-27 23:30 - 2024-11-28 00:30
Meditations for Building Inner Strength – Part 4: How We Find MeaningJoin for one session or for the entire series
The last 4 Session will be as follows:
Part 4: How We Find Meaning – 4 weeks online
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm EDT, November 6,13,20,27
Guidelines:
Aspiration
Principle
Service
Courage
*There will be 2 optional in-person half-day retreat sessions mid-way and at the end of the series.
Why meditate?
When you control your mind with wisdom you create the space you need to discover peace and joy. Your life then becomes peaceful and joyful and somewhat protected from the ups and downs of the external world. For beginner to advanced meditators.
Facilitators
Sharon Babineau: Sharon is an accredited FDCW facilitator based in Hamilton, Canada. She has presented many 16 G inspired workshops across Canada and trained in these meaningful methods so she could provide others with these practical tools and strategies to live a well balanced and optimal life. Sharon now teaches and facilitates mindfulness-based wellness for individuals, businesses, community and educators.
Laurie Dolan: Laurie Laurie is an accredited 16G Level 1, 2, Transformative Mindfulness and Unlocking Your Potential facilitator. At the Centre for Compassion and Wisdom (CCW) in Burlington (Ontario), Laurie led overviews and discussion groups on the 4 Wisdom Themes and 16 Guidelines to share and deepen the learning and knowledge with the CCW and community
Bookings and Cost
For more information and bookings, please visit the Lama Yeshe Ling website
This program is offered by donation. You can make an offering here.

16 Guidelines Meditation Series | Organized by Karuna Hospice - Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom
2024-11-28 08:00 - 09:00
16 Guidelines Meditation Series | Organized by Karuna Hospice« All Events
This event has passed.
November 28, 2024 @ 18:00 – 19:00 AEST
Free
About the Sessions
Join Ven Gonpo in person or online for a series of 16 Meditations based on the 16 Guidelines for Life, an ethics and resilience program to build inner strength and cultivate positive inner qualities.
This series is structured into 16 weekly 1 hour sessions, on Thursdays, each meditation can be attended as a standalone session, however for the full benefit of the program we encourage participation in all 16 sessions.
The meditation section of the sessions will be recorded and available via the Karuna Hospice website
Registrations are not required.
This is a FREE series, however if you would like to make a donation to support Karuna, please visit: www.karuna.org.au/donate-karuna
TIME: 6.00 – 7.00pm local time
DATES: Thursdays from 8 August – 28 November 2024 (no session 3 October)
IN PERSON: 27 Cartwright Street, Windsor QLD 4030
ONLINE: https://bit.ly/Karuna16 (join from browser or the Zoom app)
Or visit: https://zoom.us/ and enter the below details:
Meeting ID: 830 7303 5449 Passcode: [REDACTED]
AUGUST 2024
8 August: Humility (to be willing and able to learn from others)
15 August: Patience (to cultivate a calm and spacious mind)
22 August: Contentment (to enjoy who we are and what we have)
29 August: Delight (to rejoice in the good fortune of others)
SEPTEMBER 2024
5 September : Kindness (to be friendly, caring and considerate)
12 September: Honesty (to act with transparency and fairness)
19 September: Generosity (to give without expecting anything in return)
26 September: Right Speech (to speak with insight and sensitivity)
OCTOBER 2024
3 October: NO SESSION
10 October: Respect (to honour people with a deeper understanding and experience of life)
17 October: Forgiveness (to let go of resentment and anger towards ourselves and others)
24 October: Gratitude (to acknowledge and repay the kindness of others)
31 October: Loyalty (to be good-hearted and dependable in all our relationships)
NOVEMBER 2024
7 November: Aspiration (to seek a fulfilling way of life that avoids causing harm)
14 November: Principles (to develop sincere and stable inner values, and avoid harmful influences)
21 November: Service (to help and benefit others in whatever way we can)
28 November: Courage (to accept responsibilities and challenges with calm determination)
Why meditate?
When you control your mind with wisdom you create the space you need to discover peace and joy. Your life then becomes peaceful and joyful and somewhat protected from the ups and downs of the external world. For beginner to advanced meditators.
Facilitator
Ven Gonpo: Ven Gonpo is an accredited FDCW facilitator and one of Karuna’s Spiritual Care Practitioners, based in Australia. With a background in education, he has lots of experience sharing the wisdom of the 16 Guidelines.
More info
For more information please visit the Karuna Hospice website

Compassion et Autocompassion - 2 day Retreat with Hilary McMichael - Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom
2024-11-30 08:30 - 2024-12-01 16:30
Compassion et Autocompassion – 2 day Retreat with Hilary McMichael« All Events
This event has passed.
November 30, 2024 @ 09:30 – December 1, 2024 @ 17:30 CET
€80
*Please note, this weekend retreat is offered in French
Overview
Cultiver la compassion par la pleine conscience est une exploration créative et joyeuse de nouvelles façons d’être. Celle-ci débute en notre for intérieur, envers cette personne que nous négligeons bien souvent au profit d’autrui.
Progressivement, ce cercle d’amour s’étend jusqu’à reconnaître l’interconnexion qui nous relie à toute chose, et à se sentir en harmonie avec les autres et avec la vie.
Bookings and Cost:
Tarif: 80€
Tarif réduit sur demande
Renseignements par email : hilary.educationuniverselle@gmail.com
Facilitator
Hilary McMichael: Hilary is a committed and long standing accredited FDCW facilitator. She is active within the community. She shared: “The facilitating methods are based on experiential learning, which is most often fun and playful and nevertheless deep so we are all learning and creating together. I offer guidance based on mindfulness and self-compassion practices that allow participants to be aware of the present moment and to approach their lives in a kind and understanding way. Those are some aspects of Universal Education and I enjoy being part of it.”

Transformative Mindfulness Methods (niveau 1)- with Hilary McMichael - Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom
2024-11-30 08:30 - 2024-12-01 16:30
Transformative Mindfulness Methods (niveau 1)- with Hilary McMichael« All Events
This event has passed.
November 30, 2024 @ 09:30 – December 1, 2024 @ 17:30 CET
€95
*Please note, this weekend retreat is offered in French
Overview
Ce programme explore un ensemble de pratiques basées sur la pleine conscience pour traverser ses problèmes et pour oser être, avec simplicité et coeur.
Ces investigations et méditations permettent de comprendre et de changer les réactions automatiques aux défis du quotidien et aux émotions fortes. Elles donnent des outils pour renforcer la confiance en sa sagesse intérieure et avoir une meilleure santé. La connaissance et l’acceptation de celui ou celle que l’on est, tel que l’on est, développent naturellement la compassion pour soi et pour les autres.
Basée sur la pleine conscience et la bienveillance, cette formation est à la fois pratique et profonde, avec des transformations physiques et émotionnelles positives durables.
Bookings and Cost:
Tarif: 95€
Tarif réduit sur demande
Renseignements par email : hilary.educationuniverselle@gmail.com
Facilitator
Hilary McMichael: Hilary is a committed and long standing accredited FDCW facilitator. She is active within the community. She shared: “The facilitating methods are based on experiential learning, which is most often fun and playful and nevertheless deep so we are all learning and creating together. I offer guidance based on mindfulness and self-compassion practices that allow participants to be aware of the present moment and to approach their lives in a kind and understanding way. Those are some aspects of Universal Education and I enjoy being part of it.”

Empathy Circles with Janna Weiss on Sundays - Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom
2024-12-15 18:00 - 19:30
Empathy Circles with Janna Weiss on SundaysEmpathy Circle with Janna Weiss
Overview of the Sessions:
This series of Empathy Circles explores turning the heart and mind from our familiar, unsatisfying self-centered attitude, to “others before self,” and collective action for the common good. Gratitude, empathy, compassion, altruism, and an appreciation of our common humanity are all essential for cultivating genuine happiness and are beneficial for social action and harmony.
Janna will provide short excerpts, quotes or video, and suggested topic questions, or you can share whatever is on your mind. When it’s your turn to speak, whatever is in your heart and mind is always welcome in an Empathy Circle. Suggested topics we can explore together will include: our common humanity; altruistic motivation; creating community; collective action for the common good.
Join any session—or all four!
About the Empathy Circles:
The Empathy Circle practice is the most effective gateway practice for learning, practicing deep listening and empathy skills, as well as nurturing an empathic way of being.
The Empathy Circle provides a structured dialogue process where each person feels fully heard; fostering mutual understanding and connection. The Empathy Circle practice not only hones empathy but also helps to develop a range of valuable skills, such as communication and conflict management skills; making it a powerful tool for personal growth, conflict resolution, and meaningful dialogue.
The four core values of the Empathy Circle are empathy, mutuality, openness and caring. Sharing our experiences and practicing listening together can help us feel connected to others in a meaningful and supportive way.
These online Empathy Circles are for people of all ages and backgrounds, who are looking for practical tools to create positive transformation in their homes, individual lives, relationships, community, or workplace.
Sessions Schedule:
Sundays, Nov 24, Dec 1, 8, & 15, 1–2:30pm EST– You can join on any session!
There will be no recordings made.
For more information on how to join and to access support materials, please visit the Shantideva Center website
Who are these sessions for?
These Online Empathy Circles are for people of all ages, backgrounds and ideas, who are looking for practical tools to create positive transformation in their homes, individual lives, relationships, community, or workplace.
About the facilitator:
Janna is an acupuncturist and herbalist, and teaches mind science in New York City. She holds a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in Biological Sciences—Botany (ethnobotany). Janna is also a human rights activist, for peace, for Tibet, for the rights of people with psychosocial disabilities, and for the real rights of children and families. Janna began studying Tibetan Buddhism in 2005. She is an accredited 16 Guidelines Level 1 & 2 and Unlocking Your Potential Facilitator, and an Empathy Circle Facilitator.

Meditación Paso a Paso: Sesiones semanales inspiradas en las 16 Actitudes - Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom
2025-01-07 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-01-14 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-01-21 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-01-28 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-02-04 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-02-11 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-02-18 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-02-25 18:00 - 19:00 and 1 more date
Meditación Paso a Paso: Sesiones semanales inspiradas en las 16 Actitudes*Please note these sessions are offered in Spanish
Sobre las Sesiones
Únete a Jessica Pastor en esta nueva serie de Meditaciones basadas en las 16 Actitudes, un programa de ética y resiliencia para descubrir la calma y el bienestar interior. Esta serie está organizada por el Centro de Meditación Nagarjuna Alicante.
Esta serie está estructurada en sesiones presenciales semanales de 1 hora todos los martes a las 7 pm hora local.
Seiones abiertas a todas las personas interesadas. No es necesario tener conocimientos previos de budismo para participar y no es necesario inscribirse.
En estas sesiones de meditación practicaremos Samatha, la técnica de calmar la mente de la agitación y preocupaciones que nos persiguen en nuestro día a día. De esta manera, comenzaremos a poder disfrutar de los beneficios que nos aporta una mente serena y lúcida.
Asimismo, practicaremos Vipassana, la técnica que entrena nuestra mente a no reaccionar de manera inmediata y ciega en las situaciones que experimentamos, a no generar patrones mentales y hábitos que nos conducen a la repetición automática de conductas y, en consecuencia, al sufrimiento. Consiste en adiestrar la mente a experimentar la realidad tal como es, a la comprensión clara de la verdadera realidad de la existencia de nosotros y de todas las cosas.
¿Por que Meditar?
Meditamos para investigar la energía mental básica con la que ya contamos, que es la que determina si nuestras acciones son positivas, y nos traerán felicidad, o negativas, y nos traerán sufrimiento.
Esta meditación basada en las 16 Actitudes nos va a permitir controlar pequeñas cosas que antes no podíamos controlar, que nos animarán a ir más allá y a darnos cuenta de que tenemos una capacidad y un potencial fantásticos.
Vas a poder crear ese espacio que necesitas para descubrir la calma y el bienestar, simplemente con cambiar la motivación que hay detrás de cada acción que realizas.
Para beneficiar a los demás y beneficiarte a ti no tienes que hacer nada físico, solo tienes que dirigir tu mente en esa dirección.
Cómo participar
EN PERSONA: en el centro Nagarjuna Alicante de 7:00 pm a 8:00 pm hora local. Para mas informacion, por favor visita la página web del centro.
Estas sesiones se ofrecen con aportación voluntaria. Si lo deseas, puedes hacer una donación aqui.

Sunday Morning Meditations for a more Peaceful Life Organized by Maitreya Institute - Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom
2025-01-19 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-01-26 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-02 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-09 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-16 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-23 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-02 09:00 - 10:00
Sunday Morning Meditations for a more Peaceful Life Organized by Maitreya Institute“Many people think excitement is happiness…. But when you are excited you are not peaceful. True happiness is based on peace.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh
About the Sessions
Join us on Sunday morning for an hour to pause, center, and restore to a happier and more peaceful mind to support you in being a bit more resilient in a world which does not always make sense anymore. These guided meditations are to help you calm your mind, explore your own nature and develop a more peaceful perception on life. When you are well with yourself, you will be more able to be well with others and the world.
These meditations are very practical, they are not within a religious context, so they are suitable for people of different beliefs, ages and abilities, for beginners as well as for those with more experience.
Registrations are not required.
What are the meditations based on?
They are based on a set of values and principles aimed at helping individuals cultivate a more peaceful and meaningful life. They are divided into four categories:
how we think (humility, patience, contentment and delight)
how we act (kindness, honesty, generosity and right speech)
how we relate to others (respect, forgiveness, gratitude and loyalty)
how we find meaning (aspiration, principles, service and courage).
These guidelines provide a framework for personal growth, encouraging individuals to think, act, relate, and find meaning in ways that foster a harmonious and fulfilling life.
How to Join
The sessions are offered online:
TIME: 10.00 – 11.00 am CE(S)T,
DATES: Sundays from 19th January – 4th May 2025
ONLINE: Join Zoom here – Passcode: [REDACTED]
The meditations are freely offered but if you would like to make to support Maitreya Institute, please make a donation using this link . The meditations will be recorded and made available to you to use them during the week. Please send us an email if you would like to join us to get access to the recordings.
Why meditate?
When you control your mind with wisdom you create the space you need to discover peace and joy. Your life then becomes peaceful and joyful and somewhat protected from the ups and downs of the external world. For beginner to advanced meditators.
Facilitator
Ven. Gönpo is an accredited FDCW facilitator and a Buddhist monk based in Australia. He discovered Buddhism as a child through martial arts movies and TV shows, this was the inspiration for the childhood dream of becoming a wandering kung fu monk. It was a few decades before part of that dream could be realized with many other life adventures distracting him from the spiritual path in his teens and twenties.
It wasn’t until he was in his thirties that Gönpo began to really understand the power of Buddhist teachings when he used them to navigate the emotional roller-coaster of life’s many experiences such as a marriage break down and raising children alone. Fortunately, due the kindness of his teachers and great good karma, after his children finished school, Gönpo was able to fulfil the long-held dream of becoming a monk, albeit without the kung fu. Ending a 20-year career as a high school teacher of languages, he become a wandering monk spending time studying and meditating in Europe, India and Nepal before returning to his hometown, Brisbane, to take up the role of Spiritual Care Practitioner at Karuna Hospice Services, giving care and support to people with life limiting illnesses and their families.
In his time as a school teacher, it was the feedback from students around mindfulness practices and life lessons that had the biggest impact on Gönpo, motivating him to become a 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life facilitator. In his sessions, Gönpo encourages discussion and deep engagement in the topics, challenging participants to examine their own ways of thinking. Through understanding how we are now, we are better equipped to develop the habits that will bring us closer to how we want to be, interacting with our own minds and the people around us in ways that will make us and the communities we live in, happier and healthier.
More info
For more information please visit the Maitreya Institute website

16G L2 Building Inner Strength | Marisa Femenia - in Spanish - Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom
2025-01-25 09:00 - 2025-01-26 13:00
16G L2 Building Inner Strength | Marisa Femenia – in Spanish**Please note this 16 Guidelines Level 2 course will be offered in Spanish.
El fundamento básico de la humanidad es la compasión y el amor. Esa es la razón por la que, si incluso unos pocos individuos simplemente intentan crear paz mental y felicidad en sí mismos y actúan responsable y bondadosamente con los demás, tendrán una influencia positiva en su comunidad.
-SS El Dalai Lama-
Descripción:
Unete a Marisa Femenia en este exploracion profunda de las 16 Actitudes y su lado sombra:
En el Nivel I exploramos las 16 Actitudes como un sistema para encontrar sentido y mejorar nuestra vida.
En el Nivel II “Las Sombras”, reflexionamos sobre las dificultades que tenemos para llevar a la práctica dichas actitudes y trabajaremos activamente para poder desarrollar la sabiduría que puede eliminar dichas sombras.
Es un curso interactivo y experiencial, que profundiza en el auto conocimiento y, por lo tanto, transforma nuestras relaciones.
Es necesario haber hecho el Nivel I para poder hacer este curso.
Reservas y Aportación:
Modalidad: Presencial
Cuándo: 25 y 26 Enero 2025
Horario: Sábado de 10 a 14 h. / 16 a 19 h. y Domingo: de 10 a 14 h. ( hora local)
Aportación: 60€ / 20€ Socios de Nagarjuna Madrid
Para mas informacion y para reservar tu plaza, por favor visita la pagina web del centro Nagarjuna
Facilitadora: Marisa Femenia –Marisa is an accredited 16G Level 1 and Level 2 facilitator, she lives in Madrid and has a background in education working for 30 years as an elementary teacher. She met the Buddhist teachings when she turned 30 and for many years she tried to convey to the children what she was learning from her teachers. Currently she coordinates the Universal Education group in Madrid. She says that the 16 Guidelines are: Un viaje al interior, basado en valores universales del ser humano, más allá de toda religión, país, cultura o frontera. (An inner journey based on universal human values, beyond any religion, country, culture or borders).

Exploring Death and Finding Life- 2 workshops with Bruno Rizzi - Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom
2025-01-25 09:30 - 2025-01-26 17:30
Exploring Death and Finding Life- 2 workshops with Bruno Rizzi« All Events
This event has passed.
January 25 @ 10:30 – January 26 @ 18:30 CET
£75
Life and death are not separate—they are deeply intertwined. What nourishes one inevitably supports the other.
About the workshops
This series of workshops invite you to explore the profound wisdom of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition in approaching death and impermanence, integrated with practical insights from palliative care. Together, we will confront life’s impermanence with courage and clarity, unlocking opportunities for growth, joy, and meaning.
Why these Workshops?
Preparing for death starts with embracing life as it truly is—without illusions, romanticism, or fear. By recognizing the dynamics of our projections, hopes, and anxieties, we can live more fully in the present and meet the end of life with peace and dignity.
Through this exploration, we can transform our relationship with death and, in turn, transform how we live each day.
What you will learn:
A deeper understanding of death and impermanence through the lens of Tibetan Buddhist teachings.
Insights from palliative care practices to support the dying and enhance compassionate presence.
Practical tools to cultivate awareness, presence, and connection in your daily life.
Workshop Structure
This journey will unfold over 4 sessions on 2 separate weekends in January and February, both held in a shared group space:
25th and 26th Jan :In-Person at Nagarjuna Granada and online at Nagarjuna Barcelona
22 and 23rd Feb : In-Person at Nagarjuna Barcelona and online at Nagarjuna Granada
The sessions will be experiential, combining teachings, meditative practices, and group discussions to ensure a supportive and transformative experience.
Who Should Attend?
These workshops are open to anyone interested in exploring the themes of life, death, and impermanence—whether for personal growth, spiritual development, or professional practice in caregiving roles.
Language
The sessions will be offered in English with Spanish translation.
Bookings
Spaces are limited to ensure a safe and intimate group setting.
➡️ To reserve your spot, please visit the Nagarjuna Granada website
We encourage early booking to secure your place in this meaningful exploration.
Join us on this journey of deep reflection and transformation. Together, we will explore how to live—and die—with greater awareness, compassion, and peace.
“Death in itself is not fearful, it is our mind that makes it terrifying”
-Lama Zopa Rinpoche-
Facilitator- Bruno Rizzi-
Bruno has been practicing Buddhism since 1980, when he met Ven. Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Italy. He lived as an ordained monk for seven years, studying at Nalanda Monastery in France, as well as in India and Nepal.
For the past 22 years, he has worked as a palliative care nurse at Christophorus Hospiz in Munich, Germany. For the last 15 years, he has been leading workshops and retreats on the topic “Confronting Death, Finding Meaning in Life.”
He is an accredited 16 Guidelines facilitator and collaborates with Universal Education – FDCW (Foundation for the Development of Compassion and Wisdom).

Empathy Circles with Conversations that Matter facilitated by Janna Weiss - Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom
2025-01-31 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-02-07 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-02-14 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-02-28 13:30 - 15:00
Empathy Circles with Conversations that Matter facilitated by Janna WeissWisdom Theme Empathy Circle with Conversations That Matter
Free online sessions led by FDCW facilitator Janna Weiss open to everybody!
A new series of 5 sessions based on the 16 Guidelines resource: Conversations That Matter
Conversations That Matter offers a new way of bringing inspiration for wise and compassionate action based on the 16 Guidelines for Life.
Sessions Schedule:
5 Fridays from January to March – You can join on any session!
8:30 am – 10:00 am ET / 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm GMT / 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm IST, please check
your time zone here.
The 5 sessions will explore the Wisdom Theme: How We Find Meaning.
Jan 31 Wisdom Theme 4: How We Find Meaning
Feb 7 Aspiration
Feb 14 Principles
(No session on Feb 21)
Feb 28 Service
Mar 7 Courage
Sharing our experiences and practicing together can help us feel connected to others in a meaningful and supportive way. Drop-ins welcome!
Join Zoom Here
Who are these sessions for?
These Online Empathy Circles are for people of all ages, backgrounds and ideas, who are looking for practical tools to create positive transformation in their homes, individual lives, relationships, community, or workplace.
About the Empathy Circles
The Empathy Circle practice is the most effective gateway practice for learning, practicing and deepening listening and empathy skills, as well as, nurturing an empathic way of being.
The Empathy Circle provides a structured dialogue process where each person feels fully heard, fostering mutual understanding and connection. The Empathy Circle practice not only hones empathy but also fosters a range of valuable skills, such as communication and conflict management skills, making it a powerful tool for personal growth, conflict resolutions and meaningful dialogue.
The Empathy Circle was developed by Edwin Rutsch, founder and director of The Empathy Center, based on the work of psychologist Carl Rogers. The four core values of the Empathy Circle are empathy, mutuality, openness and caring.
About the facilitator:
Janna is an acupuncturist and herbalist, and teaches mind science in New York City. She holds a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in Biological Sciences—Botany (ethnobotany). Janna is also a human rights activist, for peace, for Tibet, for the rights of people with psychosocial disabilities, and for the real rights of children and families. Janna began studying Tibetan Buddhism in 2005. She is an accredited 16 Guidelines Level 1 & 2 and Unlocking Your Potential Facilitator, and an Empathy Circle Facilitator.
Supporting Janna and the Empathy Circles: please, consider supporting Janna so that she can continue to offer these transformative sessions by making a donation scanning the QR code below:
Join Zoom Here

Exploring Death and Finding Life- 2 workshops with Bruno Rizzi - Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom
2025-02-22 09:30 - 17:30
Exploring Death and Finding Life- 2 workshops with Bruno Rizzi« All Events
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February 22 @ 10:30 – 18:30 CET
£75
Life and death are not separate—they are deeply intertwined. What nourishes one inevitably supports the other.
About the workshops
This series of workshops invite you to explore the profound wisdom of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition in approaching death and impermanence, integrated with practical insights from palliative care. Together, we will confront life’s impermanence with courage and clarity, unlocking opportunities for growth, joy, and meaning.
Why these Workshops?
Preparing for death starts with embracing life as it truly is—without illusions, romanticism, or fear. By recognizing the dynamics of our projections, hopes, and anxieties, we can live more fully in the present and meet the end of life with peace and dignity.
Through this exploration, we can transform our relationship with death and, in turn, transform how we live each day.
What you will learn:
A deeper understanding of death and impermanence through the lens of Tibetan Buddhist teachings.
Insights from palliative care practices to support the dying and enhance compassionate presence.
Practical tools to cultivate awareness, presence, and connection in your daily life.
Workshop Structure
This journey will unfold over 4 sessions on 2 separate weekends in January and February, both held in a shared group space:
25th and 26th Jan :In-Person at Nagarjuna Granada and online at Nagarjuna Barcelona
22 and 23rd Feb : In-Person at Nagarjuna Barcelona and online at Nagarjuna Granada
The sessions will be experiential, combining teachings, meditative practices, and group discussions to ensure a supportive and transformative experience.
Who Should Attend?
These workshops are open to anyone interested in exploring the themes of life, death, and impermanence—whether for personal growth, spiritual development, or professional practice in caregiving roles.
Language
The sessions will be offered in English with Spanish translation.
Bookings
Spaces are limited to ensure a safe and intimate group setting.
➡️ To reserve your spot, please visit the Nagarjuna Granada website
We encourage early booking to secure your place in this meaningful exploration.
Join us on this journey of deep reflection and transformation. Together, we will explore how to live—and die—with greater awareness, compassion, and peace.
“Death in itself is not fearful, it is our mind that makes it terrifying”
-Lama Zopa Rinpoche-
Facilitator- Bruno Rizzi-
Bruno has been practicing Buddhism since 1980, when he met Ven. Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Italy. He lived as an ordained monk for seven years, studying at Nalanda Monastery in France, as well as in India and Nepal.
For the past 22 years, he has worked as a palliative care nurse at Christophorus Hospiz in Munich, Germany. For the last 15 years, he has been leading workshops and retreats on the topic “Confronting Death, Finding Meaning in Life.”
He is an accredited 16 Guidelines facilitator and collaborates with Universal Education – FDCW (Foundation for the Development of Compassion and Wisdom).

Meditando con las 16 Actitudes | Presencial | Nagarjuna Madrid - Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom
2025-02-23 10:00 - 13:00
Meditando con las 16 Actitudes | Presencial | Nagarjuna MadridThese sessions are led in Spanish.
Sobre la sesión:
En esta mañana de meditación, Marisa Femenía nos llevara a investigar por nosotros mismos, a través de la meditación analítica, las ventajas y las desventajas de utilizar cada una de las 16 Actitudes y su opuesta, respectivamente; así como la forma de aplicarlas en nuestra vida cotidiana.
El domingo, 23 de Febrero, la propuesta es trabajar con «La Alegría».
Por qué la Alegría?
“Muchas veces la palabra alegría la asociamos a la infancia. Entonces nuestra única prioridad era jugar y jugar… y sabíamos cómo. Nada era especialmente serio, y no conocíamos muchas palabras, pero nos hablaban los árboles y las nubes y nos miraban las estrellas.
Ahora vemos esa alegría en nuestros niños, nuestros hijos, nuestros nietos, pero ¿la nuestra?”
Marisa Femenia
El modelo que hemos elegido para demostrar que una vida con alegría es posible es el de Jane Goodall, que desde los 23 años vivió en la selva, haciéndose un hueco entre la familia de los chimpancés salvajes.
Ellos fueron su inspiración y ella fue su voz en todos los foros internacionales sobre la protección de especies amenazadas y destrucción de ecosistemas.
Su legado continúa a través de generaciones jóvenes que luchan por la armonía en la tierra y, sin perder la sonrisa, viaja 300 veces al año, trasladando 90 años de experiencia donde se necesita.
Disfrutar de la belleza tan profundamente como cuando éramos niños, como cuando todavía no sabíamos quienes éramos y el mundo nos devolvía a lo ilimitado, cuando no teníamos ninguna coraza ni vivíamos en la dualidad, ese es el ejemplo que nos dá esta mujer excepcional.
Estructura de la Sesión
La actividad consta de una breve introducción, varias sesiones de meditación y reflexión conjunta sobre las experiencias de las meditaciones.
Esta sesión forma parte de un ciclo de meditaciones interactivas inspiradas en 16 Actitudes para una Vida con Sentido (16A).
A quien van dirigidas estas sesiones?
Estas sesiones son aptas para personas de cualquier fe, religión o creencia. y culturas, y no requieren conocimientos previos.
Horario y reservas
Las sesiones se ofrecen periodicamente en el centro Nagarjuna de Madrid, de 11 a 14 horas ( hora de la peninsula). Para mas información y detalles sobre como inscribirte, por favor visita la web del Centro Nagarjuna
Facilitadora: Marisa Femenia.
Marisa has a background in education working for 30 years as an elementary teacher. She met the Buddhist teachings when she turned 30 and for many years she tried to convey to the children what she was learning from her teachers. Currently she coordinates the Universal Education group in Madrid.
