“In the end, all teachings — traditional or informal — have one aim: to help reduce self-importance and make room for the truth.”— Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche The teachings of the Buddha emphasize that the mind is the source of all our happiness and suffering. Yet we habitually tend to look outward to achieve fulfillment, even though all pain and pleasure are felt within our mind. The Buddhist approach is to look directly at the mind itself, to get to know its strengths and weaknesses, and to apply skillful means to transform ourselves from within. The aim is to achieve a lasting fulfillment that does not depend solely on variable outer circumstances, and to lead lives that profoundly benefit both ourselves and others.Mangala Shri Bhuti, under the guidance of Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, offers a thorough, systematic education in the Buddhist teachings and practices. These teachings go right to the heart of Buddhism: developing compassion and wisdom. Building on the understanding that the minds of all sentient beings are alike in desiring happiness and freedom from suffering, we are encouraged to open our hearts and expand our small “self” to a universal self that encompasses all beings. At the same time, we are shown how to calm our minds so that we can self-reflect and ultimately gain insight into our mind’s true nature.The lineage of Mangala Shri Bhuti offers a vast array of teachings and practices, but in sum, all of them are means of softening the heart and awakening the mind. Everyone is welcome to take part in this education. There are several levels at which one can participate, depending on one’s interest and commitment.Independent StudyMSB offers a wide range of publicly available study and practice materials. You can read, listen to, or watch teachings on this website; order books and audio and video materials by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche at the MSB Store; listen to the weekly LINK teaching, presented live on Sundays by Rinpoche and other MSB teachers and students; or read Crucial Point, the semiannual journal of MSB.Public Programs and MSB CentersEvery year, Rinpoche gives several teachings at MSB’s two main centers, in Colorado and Vermont, and teaches throughout the United States and around the globe. In addition, Dungse Jampal Norbu, Rinpoche’s son and dharma heir, as well as Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, his most senior student, have annual teaching schedules. Phuntsok Choling, MSB’s center in Ward, Colorado, and Pema Osel, our center in Vershire, Vermont, also have an annual calendar of programs, group practices, and other events. Mangalam Dharma Groups, which are smaller concentrations of MSB students throughout the U.S. and around the world, get together regularly for group studies and practices.Online LearningEveryone knows the benefits of seeing a glass as half-full rather than half-empty. But few people know how to change their mindset, which colors the way they see, think, feel and act. If our habitual ways of seeing only lead us to be anxious, distressed, and dissatisfied, then why not do something about it? Awakening the Mind, Softening the Heart is expressly designed for those interested in transforming their lives through changing not just their attitudes, but their entire mindset through the well-established Buddhist meditation practices of self-reflection and the four immeasurable qualities. To enroll in this program, one need not be familiar with Buddhism, nor is there any expectation of participants becoming Buddhists. Belief in Buddhist principles, such as karma or reincarnation, is not required in order to learn and make use of these tools.Contact UsWe warmly welcome you to take part in Mangala Shri Bhuti’s study and practice program. If you have any questions, please contact our Khenchungs, Directors of Study and Practice.