The Path to a Meaningful Life
Grounded in the Three Jewels of Buddhism and the Vajrayana practices of Tibet, the Ancient Wisdom Engaged (AWE) program invites practitioners into a transformative journey of practice, sangha, and awakening. The post The Path to a Meaningful Life appeared...
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This post is sponsored content, paid for by the Namchak Foundation.
The longing for a meaningful life is as old as humanity itself. We don’t want to just exist, but to sound our particular voice into the world. In the beloved book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl spoke deeply of the positive power of a meaningful life. Many studies have since validated his position. But how do we find our own offering to the world? How do we best pursue it?
Fortunately, a path to pursue the answers to these questions already exists. It goes back 2,500 years to the historical Buddha. He asked the same questions, and after long and deep searching, found answers. The Buddha saw that we’re all different, with different capacities and styles, so he laid out three major paths to enlightenment — Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. The Ancient Wisdom Engaged (AWE) program shares Vajrayana practices of Tibet, fostering the uncovering of our truer selves and the capacity for meaningful engagement in the world.
Grounded in the Three Jewels of Buddhism — Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha — the AWE program weaves together mentorship, Ngöndro practice, and beloved community.
Buddha — Our Teachers
Under the guidance of Namchak Khen Rinpoche and Lama Tsomo, students will engage deeply with the Ngöndro to establish a strong foundation for spiritual realization. Aaron Stern and his team from the Academy for the Love of Learning® lead the Sangha portion of the program. In addition to teachings, students receive one-on-one mentorship throughout their Ngöndro journey.
Dharma—Tangible Practices for Waking Up
At the heart of AWE lies a series of five preliminary practices that clear away our minds’ confusion and reveal our true nature. In Tibetan they’re called Ngöndro, which means, “go before.” They are considered so essential that they “go before” any other practice. Taken as a whole, the Preliminary Practices are a microcosm of the whole Vajrayana path.
To achieve the deep transformations that the Ngöndro facilitates, the AWE program emphasizes practice. Described as a ‘hologram’ of the entire path, the progression of practices reveals our own true nature.
The sections of the Ngöndro create a profound journey of awakening: The Four Thoughts, Refuge, Bodhisattva Vow, Vajrasattva, Mandala, and Guru Yoga.
Part of the journey involves contemplation of the vast context of our countless lives from beginningless time. Through these contemplations, we arrive at a truer understanding of our situation in this lifetime. Such understanding gives this life far more meaning. It’s seen as the best framing for the Ngöndro, and simultaneously is powerful framing for our lives.
Sangha—Learning in Community
Completing the Ngöndro is a significant commitment. Rooted in community, the AWE program nurtures sustained growth and accountability, supporting each participant in maintaining steady momentum throughout the journey.
Alongside the Ngöndro, Aaron Stern and his team from the Academy for the Love of Learning® share their Learning as a Practice approach. This supports the integration of inner experiences with outer expression, helping students develop personal leadership and the skills necessary for healthy, meaningful relationships.
The AWE program deepens understanding and brings the teachings to life through direct experience. Participants engage in semi-annual group retreats at the Namchak Retreat Ranch in Montana, personal coaching, monthly cohort calls, and regular practice sessions, all while connecting with fellow practitioners.
The AWE Pathway
This is primarily a program for studying and practicing the Ngöndro of the Namchak Lineage. This journey spans two years, both at home and occasionally in person. Participants can register for one year at a time.
In the first year of the program, students will:
Study the Three Jewels of Tibetan Buddhism Contemplate the Four Thoughts Explore and practice Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows Begin with the profound cleansing practice of Vajrasattva Cultivate Engaged Awareness in ActionLearn and cultivate sangha skills from a modern, Western expert, Aaron Stern Study and practice all of the above with fellow cohort members Receive instruction and guidance both online and in person, from Western and Tibetan lamasWho is this Program for?
This program is ideal for those ready to go deep; to invest in themselves, within a time-tested path.
Applicants should have more than a year of instruction in Namchak or another Buddhist tradition; instruction and experience in Shamata and/or Vipassana or the equivalent (for example, Zen), an established daily practice, and retreat experience.
Please send questions and inquiries to [email protected]
The Namchak Foundation is devoted to sharing the teachings of the Namchak lineage of Tibetan Buddhism through meditation, study, retreat, and community.
