Both Buddhist and Western psychologies have found that the ego, the primary mechanism of defense against the unpredictability of the world, is not always to be trusted.  Anxiety, addiction and depression have their roots in the ego’s misguided attempts to control our experience.  Based in a belief in its own separateness, the ego all too often acts in a frightened, clumsy and inefficient manner, whispering to us in our inner thoughts and driving a wedge between self and others.

While the ego is a necessary construction, it can be treacherous.  It is a mistake to give it too much power.  Focused on discussion and meditation practice, this workshop will focus on using the Buddha’s Eightfold Path to bring the ego out of its hiding places.  Until we face the ego head on, we can never find the relief and love we yearn for.  Using material from Mark’s new book, Advice Not Given: A Guide to Getting Over Yourself, as well as ancient Buddhist wisdom, Mark and Bob will offer thoughtful and inspiring alternatives to our habitual egocentric preoccupations.

Schedule

Friday, August 24th

• 3 – 8pm Check- in
• 6 – 7pm Dinner
• 7:15 Welcome Program (Nalanda Conference Center) 

Saturday, August 25th

• 7 – 8am Tibetan Nejang Longevity Yoga (Nalanda Conference Center)
• 8 – 9am Breakfast
• 9:30 – 12pm Program (Nalanda Conference Center)
• 12 – 1pm Lunch
• 1 – 4pm Free time for Spa Treatments, Hiking
• 2:30 – 4pm Qi Gong with Paul Bloom (Nalanda Conference Center Yoga Studio)
• 4 – 6pm Program (Nalanda Conference Center)
• 6 – 7pm Dinner
• 7:30pm Program (Nalanda Conference Center) 

Sunday, August 26th

• 7 – 8am Tibetan Nejang Longevity Yoga (Nalanda Conference Center)
• 8 – 9am Breakfast
• 9:30 – 12pm Closing Program (Nalanda Conference Center)
• 12 – 1pm Lunch and Departure 

Note: Schedule is subject to change at anytime