May 12-July 28, 2008 (Mondays), 7-9pm, Kuntse Rinpoche will teach and lead a study of Shantideva's 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, "guidebook to a Bodhisattva¡¦s way of life, written by the great Indian Scholar Shantideva. Bodhisattvas are beings who, having generated great compassion, vow to attain enlightenment in order to benefit to all sentient beings. This text describes a Bodhisattva¡¦s conduct." A continuation from last year, the class is designed such that students who missed earlier classes will still get something out of the later classes. Kuntse Rinpoche was born in Tibet and was recognized as an incarnate lama at the age of five. He was sent to Dharamsala for his formal education at the Institute for Buddhist Dialectics where he was at the top of his Geshe class. Suggested Donation: $5 per class. (No one will be turned away for lack of funds.) Place: Bodhi Tree Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206 (near SE Foster and 54th Ave., just behind Day's Music). For more information about the Shakymuni Tibetan Buddhist Center call (503) 788-6465, send email to "info" @ stbcportland.org" or visit http://www.stbcportland.org.

Tuesday evenings, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the Month, 6:30-8:00 pm, the Shakyamuni Tibetan Buddhist Center of Portland holds Tonglen Practice. Literally "sending and taking", Tonglen is the Buddhist practice of giving away all that is positive and good, and taking in all that is negative and harmful. Powerful in practice, Tonglen is used as a meditation technique for deveoping equanimity, compassion, and healing. See the Tonglen prayers book that is used as part of the practice. Contact Linda Marshall, group leader, for more information. Place: Bodhi Tree Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206 (near SE Foster and 54th Ave., just behind Day's Music). For more information about the Shakymuni Tibetan Buddhist Center call (503) 788-6465, send email to "info" @ stbcportland.org" or visit http://www.stbcportland.org.

May 14-July 30, 2008 (Wednesdays), 7-9pm, Kuntse Rinpoche will teach from and explain Nagarjuna Bodhisattva's The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way, "This text was composed by the great second-century Indian Scholar Nagarjuna, one of the most influential Buddhist Scholars of all times. It presents an understanding of the Buddhist doctrine of the two truths, or two levels of reality." Kuntse Rinpoche was born in Tibet and was recognized as an incarnate lama at the age of five. He was sent to Dharamsala for his formal education at the Institute for Buddhist Dialectics where he placed at the top of his Geshe class. Suggested Donation: $5 per class. (No one will be turned away for lack of funds.) Place: Bodhi Tree Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206 (near SE Foster and 54th Ave., just behind Day's Music). For more information about the Shakymuni Tibetan Buddhist Center call (503) 788-6465, send email to "info" @ stbcportland.org" or visit http://www.stbcportland.org.

May 18-July 27, 2008 (Sundays), 3-5pm, Kuntse Rinpoche will lead a class on Lama Chopa Commentary and Ritual Instruction. "The Lama Chopa, or Guru Puja, is one of the most precious practices of Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It helps purify karmic obscurations, as well as re-establish and strengthen the connection with our precious Teachers. Rinpoche will give commentary on this profound text & instruction on its mudras & rituals." Kuntse Rinpoche was born in Tibet and was recognized as an incarnate lama at the age of five. He was sent to Dharamsala for his formal education at the Institute for Buddhist Dialectics where he placed at the top of his Geshe class. Suggested Donation: $5 per class. (No one will be turned away for lack of funds.) Place: Bodhi Tree Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206 (near SE Foster and 54th Ave., just behind Day's Music). For more information about the Shakymuni Tibetan Buddhist Center call (503) 788-6465, send email to "info" @ stbcportland.org" or visit http://www.stbcportland.org.

Sundays, 7-9 pm. Join the Miracle of Mindfulness Practice Group Sunday evening practice. "Mindfulness is the miracle by which we master & restore ourselves," -- Thich Nhat Hanh. Schedule includes walking and sitting meditation, discussion, reading from and listening to works by Thich Nhat Hanh, and tea. These events are free and open to all. Place: Bodhi Tree Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206 (near SE Foster and 54th Ave., just behind Day's Music). For more information, contact Denise at 503-760-8430 or "miracleofmindfulness" @ "gmail.com".

June 23-27, 2008, Mon-Fri (1 week) 9:30 am - 2:30 pm, Happy Chinese Campers (Session 1/4): Chinese Immersion Summer Camp for Children (Mixed levels). Children will learn Chinese language arts and songs, dancing, stories, arts and crafts, fun and games and outdoor activities -- all in Mandarin Chinese. As well virtue studies and meditation will be taught. Group A: Ages 6-12; Group B: Ages 3-5. Children new to Chinese will learn fundamentals of listening and speaking and correct pronunciation; Children who already know some Chinese will continue to build on what they know. Older children will also work on character development and recognition. Register early to ensure a place. Fee: $160 (1 session), $300 (2 sessions), plus $10 non-refundable registration fee. Campers should bring their own lunch, but refreshments are provided. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 14-18, 2008, Mon-Fri (1 week) 9:30 am - 2:30 pm, Happy Chinese Campers (Session 2/4): Chinese Immersion Summer Camp for Children (Mixed levels). Children will learn Chinese language arts and songs, dancing, stories, arts and crafts, fun and games and outdoor activities -- all in Mandarin Chinese. As well virtue studies and meditation will be taught. Group A: Ages 6-12; Group B: Ages 3-5. Children new to Chinese will learn fundamentals of listening and speaking and correct pronunciation; Children who already know some Chinese will continue to build on what they know. Older children will also work on character development and recognition. Register early to ensure a place. Fee: $160 (1 session), $300 (2 sessions), plus $10 non-refundable registration fee. Campers should bring their own lunch, but refreshments are provided. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 28-Aug 1, 2008, Mon-Fri (1 week) 9:30 am - 2:30 pm, Happy Chinese Campers (Session 3/4): Chinese Immersion Summer Camp for Children (Mixed levels). Children will learn Chinese language arts and songs, dancing, stories, arts and crafts, fun and games and outdoor activities -- all in Mandarin Chinese. As well virtue studies and meditation will be taught. Group A: Ages 6-12; Group B: Ages 3-5. Children new to Chinese will learn fundamentals of listening and speaking and correct pronunciation; Children who already know some Chinese will continue to build on what they know. Older children will also work on character development and recognition. Register early to ensure a place. Fee: $160 (1 session), $300 (2 sessions), plus $10 non-refundable registration fee. Campers should bring their own lunch, but refreshments are provided. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

Aug 11-15, 2008, Mon-Fri (1 week) 9:30 am - 2:30 pm, Happy Chinese Campers (Session 4/4): Chinese Immersion Summer Camp for Children (Mixed levels). Children will learn Chinese language arts and songs, dancing, stories, arts and crafts, fun and games and outdoor activities -- all in Mandarin Chinese. As well virtue studies and meditation will be taught. Group A: Ages 6-12; Group B: Ages 3-5. Children new to Chinese will learn fundamentals of listening and speaking and correct pronunciation; Children who already know some Chinese will continue to build on what they know. Older children will also work on character development and recognition. Register early to ensure a place. Fee: $160 (1 session), $300 (2 sessions), plus $10 non-refundable registration fee. Campers should bring their own lunch, but refreshments are provided. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

Year-Round Program. Mandarin Chinese Immersion Program for Preschoolers (ages 3-5). 3-days and 5-days a week programs, from 9:30 am - 2 pm. Small classes, native language teachers. We keep the classes fun and the children engaged. Children will learn Chinese culture and language arts, simple mathematics, arts and crafts, singing and dancing, group games, story telling and listening skills all in Mandarin Chinese. (Children must be potty trained.) HOURS: 9:30 am - 2 pm (full day), 9:30 am - noon (half day for under 3 years old) Tuition: depends on days per week, but includes $100 registration and materials fee (materials for one year). Early registration is strongly encouraged. Classes are filled on a first-register basis. This is a year-round program. We ask for 3 month minimum commitment. Contact us for more information. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 12-Aug 30, 2008 (Saturdays) from 10:30 am - 12 noon, Chinese for Children ages 6-12 (Beginners, Mixed). In this 8-week class, children learn Mandarin through fun and games, songs, stories... Teachers are native speakers of Chinese. Children new to Chinese will learn fundamentals of listening and speaking and correct pronunciation. Children who already possess some Mandarin Chinese will continue to build on what they know. Some characters will be taught, as well as pinyin/bopomofo transliteration system. All that and we also make learning fun! Register early to ensure a place. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 12-Aug 30, 2008 (Saturdays) from 1:30 - 3 pm, Chinese for Children ages 6-12 (Non-Beginners). In this 8-week class, children continue to build on what they have learned in previous classes. A textbook is required for this class. Children continue to practice listening and speaking, and also reading, character recognition/memorization and writing. Pinyin and some bopomofu transliteration also used. All that and we also make learning fun! Teachers are native speakers of Chinese. A book is required for this class. Register early to ensure a place. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

NEW: July 7-Aug 25, 2008 (Mondays) from 7:30 pm - 9 pm, Mandarin Chinese for Adults -- Absolute Beginners, Level 1, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 8 weeks -- concentrates on correct pronunciation using pinyin (the phonetic alphabet popular in mainland China) and bopomofo (the phonetic alphabetic popular in Taiwan). Speaking and listening skills are emphasized, but students will also learn how to read and write Chinese characters (simplified and traditional). The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 7-Aug 25, 2008 (Mondays) from 7:30 pm - 9 pm, Mandarin Chinese for Adults -- Beginners, Level 3, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 8 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills learnt in the previous level's course. Traditional and simplified characters taught, as well as pinyin and bopomofo. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 8-Aug 26, 2008 (Tuesdays) from 7:30 pm - 9 pm, Mandarin Chinese for Adults -- Beginners, Level 8, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 8 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills learnt in the previous level's course. Traditional and simplified characters taught, as well as pinyin and bopomofo. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 9-Aug 27, 2008 (Wednesdays) from 7:30 pm - 9 pm, Mandarin Chinese for Adults -- Beginners, Level 2, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 8 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills learnt in the previous level's course. Traditional and simplified characters taught, as well as pinyin and bopomofo. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 9-Aug 27, 2008 (Wednesdays) from 7:30 pm - 9 pm, Mandarin Chinese for Adults -- Beginners, Level 10, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 8 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills learnt in the previous level's course. Traditional and simplified characters taught, as well as pinyin and bopomofo. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 10-Aug 28, 2008 (Thursdays) from 7:30 pm - 9 pm, Mandarin Chinese for Adults -- Beginners, Level 6, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 8 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills learnt in the previous level's course. Traditional and simplified characters taught, as well as pinyin and bopomofo. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 10-Aug 28, 2008 (Thursdays) from 7:30 pm - 9 pm, Mandarin Chinese for Adults -- (Intermediate, Level 8), ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 8 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills learnt in the previous level's course. Traditional and simplified characters taught, as well as pinyin and some bopomofo. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 12-Aug 30, 2008 (Saturdays), 3-4:30 pm Lao (Laotian) Language for Adults -- Beginners, Level 2, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 8 weeks -- concentrates on correct pronunciation of the Lao language. It will introduce the alphabet and tones, as well as the writing system. "Lao is a tonal language of the Tai family, and is so closely related to the Isan language of the northeast region of Thailand that the two are often classed as one language." -- Wikipedia.org. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. The teacher is a native speaker of Lao, who used to teach American diplomats and U.S. State Dept. personnel in Washington, D.C. before they were sent on (peaceful) assignments to Laos and Thailand. He also co-authored the Lao language textbook used even today to teach State Dept. personnel. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 12-Aug 30, 2008 (Saturdays), 9 - 10:30 am Thai Language for Adults -- Beginners, Level 2, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 8 weeks -- continues to build on what was learned in the previous class. As with all beginner level classes a strong emphasis will be placed on speaking and listening, but not to the exclusion of the reading and Thai script. The class concentrates on correct usage of Standard Thai (also known as Siamese) which is the official language of Thailand. Review of tones, new words, grammar will be incorporated. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. The teacher is a native speaker of Thai. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 12-Aug 30, 2008 (Saturdays) from 10:30 am - 12 noon, Thai Language for Adults -- Intermediate, Level 2, ages 13 and older. This class continues to build on what was covered in previous classes. It works on correct pronunciation of Standard Thai (also known as Siamese) which is the official language of Thailand. It reviews tones, and builds on acquisition of listening and speaking skills. Thai Script is taught, with inclusion of grammar and expressions. Class has a strong emphasis on reading Thai, and also writing Thai. The teacher is a native speaker of Thai. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

NEW: July 12-Aug 30, 2008 (Saturdays), 12:30 pm - 2 pm Thai Language for Adults -- Absolute Beginners, Level 1, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 8 weeks -- concentrates on correct pronunciation of Standard Thai (also known as Siamese) which is the official language of Thailand. Class will cover tones, introduce the alphabet and Thai script, and cover some basic grammar, expressions and greetings, as well as discuss the various "registers" (based on social context) of the language -- which include Street Thai (as used at home or among friends), Formal Thai (a simplified form of which is used in newspapers), Rhetorical Thai (used for public speaking), Religious Thai (heavily influenced by Sanskrit and Pali), and Royal Thai. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. The teacher is a native speaker of Thai. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

July 12-Aug 30, 2008 (Saturdays), 10 am - 12 noon (2 hours) Vietnamese Language for Adults -- Beginners, Level 2, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 8 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills covered learnt in the previous level's course. Basic conversational skills are concentrated on as is reading Vietnamese in the Vietnamese (Latin-based) alphabet. The teacher is a native speaker of Vietnamese. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

NEW July 12-Aug 30, 2008 (Saturdays), 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm (2 hours) Vietnamese Language for Adults -- Absolute Beginners, Level 1, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 8 weeks -- will concentrate on speaking and listening, and correct pronunciation, of Vietnamese. Basic conversational skills will be taught. Introduction to reading Vietnamese in the Vietnamese (Latin-based) alphabet will also be taught. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. The teacher is a native speaker of Vietnamese. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

May 13-June 17, Tuesdays, from 7-8:30 pm, resident artist Jean Choy teaches Chinese Classical Brush Painting. This class, which lasts 6 weeks, meets once a week for 1-1/2 hours. This is a mixed-level class for beginners and continuing students. Continuing students build on techniques learned in previous classes. Are you fascinated by the simplicity of the brush stroke and the tastfulness of ink? Jean Choy, an experienced Chinese brush painting artist, will share her expertise with you. Lecture and demonstration included. Subjects include landscape, flowers, birds, animals, and others. Beginners are welcome. Easy to learn. Interesting subjects. Bring your materials to the class and discover your hidden talent! Price: $70 (does not include cost of materials). Instruction is in English. Jean Choy has been teaching art (watercolor, charcoal, pen and ink, basic design) for over 25 years, in both Hong Kong and Portland. For more about Chinese Brush painting, see a A Special Note by the Artist. Place: Bodhi Tree Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call 503-788-0336, or send email.

May 14-June 18, 2008 (Wednesdays), 7-8:30 pm, artist and calligrapher Jean Choy will teach a course on Chinese Calligraphy. This class, which lasts 6 weeks, meets once a week for 1.5 hours. In this class, regular script/standard style will be taught, including writing techniques, stroke order, character composition, cultural related information, historical changes in writing styles and other information. A mixed level class, both beginners and non-beginners are welcome. Chinese calligraphy is another art form besides Chinese brush painting. The elegance of the brush strokes, the taste of ink together with the significance of historical culture has continued to fascinate people for thousands of years. Jean Choy has been practicing and teaching Chinese brush painting and calligraphy for over twenty-five years, in both Hong Kong and Portland. Early registration strongly encouraged. Price: $70. (does not include cost of materials). Instruction is in English. Place: Bodhi Tree Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call 503-788-0336, or send email.