Course Five of the Four-Year Program in Sustainable Happiness with Geri Loizzo

This class introduces the art of role-modeling in the Nalanda tradition, considered the quickest, most effective way of developing our innate genius for altruistic engagement with all life and the earth we share. By binding our compassionate openness with heroic imagery and affirmation, safe in the crucible of a close mentor-student bond, this art catalyzes the alchemical change we need to create a new, ideal self and world.

We begin by locating this art within the gradual path to sustainable happiness, reviewing the basic horizons of self-regulation, compassion and openness that are assumed as vital prerequisites for its safe and optimal practice. Next, we explore its powerful method, examining Buddhist contemplative science and psychology. Locating role-modeling as the most natural and effective process of human development and transformation, we then discuss the four traditional levels of process practice – action, performance, integral, and optimal integral process.

As for practice, we begin by surveying the four stages of self-transformation: choosing an archetypal and bonding with a qualified mentor; practicing the seven-step process of transforming self-limiting images of self and world; transforming self-limiting narratives of self and life; transforming self-limiting images of mind, body and central nervous system.

This semester focuses on the first two stages, and the spring semester will focus on the last two. The first stage is unpacked in light of the four levels of optimal mentor-bonding; the second, in light of the seven steps of role-modeling imagery based on the active process practices of the Healing Mentor (Bhaishajya-guru) and the Healing Mother (Arya-Tara).

A day-long retreat is scheduled at the end of the course on Saturday, December 16 which may be taken separately. Retreat details may be found here.

Faculty: Geri Loizzo

Schedule: Monday evenings (and one Wednesday), November 6, 13, 20, 27; December 6, 11 from 7–9pm

Tuition: $25 per session or $135 for all six classes

Registration: Registration is handled through Tibet House. Register here or pay at the door.

Additional Information: This course and retreat are open to all, whether or not you’ve taken prior Four-Year Program classes.

Distance Learning Option: If you are unable to attend the class, our online learning option is available to give you access to all class recordings. We ask for a donation of $50 to $100 for each current semester-long course. You may make a study-at-home donation by following this link.