Nalanda Miksang

In the summer of 2014, I took the Nalanda Miksang Contemplative Photography course with Miriam Hall, and it changed my life. It was Level1 of Nalanda Miksang.

It was not just about photography, it was a way of life seeing. In seeing through the lens of the camera, I could see my perceptions change. I was able to make new big life changes that led me to where I am today.

Miksang is a Tibetan word that means “good eye.” A contemplative art, it is based directly on the Dharma Art teachings of Chögyam Trungpa, specifically by his teachings on the nature of perception.

The “good” refers to our world, just as it is, is inherently rich and vivid. The “eye” reference is that in working with the practice of contemplative photography, we can tune into these qualities of our world. This journey is actually quite simple-to see with our eyes wide-open and our awareness right there. Once we have a moment of fresh perception, vivid and clear, there is a natural desire to communicate that experience.

Through visual exercises and photographic assignments, Miksang is designed to allow the eye and the mind to be naturally synchronized, so that the experience of seeing could be undistracted and present.

When eye and mind are in the same place one sees clearly and the visual world manifests directly. At ease and joyful, there is no struggle in making images that are strong and vivid.

This introductory training includes instruction, assignments and image reviews. No previous photography experience necessary but you will need to bring your digital camera. http://miksang.org/m/whatismiksang.html