He will help  translate the imagery of Tantric Buddhism; it  is a rare opportunity to view and discuss the meaning and symbolism of this incredibly rich visual teaching. The cost for each class is $10 and $24.00 for all three with advance registration.

 People may email la@shambhala.org or call (323) 255-5472 for more information.  The topics of this series include:

1. The Iconography of Mind: The Tibetan Wheel of Life, May 20, 2008.

Within this early Tantric icon are three mirrors to the psychology of the mind as well as the path from suffering to liberation.

http://la.shambhala.org/program_details.php?id=12950&cid=208

2. The Iconography of Enlightened Beings: Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, & Dharma Protectors. May 27, 2008

Are they gods or demons, both or neither? Do we worship them, learn from them, fear them, or identify with them?

http://la.shambhala.org/program_details.php?id=12951&cid=208

3. The Iconography of Wisdom: The Diamond Thunderbolt, June 3, 2008.

The Vajra of Vajrayana (aka: dorje, diamond thunderbolt) is the essence of Tantric Buddhism and the iconography of wisdom. It describes not only confused mind, but the nature of enlightened mind that can be achieved through meditation and study.

http://la.shambhala.org/program_details.php?id=12952&cid=208

Steven Saitzyk, the International Director of Shambhala Art and one of the founders of the current Shambhala Art Program, began his studies of Dharma Art and Iconography with Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1974. He is an Adjunct Professor at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, a painter, and a published author.

This class is presented by the Westside Meditation Group at the Santa Monica Zen Center. The Los Angeles Shambhala Meditation Center offers practice and study in the lineage of Shambhala Buddhism. It is part of Shambhala International, an international community of urban meditation and rural retreat centers founded by the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and now led by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.   For more information people may go to: http://la.shambhala.org/index.php.