Dr. Chok at Loove Annex: An Artist Care Series

Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam is an accomplished teacher who has dedicated his career to the continuance of Tibetan Buddhist culture and language in modern society. A practicing academic, teacher, and healer, he teaches a wide range of modalities, from Tibetan language to Tibetan yoga, meditation, and Buddhist science and philosophy.

Ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he studied and practiced as a Tibetan monk for ten years. Having advanced his studies through institutions for two decades, Dr. Chok has obtained multiple degrees in Buddhist and Tibetan studies, including his PhD from the University of Delhi. He has studied and trained for decades in Buddhist studies, Tibetan yoga, healing, and meditation under the direction of many teachers of the major and minor Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He served as the Head of the Research and Translation Department at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala for 13 years, until he relocated to the United States in 2019.

Ben Stapp has established himself as a singular voice, both as a tubist and composer. He was a Brooklyn Public Library Heritage Ambassador with chanter Dr Chok Tenzin Monlam for his setting of Chöd for small ensemble and wind ensemble and presented a lecture at the Library for Arts and Culture on Chöd. An experienced performer of many styles, his engagements include Ray Anderson, Steven Bernstein, William Parker, Joe Morris, Frank London, Stephen Haynes, PubliQuartet, American Composers Orchestra, TILT, International Contemporary Ensemble, and with Jack Black on "Saturday Night Live." Stapp was awarded a Jerome Artist commission for his two-hour opera, “Myrrha's Red Book,” and the Roulette commission for Eight Houses. In October he will be the guest artist at Penn State University and Marywood University. 

About the Artist Care Series with Dr. Chok hosted by Ben Stapp.

This two-part series aims to help NYC artists and non-artists manage the hustle and bustle of daily life. This series, especially designed for artists, but applicable to all; is aimed at helping individuals find a sense of spiritual balance amidst the demands of a NYC life while staying productive, inspired, and diligent in their artistic endeavors. Ben Stapp will be hosting the event, providing a correspondence between Dr. Chok's extensive experience and the experience of being an artist himself. He will also be sourcing questions from participants on how these ancient Tibetan practices can be helpful. The majority of the class will be spent on learning these specific techniques and the Q&A session will be at the end and participants may stay, over-time, to ask questions. 

Participants will walk away from this event with some authentic Tibetan meditation techniques and learn the 24 Nejang Yoga series.  

Bring a yoga mat. Keep an empty or light stomach for the event. Bring questions. 

It is a two part class. If you miss the first class there will be a short recap during the second class. If you can't do the second class there will be a handout with the full Nejang sequence.