A Brief Overview of the 350 Organization

Hiking and camping enthusiast, Robert Fettgather is an alumnus of both San Jose State University and Santa Clara University. Robert Fettgather is passionate about activism and clean energy and supports the 350 organization.

350.org aims to end fossil fuel use and to build a world that uses and makes available sustainable and community-led renewable energy. The organization has established a three-faceted approach in its mission. It starts with awareness and efforts for a fast transition to clean energy while engaging the community to provide and be part of the solutions.

Next, the programs advocate for banning fossil fuels in all industries through community resistance by ordinary people and community-led resolutions. Lastly, the organization seeks to lobby for ways to cut off funding for fossil fuel extraction and use.

The organization has local chapters throughout the country that individuals can find online. Participants receive training, tools for organizing, access to videos and other supports.

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Zazen Practice – Free from Material Attainment

Robert Fettgather, PhD, has worked extensively on behalf of people with developmental disabilities.. A co-founder of the Tashi Lhunpo Buddhist Sangha, Dr. Robert Fettgather undertook his initial meditation training at the San Francisco Zen Center (SFZC) and later at the Berkeley Shambhala Center.

In a dharma talk at City Center from 1970, SFZC founder Suzuki Roshi explored the topic “Zazen Practice and Listen to the Right Teacher.” Emphasizing the importance of developing “right practice,” Roshi noted that trusting a teacher is an essential aspect of the process.

Following the precepts, a system of morality, is also integral to right practice. This is achieved through the bodhisattva mind which strives to help others while on the path to awakening. Roshi underscored the importance of eschewing any sense of attainment, reward or recognition a long the way. Moreover, a person does not strive to attain enlightenment but finds it as a natural outcome of cultivating the bodhisattva mind.

Roshi cautioned that “right practice” under a trusted teacher is not the same as a perfect practice, or one centered on attaining a specific goal. Even the mission of saving all beings, part of the bodhisattva vow, should not be seen as such. Rather, viewing life through “the lens of impermanence,” in which everything is constantly changing, means that the focus shifts to action in the present moment. Instead of saying “I can/cannot keep the vow”, referring to some external thing to be attained, the practitioner with the bodhisattva mind simply says, “Yes, I will.”

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Benefits of Elliptical Workouts

A resident of Grass Valley, California, Robert Fettgather is an associate faculty member at Mission College in Santa Clara. To keep fit, Robert Fettgather enjoys elliptical training.

Elliptical machines are fitness machines used by standing on two rimmed platforms that move forward and back in an elliptical pattern. They are popular in both households and health clubs. The machines allow low-impact workouts that benefit both the upper and lower body. Elliptical machines also enable high-intensity interval training (a combination of an interval that requires maximum effort during the first segment) and steady-state cardio workouts (doing one exercise for a longer period of time) that help strengthen the heart, lungs, and muscles. They also improve stamina.

During workouts, the motions produced by elliptical machines may help relieve stress on the legs while the feet remain on the pedals, making the workout low-impact. Elliptical machines have several useful exercise regimens on them. An individual can choose according to their strength and resistance levels. Elliptical machines can simulate climbing or interval exercises. Many ellipticals use wireless heart rate detectors to customize workouts by determining the user’s resistance level.

Because the calorie burn of an elliptical is higher than cardio equipment such as the stationary cycle, the elliptical helps people lose body fat faster, especially during interval training.

Finally, elliptical machines require less maintenance than other fitness machines such as the treadmill. An elliptical machine has little need for servicing because it has fewer moving parts than a treadmill.

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Tradition of the Panchen Lama in Tibetan Buddhism

Drawing on an extensive background in psychology and religion, Robert Fettgather was co-founder and a discussion leader with Tashi Lhunpo Sangha. Robert Fettgather’s Buddhist organization stands as a Palo Alto, California “community of friends” who practice meditation and seek Dharma together.

The roots of the approach to spirituality and self-awareness extend back to the 15th century and the establishment of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery by His Holiness Gyalwa Gedun Drupa (the first Dalai Lama). Over the next century, the Tibetan monastery increased in importance to the point where its abbot, Lobsang Choekyi Gyaltsen, gained recognition from the fifth Dalai Lama as Panchen Lama, or “Great Scholar.”

The relationship between Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas evolved synergistically, with each Lama tasked with searching for his counterpoint’s reincarnation. The chosen Lama, whether Dalai or Panchen, initially serves as disciple and ultimately takes on a role as guru.

From the mid-20th century and beyond, the tradition of the Panchen Lama has become intertwined with international politics, as Tibetan culture and religion have come under threat. Despite this, traditional Tibetan spiritual practices remain strong.

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