The Bardos of This Life
The bardo teachings of Tibetan Buddhism are profound and
precious teachings that address both how to approach the transitory, momentary
experience of this life and how to use this wisdom to skillfully and
intentionally navigate the process of our own dying and rebirth. At its heart,
the bardo teachings are concerned with the core teaching of impermanence, both
in life and in death, and with the liberation that comes with recognizing the
real nature of the mind in the midst of all that changes.
Course Overview
The bardo teachings of Tibetan Buddhism are profound and
precious teachings that address both how to approach the transitory, momentary
experience of this life and how to use this wisdom to skillfully and
intentionally navigate the process of our own dying and rebirth. At its heart,
the bardo teachings are concerned with the core teaching of impermanence, both
in life and in death, and with the liberation that comes with recognizing the
real nature of the mind in the midst of all that changes.
In this course we will learn the most important principles
and practices of the first three Bardos, the Bardos of this Life. The course
will also include videos and live webinars with Lama and Kagru Instructors
discussion forums, an extensive Bardos workbook to deepen understanding and
experience, and a range of other resources for study and practice.
About the Vajrayana Retreat Course:
"While all beings have great wisdom and compassion,
this is not always apparent. This is simply because they have not recognized
what they already have. Thus, aside from merely recognizing our own true
nature, there isn't the slightest thing to meditate on. Recognizing the
importance of this, I have passed my days feeling joyful and content, wandering
through the mountains and valleys and staying here and there. From my heart, I
sincerely encourage all of you to practice diligently in this manner as well. "while
on retreat
The Retreat Course is available as a part of the Vajrayana program
Dedicated periods of practice in retreat have been a central
part of the Buddhist tradition from the time of the historical Buddha. Retreat
gives us the time and space to explore our experience and discover aspects of
our own being that are difficult to connect with in everyday life. Retreat is
not without its challenges, but those who make time for this trans formative
practice often find it an indispensable support on the path of awakening.
In this course we learn about the practice of retreat from
both historical and contemporary Buddhist teachers. In addition to weekly
teachings from Lama, the course will feature readings, webinars, and interviews
with important teachers. There is also an extensive array of readings and other
resources for those who want to learn more about retreat or deepen their
practice. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in an retreat
with Lama and the Kagru Community.
Exploring Reality
Course Overview
The Buddhist path to awakening transforms the way we see
ourselves. Through the practice of meditation, we learn to examine our beliefs
and assumptions and to explore our experience in the present moment. This
exploration leads to a profound shift in perspective as we begin to see the
unlimited potential of the mind and the spacious, fluid nature of perception.
In Tibetan Buddhism, the principles that guide this inner
exploration are presented as the four systems of Buddhist thought. These four
philosophical systems are practical in nature. They are roadmaps of the mind
that can guide us in meditation and help us to undo the causes of confusion and
suffering. For centuries, these four tenet systems have been taught, studied,
and practiced in all of Tibet’s Buddhist lineages.
In this course, we will learn the most important principles
of these traditions and how to move from understanding to direct experience in
meditation. Our journey will be based on important texts from the lineage and on
key points of study and practice. an extensive workbook to deepen understanding
and experience, and a range of other resources for study and practice.
Exploring Compassion and Wisdom: A Course on the Six Paramitas
Course Overview
The heart of the Buddha’s teachings lies in the cultivation
of wisdom and compassion. Wisdom helps us to uproot the causes of suffering and
dissatisfaction, while compassion ensures that our journey will not only
transform our own lives, but alleviate the suffering of others as well. Those
who travel the path of wisdom and compassion are known as bodhisattvas –
courageous individuals who have committed themselves to the awakening of all
beings.
The path of the bodhisattva is most clearly expressed in the
principle of bodhichitta and the practice of the six paramitas. Bodhichitta is
the union of wisdom and compassion, the deep insight into the nature of reality
and the compassionate intention to help all beings awaken. Bodhichitta is
applied in daily life through the six paramitas – the six transcendent
practices of generosity, ethical conduct, patience, joyful effort, meditation,
and wisdom.
In this four-month course, we will explore the bodhisattva
path, learning and practicing the key points of bodhichitta and the six
paramitas. Our journey will focus on understanding the view of the bodhisattva
path, as well as how to deepen our experience in meditation and apply our
practice in everyday life.
Vajrayana Buddhism
Course Overview
The Vajra Vehicle of Tibetan
Buddhism is considered a “swift path” to enlightenment. This profound approach
to awakening is rooted in the understanding that Buddhahood is not a goal to be
achieved, but an immanent reality that we can recognize in the present moment.
Various tools are used to bring about this recognition: meditations that employ
the imagination and symbolic imagery, exercises designed to harness the power
of the body’s subtle energies, and pith instructions that guide the meditate to a direct experience of the luminous purity of the mind’s true nature.
