Enter the vast view of Tibetan Great Perfection, with its contemplative cultivation of innate wakefulness and poetic evocations of sublime knowing. These teachings redefine how we understand meditation through unpacking how non-duality expands us beyond our conceptual frameworks. Join Lama Pema Khandro, Ph.D. in a deep study and meditation immersion online for three mornings.
This retreat focuses on a rare early Dzogchen text called the Black Wrathful Dakini’s Secret Tantra. In striking contemplative poetry, it unites the themes of fierce compassion and primordial knowing. This is an essential text to study for those who follow Chod, the esoteric Tibetan meditations for cutting through fear since it explains and presents the meaning of the Black Wrathful Dakini and explains all the aspects of ultimate reality from a non-dual perspective. This sacred text unites Tantra and Dzogchen in a single stream of contemplative vision of ultimate reality as understand through the Dakini principle. This is important scripture is part of the collection of the seventeen tantras, the early Dzogchen texts that were the major source of the Dzogchen Nyingthig tradition. This three day retreat with focus on the study of excerpts from the scripture, the practice of the Troma Nagmo cycle from the Rinchen Trengwa three Dakini Chod, meditation and dharma conversation. This is part one in a series that will explore this profound scripture with Pema Khandro, whose scholarly research focuses on early Dzogchen.
Dates and Times
October 6-8, 2023
About the Teacher
Pema Khandro, PhD
Pema Khandro is an internationally renowned teacher and scholar of Buddhist philosophy. She is the founder of Ngakpa International and its three projects, The Buddhist Studies Institute, Dakini Mountain and the Yogic Medicine Institute. In her work as a Buddhist teacher she is an authorized Lama and lineage holder of the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions and was enthroned to carry on the lineage of her predecessor, the first Pema Khandro, an early twentieth century yogini from Eastern Tibet. She has led a vibrant world-wide community since 1999. Through the Buddhist Studies Institute, she also offers a complete curriculum of training in Tibetan meditation and Buddhist Philosophy. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a Master’s degree specializing in Tibetan studies, and a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from the University of Virginia. Her scholarly research focuses on the history of Dzogchen and on Women in Tibetan Buddhism.
Prerequisites
Suggested pre-requisites: Ngondro (of any school), Chod.
This course is aimed at intermediate and advanced Vajrayana practitioners, however all are welcome.
Tuition
Early Enrollment Tuition & Date (Until Sept 10th): $199
General Tuition & Date (After September 10th): $277
Retreat Information
Deep Study
Early Dzogchen teachings were oriented towards Buddhists outside the monasteries and emphasize the sacredness of relationships. They focus on the essence of Buddhism in its most un-elaborate form. Classes during this weekend will offer a study of a profound traditional text, interpreted by a scholar and Lama specializing in the Dzogchen tradition.
Deep Practice – Unplugged
Unplug. Disconnect. Take space for inner silence and chanting meditation. Share silence together. Enjoy deep dharma study. This retreat includes guidance and support for taking an optional break from social media and news to create space for reflection and to declutter the mind. There is an optional one hour social media period suggested each day for those who want to reduce, but need to stay plugged in.
Dharma Conversations
Spiritual community is an important aspect of Buddhist practice. Meet new friends, spend time with old friends. Join your fellow community members in dharma conversations during afternoon tea breaks (bring your own tea!). These are guided, small group conversations led by the group leaders.
This is followed by dharma conversations, to discuss these passages with other kind, ethical, and diverse dharma friends!
This retreat is taught by Buddhist scholar, Lama, and tulku, Pema Khandro. It is offered in an online format to support retreat practice at home. Pema Khandro will bestow the lung for the Black Wrathful Dakini’s Secret tantra and for the Troma Practice, in its classical form, from the Rinchen Trengwa Chod, a very direct cycle that cuts to the essence of the dakini wisdom that has been practiced since the fourteenth century. Join us for this rare opportunity to study and practice esoteric Buddhism.
Financial Aid Considerations
Financial aid scholarships are available.
The course costs are set at a minimum fee already, with financial aid built into all tuition rates. Because we are a non-profit organization, the costs of all activities and overhead of our organization must be covered by the participants of the courses or donations and all courses are offered at below cost. For those who are experiencing genuine financial hardship and wish to enroll in the course, Financial Aid applications are available. Email to Apply at Info@BuddhistStudiesInstitute.org.
Monastics always attend as our honored guests, please click here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLwTOfRHcCsojwFlpFzVItYHE922Kv1lIgezUO9nEBRhAfFA/viewform
Applications must be received in advance.
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