The three lords of materialism have seized power. This is the time of hell on earth. Sadness is always with us and unceasing depression fills our minds.
—Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, The Sadhana of Mahamudra
There is a basic thread running through all of Trungpa Rinpoche’s teachings which is, “You don’t have to be afraid of what you are.” Usually, we have all sorts of hidden fears and dark corners we desperately try to avoid. We continually cover over this conflicted inner world by striving outwardly for more—materially, psychologically, spiritually—anything rather than face our own existence, just as it is.
The foundation of Trungpa Rinpoche’s tradition is the sitting practice of meditation, a practice that emphasizes accepting whatever arises in our experience, without trying to change or improve it. Through this practice we make friends with ourselves. We discover our soft spot—our inborn capacity for warmth and compassion. Ultimately, we can reveal the wisdom we were born with.
In this weekend program, we will practice meditation and have talks and discussions. We will complete our time together by introducing Trungpa Rinpoche’s Sadhana of Mahamudra, a practice liturgy that invokes the wisdom of this Buddhist tradition. Please join us!
All humans have the potential to pursue both temporary and ultimate goals.
Teacher
Andy Karr is a teacher, author, and contemplative photographer offering profound and penetrating insights into dharma and mind. He trained under great Masters including Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. He co-founded the first Shambhala Centre in France and studied contemplative photography with Michael Wood.
Andy’s first book, Contemplating Reality, is a series of investigations into the nature of mind and the phenomenal world. Andy’s second book, written with Michael Wood, The Practice of Contemplative Photography: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes, teaches the most essential photographic skill—clear seeing. This was an opportunity to bring together the Dharma Art teachings of Trungpa Rinpoche, the Mahamudra teachings of Khenpo Rinpoche, and Michael’s insights into photography as a contemplative practice.
Nowadays, Andy mainly teaches Mahayana view and meditation, and Mahamudra. To learn more about Andy’s work, go to www.andykarrauthor.com.
How to participate
This event will be held in person only.
Cost
Full price l £100
Concessions l £70
Financial hardship l Donate what you can
Contact study.practice@rigpa.org.uk by Oct 21st, 5pm if you are unable to make a donation of any amount at this time and we will register you.
Your donation will cover the costs of running the event and enable someone else to attend.
You can cancel and receive an automatic refund through Eventbrite up to 24 hours before the event.
Lunch
If you'd like to join a communal vegetarian lunch on one or both three days, please select this option at check out (£9.95 per day to pay on the day in Tara Tea room). This needs to be ordered beforehand by Oct 23th, 5pm.
Health and wellbeing
Please note: meditation is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you are receiving treatment for a mental or physical health condition, please continue your treatment and check with your doctor/care professional if these sessions would be suitable for you.
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