Mahamudra Retreat
Led By:
Lama Michael Conklin and Lama Tara
Location:
Ser Chö Ösel Ling
Date:
May 21 2012 12:00pm - Jun 1 2012 10:00am
This seminar/retreat provides the essential teachings for the Mahamudra Program established by Venerable Bokar Rinpoche. The program is based on the idea that in the midst of daily life it is necessary to have a coherent approach that presents the essential elements of practice in a clear and concise progression. This structured path will allow one to fruitfully persevere in Dharma practice throughout an entire life. At all levels of the program there are yearly commitments to meditation practice which require between one and two hours per day (first-timers may choose a lesser level) Registration opens approximately three months before the start of the Retreat
Cost: Pledging Member: Camping $715 or Cabin $825 Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships (up to 50% of the retreat cost) are available for individuals with serious financial constraints. Preference is given to KCC members of at least three months. The number of scholarships available depends entirely on donations to the Scholarship Fund. For those who can afford it, please consider contributing to the Scholarship Fund so that others who are less financially fortunate are able to attend KCC retreats. To apply for a scholarship, please review the scholarship policy and include a letter briefly stating your financial circumstances, the amount you are requesting and your history as a practitioner with your completed registration form and deposit. Recommended Reading: If you order books online, please go to If you order books online, please go to http://www.kcc.org/resources and link to Amazon or Powell's. and link to Amazon or Powell’s. Accessing these sites via the KCC home page allows KCC to receive a portion of the profit from such sales. The following three books are the most important books to read for newcomers to this program, and especially for those with a meditation practice history of less than 3-4 years. Advice for Beginners by Bokar Rinpoche
Chenrezig Lord of Love by Bokar Rinpoche
Tibetan Buddhism from the Ground Up by B. Alan Wallace (or a similar book covering fundamental tenets of the Buddhist path in the Tibetan tradition)
Additional books, such as the following, may be useful, especially in the second or later years.
Books on Mahamudra, including Zhinay and Lhatong (2nd year or beyond)
Opening the Door to Certainty by Bokar Rinpoche
Essentials of Mahamudra by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche
Crystal Clear by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche
Mahamudra: Eliminating the Darkness of Ignorance (or Ignorance of Darkness) by Wangchuk Dorje
Lamp of Mahamudra by Tsele Natsok Rangdrol
Books that support the practice of Ngöndro
Torch of Certainty by Jamgon Kongtrul: Highly recommended for its complete instructions for the Ngöndro practices in the 1st or 2nd year, whenever the Ngöndro commitment is taken.
Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche: Inspirational classic text in an excellent translation, covering many essential elements of the Bodhisattva path. The specific Ngöndro instructions are from the Nyingma tradition, so not all are applicable.
The Foundations of Tibetan Buddhism by H E Kalu Rinpoche.
Rain of Wisdom by Nalanda Translation Committee: Songs of lineage masters, may be especially inspirational for the guru yoga practice.
Commentary on the Ngondro Practice by Venerable Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
Books covering the seven points of mind training, which includes tonglen practice
Start Where You Are by Pema Chodron
Buddhism with an Attitude by Alan Wallace
The Great Path of Awakening by Jamgon Kongtrul
The Practice of Lojong by Traleg Kyabgon
Books on the Buddhist path
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation by Gompopa, translated by Khenpo Konchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche: Comprehensive foundation for study and practice in the Kagyu tradition. 12th century classic. There are several other translations.
The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva: Classic text on the Bodhisattva path. There are several translations.
No Time to Lose by Pema Chodron: Commentary on the Way of the Bodhisattva
Kagyu Changchub Chuling (KCC) a Dharma Center in Portland, Oregon, is sponsoring this retreat. KCC was founded in 1976 by the Very Venerable Kalu Rinpoche, one of the eminent meditation masters of modern Tibet and a holder of the Karma Kagyu and Shangpa Kagyu lineages. The mission of KCC is to make the teachings of these lineages accessible for all practitioners, whether they are just beginning to investigate Buddhism or are long-time students.
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