Mahamudra Seminar / Retreat
Led By:
Lama Michael Conklin and Lama Tara
Location:
SCOL, Goldendale, WA
Date:
Jun 29 2011 - Jul 9 2011 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) Price: Pledging Member: Camping $650 or Cabin $750 Non Member: Camping $775 or Cabin $875 Cancelation policy Registration must be completed by June Scholarships: If you want to apply for a scholarship please click here: http://www.kcc.org/about-kcc/governance/policies-procedures/Scholarship%20Committee%20Guidelines If you are applying for a scholarship, you can complete the online registration and not pay (ignore the payment page) until you have been approved for a scholarship. Sherry Bohannan can let you know the scholarship amount you will receive. When you know the amount you can send a paypal payment to KCC at this address: kcc-paypal@kcc.org at https://www.paypal.com/. Please include "Mahamudra Retreat 2011 -SCOL JUN 11" in the subject field. Click here for online registration https://kccretreats.wufoo.com/forms/mahamudra-seminar-retreat/
For questions on specific retreat details please contact Registrar Sherry Bohannan at: sherrybohannan@comcast.net or 503.381.5669 Offerings (Dana)
For some, retreat participation depends on the kindness of others in the form of monetary donations for scholarships. The number of scholarships directly depends on donations to the Scholarship Fund. With your help we can expand our sharing of the dharma with those who otherwise would be unable to participate. Please consider contributing to the Scholarship Fund. There are a limited number of scholarships available (up to 50% of the retreat cost) for individuals with serious financial constraints. To request a scholarship, please include a brief written statement of financial need and practice history along with your completed registration form and deposit of $300.
Recommended Readings
For newcomers to the program
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) http://www.kcc.org, 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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