6 Sundays, beginning May 24, 2020

 

DATES:

May 24

May 31

June 7

June 21

June 28

July 5

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ABOUT THE COURSE:

Vajrayana or Buddhist Tantra is known as the "quick path" implying a more efficient or faster path to awakening than sutra, but why is this so? How does Tantra work? Tantric practice can seem complicated and involved. Is Tantric practice even worth engaging? Are you convinced it's possible to attain the goal?" 

 

Etymology suggests that "sutra" provides threads while "tantra" weaves. The tantric path is a powerful transformative technique that provides an integrative structure for revolutionizing our view of ourselves.  When the threads of renunciation, refuge, bodhicitta, and emptiness presented in the sutra path replace our ordinary view of things, liberation is possible.

 

'Weaving' them, Tantra uniquely and powerfully utilizes these various techniques to transform our ordinary selves into a beautiful fabric of embodiment - the Buddha Body and Buddha Mind - in this lifetime.

 

With modern practitioners now entering and engaging in various Tantric practices, this course offers an overview of Tantra. In particular, Dakini's Whisper offers entry into Highest Yoga Tantra (the fourth Tantra among the four tantra classification system of the new translation schools) in the upcoming summer retreat. 

 

This course will serve both as a tantra overview for new and advanced practitioners in general and, particularly, an ideal preparation for DW community members who will receive the transmission and commentary during the online summer retreat (Vajrayogini Cho Tsok Retreat). This course is the gateway for those about to embark on this extraordinary and exquisite journey.

 

Our discussion topics include:

 

• What is Tantra?

• What makes Tantric transformation possible?

• Why practice Tantra, beyond Sutra?

• Why enter Highest Yoga Tantra Path?

• What is the Basis, Path, and Result on the Journey of Tantra?

• What does Empowerment entail?

• What is Sadhana, Means of Actualization, and how does it work?

• What is Tantra Mahamudra and Clear Light Mind?

• How does Tantra relate to Cho?

• How does Tantra apply in our modern lives?

 

We will also go over the eight essential points for approaching the Tantric Path which was elucidated by Jamgom Kongtrul (1833 - 99).

 

Regardless of your present engagement in Tantra, as long as you aspire to actualize your fullest potential, we invite you to join us on this heartfelt adventure! This course requires participation in a minimum of two classes on a live webcast. You can use the recordings for your missed classes.

 

PRE-REQUISITES:

Participated in Topography of the Path – Lam Rim via online webcast or eLearning Course.

Or completed Master Course 1: Foundations. Or you have a solid background in Sutra Path.

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RECOMMENDED READING:

• Creation and Completion: Essential Points of Tantric Meditation, Jamgon Kongtrul, Wisdom Publications,1996

• Introduction to Tantra: The Transformation of Desire, Lama Yeshe, Wisdom Publications, 2001

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REGISTRATION:

To register, please use the form below. The Course Fee - For all DW members is a donation basis; and for non-DW Members $95 - $145. For those of you who are more fortunate, we appreciate your consideration of the higher range of donations to support scholarships. Not yet a member but would like to be? Please click here to complete that process.

 

Work-study opportunities are available for those who need financial assistance upon request. Contact Volunteer Coordinator. Regardlessly, ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER THROUGH THE FORM BELOW.

 

You will receive a Zoom Meeting invitation at least one hour before the session begins.

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