About the Course

In 1992 and 1999, Dr. Robin Kornman held intensive retreats at Karmê Chöling which explored the Shambhala practices and teachings related to the Epic of Gesar. Each talk was an enriching journey and a dazzling display of Dr. Kornman’s vast knowledge, humor, and profound insight. 

This course is drawn from six of the talks in those retreats. Along the way, Dr. Kornman will answer the following questions: 

• Who was Gesar of Ling?
• Was Gesar a ‘Buddhist’ figure?
• Why did Trungpa Rinpoche dedicate Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior to Gesar of Ling?
• What, exactly, are ‘Dralas’ and how do our practices connect us to them?
• What are the historical sources of Trungpa Rinpoche’s terma and teachings on Warrriorship?

Robin Kornman also offers expansive line-by-line commentaries on practices such as ‘The Invocation for Raising Windhorse’ and ‘Warrior Song of Drala’ lhasang chants. 

Each audio talk is accompanied by an extensive ‘slideshow’ illustrating the lineage figures, themes and practice texts covered. 

These will be accompanied by supplemental essays by Dr. Kornman and others which deepen, update and expand on the recorded talks. 

Materials

Suggested readings and links to selected enrichment materials are available for download within the course. Links to purchase further recommended readings are also provided. 

List of Talks and Topics

Introduction Module – Welcome, Course Intro with Larry Mermelstein, Jane Hawes and David Shapiro, and introductory talk by Robin Kornman on “Meditation”. 

Module 1 – Padmasambhava and the Background of Gesar 

Module 2 – Sources of Gesar: Mipham, Epic as Myth, Court Poetry, Local Deities, Bön Tradition. 

Module 3 – The Sacred Warrior. Enlightened Society.

Module 4 – Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Warriorship in our World, Rakshasas. 

 *Bonus Audio: Short Commentary on Warrior Song of Drala * 

Module 5 – Invocation for Raising Windhorse * 

Module 6 – Full Discussion of ‘Warrior Song of Drala’ * 

Please note: Chant texts are shared in the slideshow. You do not need to have paper copies to follow the discussion.