Buddhist Studies, Community Program or Event, Kagyü/Nyingma Advanced
Bardo Retreat: A Reading of the Tibetan Book of the Dead
Bardo Retreat: A Reading of the Tibetan Book of the Dead
Sunday, December 10, 2023
10 am- 4 pm
Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, had a special relationship with the teachings on the bardo and the text entitled The Tibetan Book of the Dead. This was one of his first books to be published, with his translator, Francesca Freemantle.
In this one-day retreat we will create a contemplative environment in which to read the entire book out loud, simulating the journey through the bardo.
The text that we will be reading, the Bardo Thotrol, Tibetan Book of the Dead, was described by Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, as being about space itself, the environment that includes both birth and death. This is the most profound view of the bardo. At the same time, it is an ancient and profound set of instructions on how to work with the experience of death according to the Tibetan tradition and the imagery can be vivid and challenging to understand. The main point of this transmission is that it’s possible to be liberated in the bardo by hearing these words.
Pre-requisities: The intention of this one-day retreat is to offer the opportunity to hear this text read aloud for advanced students who have previously studied these teachings with several years meditation experience. However, you are welcome to join us if you:
- have had instructions in shamatha-vipashyana meditation and have been practicing for at least one year.
- have your own copy of the book* and have studied the Foreword, Introduction and Commentary.
* The Tibetan Book of the Dead, The Great Liberation Through Hearing in the Bardo, translated by Francesca Freemantle and Chogyam Trungpa, Shambhala Publications.
On Dec 10th, please bring your copy of the book along with something to share for a potluck lunch.
Retreat Schedule from 10 am – 4 pm will include sitting meditation, chants along with the reading.
There will be a break for the potluck lunch.
Thank you and we look forward to being together in person for this rare opportunity.
Donations are welcome.