My religion is to live—and die—without regret.

― Milarepa

Milarepa (c. 1052 – c. 1135 CE) was a revered Kagyu lineage holder and is well-known for his devotional doha songs (“spontaneously composed verses”) and stories, many of which have been translated and are available in English. But he did not start out this way! In his early life, he committed many serious crimes before realizing this was not the path for him. Out of great regret and sorrow for his past misdeeds, he engaged in a deep spiritual path of purifying this negative karma. His story is an extreme example of how we can work with our own regret and pain for past actions to find peace, healing, and redemption.

This series, taught by Khenpo Gawang, is a powerful way to help us connect to the life and poetic words of a great wisdom holder such as Milarepa, who, like us, struggled with disillusionment, worked with renunciation, and searched for a spiritual path with great devotion and insight—and can help us to find our own courage and do the same. The example of his life can serve as inspiration for how we can also be free from anxiety, depression, agitation, fear, and other forms of suffering.

Khenpo Gawang will be Zooming in from Namdroling Monastery in South India, where he is currently President of the Buddhist College and teaching the ninth, final year students texts by Longchenpa and other great meditation masters.

Sessions

Each live session is one hour long, with a 45-minute talk and 15 minutes for questions.

Session 1: The Life Story of Milarepa

Sessions 2 & 3: Teachings on The Story of Accepting the Teacher Shakyaguna, one of the songs of Milarepa (translated by Khenpo Gawang Rinpoche and Gerry Wiener)

Included in the Course

• Meditation instruction, as presented by Milarepa, based on his own experiences
• Personal guidance and teaching on the Life of Milarepa from a highly regarded and respected Tibetan Buddhist teacher
• Opportunity for group discussion and reflection
• Contemplations that bring personal insight and meaning to your spiritual path
• Connecting with other spiritual practitioners and meditators in an online environment

What You will Gain

You will leave this course with a deeper understanding of the life of Milarepa as an example of  how to work with past karma—which can then lead to true happiness and contentment that is not based on external circumstances.

Price:

USD 149.00 

Shambhala Online pricing is in $USD. Shambhala Toronto is offering you this course at par in $CDN, or about $107 USD. Please see below to request this discount.

Date details:

Saturdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. EST

August 10, 17 & 24, 2024

Location:

Live on Zoom with Shambhala Online

Additional course information and Registration:

The button below will link you to the detailed course description and registration page for Shambhala Online.

Please note the following special instructions before you register:

3. To obtain a discount for $CAD “at par” pricing, or for another reason, please select “request a discount” before registering and enter the amount you wish to pay in $USD
4. On the registration form, please indicate Toronto as your Centre
5. Enter this Revenue Share course code: 2024Milarepa50

Our Centre will receive a 50% share of registration fees for Toronto participants.

For detailed course information and to register, click HERE (https://shambhala.org/registration/?id=689162)