a Hybrid program — in-person with our teacher at the Sonoma Shambhala center • online via zoom • in-person gathering at the berkeley center
Presented by northern california shambhala

Our practice will be guided by “Don’t Wander!” an extraordinary song from “Songs of Realization” in which Trungpa Rinpoche lays out the essence of the path in five brief lines. We will apply them line by line, working with one-pointed meditation, panoramic awareness, emotional confusion, and the futility of samsara.

While still a monk in Tibet, Chögyam Trungpa was an accomplished yogin and dzogchen master. The depth and volume of his teachings from that time, diligently gathered by his nephew Karme Senge Rinpoche, have only recently come to light. Both of the Sonoma programs — this program and the three-day vajrayana retreat — will be based on these pith instructions, which appear in the brief publication “Songs of Realization.”

Each day will include periods of silence, meditation, instruction and time for discussion. Tantrikas coming to all or part of the vajrayana retreat, Trekcho: Recognizing Mind Essence, are strongly encouraged to prepare by attending this weekend of deep meditation. 

This weekend retreat is open to all practitioners who are serious about the path of meditation, whether you are new to meditation or an experienced vajrayana practitioner. 

Attendance options

Richard John will teach at Sonoma Shambhala. The program will be recorded and a link sent out to registrants post-program.

• Attend in-person at Sonoma Shambhala.
• Attend in-person with a group at Berkeley Shambhala, where a viewing screen will be set up. 
• Attend live via Zoom from anywhere.

Heart Gifts

It is customary to offer a monetary Heart Gift to the teacher, whose livelihood is entirely from teaching programs. The gift is completely voluntary according to your inspiration, and there is no suggested amount — any amount is appreciated! We will let you know how you can do that during the program.