Sunday, March 2

1:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET

About the Retreat

The Sadhana of Mahamudra is a practice liturgy that was spontaneously written by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche at Taktsang Retreat in Bhutan in 1968. It was a powerful moment when the two streams of teachings he had received came together in a spark and explosion of energy and insight. The words and imagery are penetrating, heartfelt, and very personal. In essence, it is a profound evocation of compassionate wrath. This is the highest and deepest compassion – peaceful at heart, yet sharp in action – when times are dark and full of deceit, arrogance, and aggression. 

As with all practice texts, the point is not just to chant the liturgy, but to tune into the meaning or transmission such that it becomes part of our life. We will look at two parts of the text rarely read. The first is the opening prose in which Trungpa Rinpoche describes the state of the world and his inspiration for writing the sadhana. The second is his conclusion where he gives instruction on how to take this teaching forward and writes of his own personal aspiration for the future. 

During this four hour gathering, we will begin our day with sitting meditation to ground ourselves, then chant the sadhana together. Afterward, there will be a talk with time for questions and answers, followed by small group discussions. We will close with a final short discussion with the whole group together.

Since there is no visualization or special technique, other than to read and feel the words and imagery of the sadhana, everyone is welcome to join us. Even if this is your first experience of our path and community, please feel free to join in!

Prerequisites

Open to all. 

About John

John Rockwell has been on the path of dharma for 47 years. He met Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1975 and studied and practiced the Buddhist and Shambhala teachings for 12 years with him, and in particular worked with him on translating Tibetan texts into English. For ten years, he studied and taught at Naropa University in the Buddhist Studies department. For many years, he served as an acharya or senior teacher for Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and also studied intensively with Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. His inspiration now is to open the heart and senses on the spot.

What Participants are Saying About John

John Rockwell speaks softly and we listen loud…

John is an excellent teacher. The dharma is alive in him.

Perfectly brilliant.

John Rockwell is an accomplished practitioner and teacher with a delightful story telling style for engaging the listener.

John Rockwell is an excellent teacher, whether in person or on Zoom. He has that rare ability to share his deep understanding of the teachings in a simple, straight-forward manner.

I’ll take whatever John offers next.

The best – I want more.