Cultivating Wisdom and Compassion: An Introduction to Mahamudra Meditation

Wednesdays, January 15 – March 12, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
In-person at the Madison Shambhala Center & Online with Renee Cannizzo and Mark Blumenfeld and recordings of John Rockwell

The Madison Shambhala Center is excited to offer this special nine-week course on Mahamudra meditation, a practice that opens the door to understanding the true nature of our mind and cultivating both wisdom and compassion. Rooted in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition brought to the west by Chogyam Trungpa, Mahamudra is known for its simplicity, profundity, and profound transformative potential.

What is Mahamudra Meditation?
Mahamudra is a meditation practice that invites practitioners to experience the nature of mind directly. It is said to bring two core benefits: wisdom, the ability to see clearly, and compassion, the ability to open our hearts to ourselves and others. This practice is unique in that it is equally effective for both advanced practitioners and beginners, making it a perfect fit for those seeking a meditation method that can deepen their understanding of mind while integrating practically into daily life.

This course will offer:

• A balanced approach suitable for both deep practice and everyday life.
• A progressive exploration of Mahamudra, accessible to all who already have a regular meditation practice.
• The opportunity to engage both your mind and heart in a meditation practice that fosters clarity, presence, and compassion.

Course Format
Starting in the first week, you will receive teachings from senior Shambhala teacher John Rockwell through recorded instructions, followed in the next week with a live session of guided meditation and group discussion led by Madison Shambhala teachers Renee Canizzo and Mark Blumenfeld.  We will use this alternating format throughout the class. The alternating format allows you to engage deeply with the teachings while receiving personalized support and community connection.

Who is this course for?
This course is open to everyone, but it is especially suited for those who already have a stable meditation practice and wish to deepen their understanding of the mind and develop a more open-hearted way of living.