Exploring the Depths of the Psyche
A Shamatha Retreat in the Great Perfection Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism
November 2 - 8
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Retreat at Great Vow Zen Monastery Led by Sponsored by Kagyu Changchub Chuling |
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The Vajra Essence by Düdjom Lingpa is a classic, 19 th-century meditation manual in the Great Perfection (Dzogchen) tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Covering all stages of meditative practice up to the achievement of spiritual awakening, it begins with an extraordinary presentation of the shamatha practice of “settling the mind in its natural state.” This entails the cultivation of discerning mindfulness of the space of the mind and all mental phenomena that arise from moment to moment. The essence of this practice is to observe all these mental events without distraction and without grasping. In the process of sustained practice, the obsessive and compulsive activities of the mind gradually subside—like snowflakes settling in a snow-globe—and one’s awareness settles in the substrate consciousness (ālayavijñāna), characterized by bliss, luminosity, and nonconceptuality. This is called the “relative ground state of the mind,” not to be confused with nirvana, Buddha nature, or other transcendent states of awareness. Although this practice is presented in the context of Tibetan Buddhism, it is strongly resonant with Zen and Vipassana meditations, so it may be inviting and enriching to Buddhists of all traditions, as well as anyone else who is interested to explore the depths of their own minds and consciousness. In this week-long retreat, B. Alan Wallace will offer an oral commentary to the shamatha section of The Vajra Essence, which he received from his teacher, the Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche, who authorized him to teach this portion of the text to general audiences. The retreat will also consist of meditation sessions and periods of discussion. Dr. Wallace, a scholar and practitioner of Buddhism since 1970, has taught Buddhist theory and meditation throughout Europe and America since 1976. Having devoted fourteen years to training as a Tibetan Buddhist monk, ordained by H. H. the Dalai Lama, he went on to earn an undergraduate degree in physics and the philosophy of science at Amherst College and a doctorate in religious studies at Stanford. |
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This retreat is open to any earnest student who wishes to practice. Beginners as well as advanced students are welcome.
Registration will begin in the Summer and will be handled by Kagyu Changchub Chuling . |
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If this is your first retreat with us, please be sure to read:

