I’ve been accepted into a 7-year study and practice program entitled “Gateway: Journey into the Heart of Machig’s Lineage.” This is a reference to Machig Labdron, an 11th Century Tibetan Yogini. I’ve studied some of Machig’s practices before, but what I know is really just the bare beginning.
The teachers are Lama Tsultrim Allione (with whom I’ve been on retreat 3 times so far), Tulku Sang-Ngag Rinpoche, and Khenpo Ugyen Wangchuk. The program includes approximately 2 hours of practice daily and various week-long retreats throughout the years at Tara Mandala in Pagosa Springs, CO. The teachings and practices incorporate what historically would be covered in a 3-year retreat. For us householders who can’t get away for 3 years straight, it’s going to take 7 years. 🙂
Topics of study include the following:
- Contemplations on the Six Thoughts That Turn the Mind toward the Dharma
- Training in the two kinds of Bodhicitta: Absolute and Relative
- The Four Immeasurables: Love, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity
- Progressive Stages of Emptiness and other topics
- Barlung Breathing
- Refuge & Prostrations
- Vajrasattva Mantra recitation
- Mandala Offering
- Guru Yoga
- Dream Yoga
- Parchangma Chöd (a Shamanic practice used for physical and spiritual healing)
The program begins in late June with a retreat at Tara Mandala. I’m already preparing by memorizing the various chants I’ll need to know in Tibetan.
May all beings benefit!
Living in the Dash 