Introduction to Vajrayana Buddhism: Basic Tenets, Tantra, and a Variety of Meditation Practices
November 18-25, 2022
Dharma Centre of Canada
Vajrayana Buddhism is an evolution of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, and was practiced and taught by Namgyal Rinpoche, spiritual leader of the Dharma Centre of Canada. Basic tenets and principles underlying Vajrayana Buddhism will be explained and explored this week. This will include the 4 Ennobling Truths, the 8-fold Ennobling Path, the 3 Marks of Existence, the 6 Paramis, and the 8 Poisons. Practicing this path can lead to awakening in this lifetime. No previous experience with Buddhism is required, and those who have studied some will find this retreat fills in more gaps of knowledge.
Another key component will be the exploration of tantra. A tantra Vajrayogini Wongkur will be conducted on Sunday morning. Mantra, visualization, and permission to practice this powerful female energy will leave participants with energy for cutting through obstacles and personal ego trips. Energy transmission and the teacher-student relationship will be discussed as methods for breaking through to liberation.
Lama Linda has a way of making complex spiritual ideas understandable. She provides explanations, examples, and numerous metaphors for translating ancient ideas into modern life. This is a silent retreat, however there will be plenty of opportunities for discussion and asking questions during the sessions.
Class Schedule:
3-4 group classes per day. Friday - 7:30pm, Saturday-Thursday - 7am, 10am, 4pm, 7:30pm, Friday - 7am, 10am; Leave at 2pm on final Friday.
Teacher: Lama Linda (aka Linda Hochstetler) has studied both Mindfulness Meditation and Vajrayana Buddhism for more than 20 years. She first trained in Mindfulness Meditation with Jon Kabat-Zinn in the 90’s, and studied under Namgyal Rinpoche (the first Canadian-born Rinpoche) from 1995 until his death in 2003. She received permission to teach in the Namgyal lineage in 2014 and currently studies Vajrayana Buddhism with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. Silent meditation retreats are a central part of her study and practice. Since 1995, she has completed retreats of between 1 week and 2 months in length every year. She is a registered social worker with a specialty in illness, dying, and death, and has a thriving private practice in Toronto. More recently, she authored a book - ‘21 Days to Die: The Canadian Guide to End of Life.’ She has written numerous articles and been hosted on radio and blogs about dying and death. www.lindahochstetler.com.
Important Details
When: November 18-25, 2022. Please plan to arrive between 3-5pm on the first day. The retreat will begin with a property orientation at 5:30pm followed by a light supper and the first evening class and will finish after lunch on the final day.
Note: Students are encouraged to make the full week commitment to get the most out of the retreat. However, students may also register for only 2-6 days of the retreat, beginning on Friday, November 18.
Rate for full week: $856 - non-members $765 - members (with $30 going to AIT)
Rate per day for 2-6 days will be billed at $125 (non-members) / $110 (members), plus the $30 fees for all attendees.
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. The teacher is sharing his/her experience within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana. To understand more about Dana, please read the following:
What is Dana? Teachers give the teachings of awakening (Dharma) freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue. Each person receiving Dharma teachings determines the kind and amount of Dāna according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly. It is recommended that students make an offering of dāna at the beginning of a class or retreat to establish the intention to make the most of this opportunity for one’s own progression and for the benefit of all others.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to hold your space upon registration.
Cancellation policy: Full refund up to 7 days before the commencement of the course. For cancellations less than 7 days prior to course begin, a $100 administrative fee will be charged.