Kindfull-ness, Death/Dying and Tarot
with Tryg Schonning and Trudy Gold
Friday, August 23rd to Wednesday, August 28th, 2019
Fear of death and dying may be alleviated by contemplative and meditative practices. Together we will explore techniques from Buddhist traditions, the Western mystery tradition of Tarot and Alchemy, as well as western secular contemplations.
For a few days at the end of the summer, in a beautiful natural setting, we’ll come together to talk, sit in a group, meditate, and walk in the woods. Learning with others we’ll embark on a three-part foray to investigate the mandala that is human consciousness. Using a classic beginning, middle and end formula, we’ll start by establishing a foundation of goodness/kindfull-ness. Throughout the days of the course will be discussions and reminders about our human lifetime, where it is possible to end in the freedoms offered by dying and death. And together in the vast middle is a dance with the tarot — enjoying the illusions of our every day life.
Gathering in a circle, together we’ll explore how service allows each of us to be kind and generous to ourselves and others. We’ll use contemplative exercises and meditations from the richness of a variety of traditions, and open up western mysteries with Teachings about the Tarot’s major arcana.
Tryg Schonning is an experienced practitioner/yogi who prefers to explore the Rime tradition of staying open to all schools of Buddhism and Science, like his main teacher, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche. Over the years Tryg has taught Tantra, Tarot, and Tibetan Buddhism with a decidedly Dzogchen approach. He teaches in a circle where everyone is encouraged to participate and express their views openly. Kindness, clarity, a sense of humour and a curiosity about “everything,” along with a vast knowledge (he has devoted much of the past 30+ years to study) is what he offers the group.
Trudy Gold has worked for years with the elderly and people with dementias. She has been a committed volunteer at the Ottawa hospice since 2004 and has trained recently to provide support for Grief and Bereavement. Together she and Tryg co-created & participate in a group called Death, Dying and Community in Ottawa. She has been practicing, studying, going into retreat, and living Buddhadharma over 25 years. She’s had the privilege of studying with many gifted, kind, and generous Teachers of dharma over these years and brings a rich array of views into every aspect of her life.
Important Details
Rates: Non-members: $550, Members: $475.
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. Tryg and Trudy are sharing their experience within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana.
What is Dana?: Teachers give the 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.
Payment: Payment can be made to the Dharma Centre of Canada by credit card, cheque or e-transfer. Please call us, toll free, if you need information on making a payment at 1 866 266 0966 or email: info@dharmacentre.com. Full payment is due 10 days prior to the start of a retreat or course. A 50% deposit is required to hold your space for an upcoming retreat.