A Dzogchen Retreat
September 22 to October 13, 2020 – Teachings with Lama Mark Webber
October 13 to December 21, 2020 – Solitary Retreat
(subject to travel restrictions)
We are delighted to announce that Lama Chokyi Gyaltsen (Lama Mark Webber) has accepted an invitation on behalf of his students from the Namgyal Yangzab Buddhist Community of Canada to lead and teach 3 weeks (Sept 22 – Oct. 13, 2020) of a 12-week Great Perfection Retreat - at the Dharma Centre of Canada. The intent of this retreat is to have a community of practitioners start with instructions, empowerments, personal guidance and then continue on through for a two-three months or more in-depth retreat. This retreat will rely on the richness of the Drikung Dzogchen from the Yangzab Terma teachings of Tertӧn Rinchen Phuntsok (16th century), as well as, the teachings of 19th century saint Lho Nüden Dorje. In addition Lama Mark will read through and give explanations on a text and commentary called: 'Nagarjuna’s Bodhicittavivarana', an Exposition of Bodhicitta, foundational to understanding the progressive stages of emptiness. This is a significant and rare opportunity to combine the study and practice of the Dzogchen teachings; further exploring the Vast Expanse and Luminous Nature, both in class and with extended periods of solo retreat time to further elucidate these teachings and transmissions received.
Lama Mark Webber (Lama Yongdu Chokyi Gyaltsen) has been studying and teaching Buddha Dharma and meditation for over forty years. He met his principle teacher the Venerable K. T. Dorgyal Namgyal Rinpoche in 1972 and had the good fortune to study with, attend, reside and travel with and assist Namgyal Rinpoche for many periods over three decades until his teacher’s passing in 2003.
He was instructed by Namgyal Rinpoche to begin teaching in 1975. Lama Mark has done extensive meditation retreats and periods of study with other teachers who include H.H. the 16th Karmapa, H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, and H.E. Chogye Trichen Rinpoche and more recently Drikung Lho Ontul Rinpoche (through which come the transmissions of the Yangzab Dzogchen cycle). During the 1980s he was a Resident Teacher during Namgyal Rinpoche’s teaching at the 1st Academy, a three-year seminary program at the Dharma Centre of Canada, Kinmount, Ontario. He has authorization by Namgyal Rinpoche to bestow empowerments in the Vajrayana Tantric tradition. The title ‘Lama’ was bestowed by H.E. Chogye Trinchen Rinpoche in 2001.
Lama Webber's background, training and interests are diverse. They include research in molecular/cell biology and chemistry, arts education administration, running small businesses, regional economic planning and consulting, as well as in fine arts and crafts. He holds a Masters degree in Anthropology, following an investigation of the interconnections between meditation, ritual, cognition and neurophysiology. For the last ten years Lama Webber has also been engaged in a study of microscopic life, the unseen approximately 99% of all life forms on this planet.
Lama Mark Webber is a Visiting, Guiding and Resident Teacher for a number of retreats and Dharma Centres worldwide; for example the Crystal Mountain Retreat Centre, Galiano Island, B.C. and the Queenstown Dharma Centre, New Zealand. For a number of years, during the past 25 years Lama Mark has served as the Resident Teacher at the retreat property of the Dharma Centre of Canada in Kinmount, Ontario. He is currently one of the Dharma Centre's four Spiritual Directors. Lama Mark also teaches at many other centres in Canada and internationally. In 2009 he founded Namgyal Choling Gompa, on Galiano Island next to the Crystal Mountain Retreat Centre. www.markwebber.org
Important Details:
When: Tuesday, September 22nd to Tuesday October 13th. 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 in the afternoon on the final day.
Rates: Non-members: $2429, Members: $2135
Rates include: Single accommodation, all meals, printed course materials and a course fee to support Lama Mark’s travel and special empowerments. They do not include instructor fees. Lama Mark is sharing his 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 Dana 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 Dana 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.
If you are intending to stay from October 13th - December 21st for the solitary retreat period following Lama Mark’s Teachings please contact us at retreats@dharmacentre.org.