Compassion in Action: Exploring the Six Perfections with supportive Yoga and Tsa Lung practices
with Tracy Sheridan
July 15-18, 2022
In these times of uncertainty, it is easy to get caught up in disturbing events that we hear about in the news and in our own lives. Our reactions may include anxiety, depression, lethargy, anger or frustration and fear of what is to come. While such reactions are understandable, when sustained over time, they become habituated responses that can lead to a variety of reactions including withdrawal from life or a lack of engagement. How do we stay engaged and interested while building our capacity to be a wise, compassionate force for ourselves and others?
In this course, we will explore the six perfections (Sanskrit - paramitas) or transcendent actions as a path of awakening our hearts and minds to full and compassionate engagement.
The six paramita are Generosity (dana), Discipline (śīla), Patience (kṣānti), Diligence (vīrya), Meditative Concentration (dhyana), and Wisdom (prajñā). They are transcendent because they help us go beyond our habitual patterns of self-referencing and clinging to an illusory identity of ‘me, myself and I’. ‘Transcendental' is not an external reality or a ‘far-out escape’ but rather the way we can choose to live our lives with the aspiration to awaken fully for the benefit of ourselves and all. By unfolding the qualities of the six paramitas we unfold the compassion and wisdom which is naturally inherent in each of us, loosening the clinging to the notion of ‘self and other’.
Dharma talks, contemplations and meditations on the six transcendent actions will be supported with daily guided yoga and Tsa Lung practices, including an introduction to Hollow Body practice. Various classical Mahayana Buddhist readings will be shared. The physical practices of yoga and Tsa Lung help to overcome internal and external obstacles including illness, agitation, dullness or distraction as well as disturbances in the mind and energy body. These practices assist in balancing the ‘pranas’ or vital life force energies.
Through hearing the Dharma, contemplation and meditation and the supportive practices of yoga and Tsa Lung, you will gain an understanding of how to bring the transcendent actions into daily life to fully engage as a compassionate, wise and healing force.
Tracy Sheridan has been studying Buddha Dharma for over 20 years and has been a life-long practitioner and teacher of of Yoga and movement awareness since 1983. She met her root teachers, Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche in 2001 and Lama Chokyi Gyaltsen (Lama Mark Webber) in 2003. She has had the good fortune of meeting and studying with other teachers in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition.
Important Details
When: July 15 - 18, 2022
Rates: Fees: $330 members /$375 non-members
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. Tracy is sharing 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.