LIFE MOVES IN BUDDHA NATURE
An Amerta movement workshop
Guided by Mala Sikka and Terry Hagan
August 9-15, 2024
“The essence of movement is not only expression but a form of transformation; movement from the state of being unaware to being aware . . ”- Suprapto Suryodharmo Founder of Joged Amerta
'Life-Moves©' is a profound movement practice. It gives us vitality, and a heightened awareness of our communication through movement with others and our environment. We can see ourselves and others as we are, without blame, judgment, false humility, pride or needing approval. We come to accept our limitations and perceive others and our surroundings more clearly, discovering that our attitude in movement is as important as the movement itself.
This course will focus especially on how the five Wisdom Buddha's qualities of pacifying, enriching, magnetising, subjugating and union manifest through our basic nature in movement working with body (Vajra), sound (ghanta) and mind (mudra) .
“We do not produce art but become art, a place of play that opens the mind….. Like the excitement of finding the hidden riddle and unwrapping it in a dance where the walls and everything else comes to meet you. A whole vocabulary of becoming, being and passing away. It is remarkable to witness the vulnerabilities wash away leaving a sense of deep gratitude for the continuous and extraordinary energy, generosity and kindness."
-Anne Christianson ~ a past course participant
For more information about Amerta movement practice: https://www.triarchypress.net/glimpses.html
This workshop offers the following opportunities:
• Explore guided movement in a supportive atmosphere, with the group, in small groups and one to one, with guidance throughout.
• Learn how structure of our body supports every movement. Finding perspective and proportion in our movement, allowing it to open in its vocabulary in space and time.
• How to value being with whatever the condition is that arises and passes
• Free life-energy that is otherwise seized in self-doubt and self-criticism, and redirect this energy to create a vocabulary in movement
• Increase vitality, joy of moving, and appreciation for authentic caring expression that enables us to let go of old, tired habits-connecting with the impulse that initiates movement
• Learn to be present in our daily movements and to become aware of the movement around us, opening the potential of “reading” and “writing” through the window of the body while moving.
Working with the themes of what is 'passive' and what is 'active' and how these are mutually supportive in our movement practice and throughout our lives
All are welcome - of any age or experience. Intimate and supportive setting to allow for small group and individual guidance.
Some comments from Mala and Terry’s past workshops
"Moving Into Freedom with Mala and Terry was such a unique experience that it's hard to find the words. They created a really safe and comfortable space allowing me to express vulnerable parts of myself. I felt immense support from everyone in the space. Some ideas I found extraordinarily beneficial to explore in the classes were leadership, learning to receive, taking refuge in my body, and moving from 2D into 3D movement. It was a personal journey, yet I also found a lot of connection with the people moving with me and was able to explore different and new ways of relating to other people.
As a dancer I have trained most of my life in Ballet, and even after learning more free forms in university I have always struggled with moving as a performer versus moving in a way that feels good. It has been hard for me to find a deeper connection to my body. I have never felt completely comfortable, intuitive and free in my movement until now. These classes helped me grow through these disconnects I’ve had. The practices Mala and Terry led us through gave me an awareness of my relationship to movement that has completely changed the way I move through space. The overall experience of Moving Into Freedom went way beyond movement for me. It was a very important experience for my overall well being. So much appreciation for Mala and Terry, thank you! “ Katie O’Brien ( the dancer in the smaller pictures in the poster)
"We are not just talking heads - we are body, spirit, heart - not separate. Mala and Terry remind us to let the other parts lead, in a creative dance that provides joy, nourishment and insight.
In a group context - we can meet each other in new, honest and supportive ways. I finished the course feeling whole, loving and ready to bring a positive energy to the world around me”. Eve Rotstein
Life Moves 2022
Mala Sikka is a movement artist of Indian origin. She spent years making and performing with larger than life puppet theatre which led her study Kathakali, a form of Indian dance theatre, training which is based on Kaliripayaat and ancient Indian martial art and recently Charya dance from Nepal. Wanting to go deeper into the healing qualities of movement and meditation she qualified in Healing-Shiatsu in 1991. In 1988 her teaching of dance forms transform after she studied Amerta Movement and subsequently met her Javanese movement teacher Suprapto Suryodharmo (1991- 2018 ). She continued to work intensively with Suprapto in Java and Europe. She is qualified by him to teach Amerta movement (river/nectar of life). In 2011 she and Terry entered meditation retreat for over 3 years in India, until returning to Canada in 2016. She has over 40 years of experience working with others, through body movement, meditation and healing, and especially enjoys working with those who are at cross roads in their lives and in times of change.
Terry Hagan has been studying meditation and movement practices for over 50 years. He began his studies with his main teacher Namgyal Rinpoche, the founder of the Dharma Centre of Canada. His unique ability to skillfully bridge both eastern and western approaches to the study of meditation and movement was extraordinary. Terry was fortunate to have had the opportunity of being his personal assistant for over 27 years, witnessing the evolvement of multiple forms of subtle body awareness practices combined with profound Dharma study. Terry met Suprapto Suryodharmo in India in 2005 and continued with intensive movement practice and training in Joged Amerta Movement . Under Surpraptos guidance, for over 15 years he studied in India, Indonesia and Europe, and is qualified by Suprapto to teach.
Mala and Terry have taught at the Centre over the last twenty years, and enjoyed being Resident Teachers for ten of those years. They continue to support us by being Core Teachers. Terry and his wife Mala continue to teach and evolve their practice of expressive meditation movement ‘Life Moves©’. They have deep gratitude for their teachers the late Suprapto Suryodarmo and the late Namgyal Rinpoche, and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche and Tsoknyi Rinpoche.
Important Details
When: August 9-15, 2024. 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 at 5pm on the last day.
Rates: $828 - non-members $750 - members
(To find out how to become a member please visit our membership page)
ABOVE RATES Include : Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include supporting the teachers. Mala and Terry are sharing their experience within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana. They normally charge a fee of $100 @day for Life moves. However for this course at the DCC they kindly allow a suggested offering of $50-$100 a day for example $350 -$700 for the whole 7 day course. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. It is possible to request to do only 2 or 3 days starting from the beginning of the course, but please note numbers will be limited as this is a movement course and we need space, so priority will be given to those who register for the Full 7 days. After the weekend we will take maximum 15 participants. Fully paid registration, only, please reserves your spot.
To understand more about Dana, please read the following:
What is Dana? Teachers give the teachings of awakening (Dharma) 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 teachers and helps to ensure that these teachings will continue for others.
It is recommended that students make an offering of Dāna at the beginning of the course to establish the intention to make the most of this opportunity, for one’s own progression and for the benefit of all others. If you’re wondering how much to give, please consider what you might give for similar classes & sessions which have been offered with a set fee. Please also consider your own income and the proportion of it you can reasonably offer to support the teachings. Most importantly, Dana should come from the heart in a spirit of gratitude and generosity. Please Note Mala and Terry are not compensated by the Dharma centre of Canada and rely on donations. All offerings made will be given directly to Mala and Terry and used to support the continuation of these teachings. There will be a bowl at the Centre with envelopes so one can offer Dana. It is also possible to send an e-transfer directly to them at dharmastudies108@gmail.com.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to hold your space upon registration.
Cancellation policy:
All cancellation are subject to a fee of $100. These funds will support other low income practitioner (Practitioner Support Fund).
Loss of 50% of deposit if cancel within 14 days ( = 25% of the retreat cost) – Funds to go into the Renewal Project (Buildings Renewal Fund)