FOUNDATIONS FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE
An Introduction to Practices of Longchen Nyingtik Ngondro
'When we take our first steps on the Path, we are not yet capable of helping others. To accomplish the good of others, we must first perfect ourselves, by purifying and transforming our minds. This is the aim of what we call the 'preliminary practices’, which establish the foundations of all spiritual progress. You may feel like dispensing with these foundations in order to practice teachings that you think are more profound, but if you do so, you are building a palace on the surface of a frozen lake'. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Ngondro brings together the essence of all vehicles in a nutshell, and contains everything that we as practitioners need to work with, and all that is necessary on the spiritual path. ~ Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
We will use the pithy text of The Excellent Path to Enlightenment, a brief practice of the Ngöndro by Khyentse Wangpo, as the basis for our work. These preliminary or "foundation" practices of Vajrayana Buddhism( Ngöndro) are profound and powerful means for effecting deep purification and transformation at every level of our being. They not only prepare practitioners for the path of Vajrayana and the teachings of Dzogchen, but also lead them gradually towards the enlightenment.[2] By increasing our trust, heightening our aspiration, embracing purification, and cultivating resilience through offering, we can unite with the core of our being—our Buddha Nature.
PLEASE NOTE : Attending this course provides an opportunity for those interested to join an ongoing Ngöndro study group with Drubgyur Tenzin Rinpoche, Terry, and Mala. Rinpoche has kindly offered to bestow (online) the transmission of the Longchen Nyingtik Ngöndro and Chetsun Nyingtik practices to all who attend this retreat.
This course will provide a basis for more advanced practices and will contain:
• Instructive classes with time for questions and sharing
• Gentle body work to help easefully open the body energies
• Group sitting meditation with guidance on how to continue your practice at home or in retreat
[1] ‘the Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse’ revealed by Jigme Lingpa
[2] text in paragraph adapted from Rigpa Wiki
LIMITED Camping options available at a lower cost.
Please note that there will be Zoom attendance but very limited. If you genuinely cannot attend in person, kindly request to join via Zoom by emailing us at dharmastudies[at]gmail.com
Mala Sikka and Terry Hagan have committed most of their lives to Dharma and have been practicing meditation for over 40 years. Together they completed an intensive three year retreat in India under the guidance of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.
Both Terry and Mala enjoyed their roles as resident teachers of the Dharma Centre of Canada for over a decade, while also being spiritual advisors to the board. They have shared their work here for over twenty years . Terry also served a three year term as a spiritual director for the Dharma Centre. At present, they serve as the resident teachers of the Namgyal Dharma House and continue to support the Dharma Centre as Core Teachers.
Important Details
When: September 20-26, 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)
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. Mala and Terry are sharing their 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:
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)