Sky, Sun Clouds: What has Been Pointed Out
with Richard John
a Hybrid program (in-person at sonoma Shambhala & online via zoom)
Presented by the sonoma Shambhala Center
“The training in recognizing mind essence is this: short moment repeated many times. There is no other way.”
— Tulku Urgyen
Trungpa Rinpoche taught that Dzogchen — Maha Ati as he called it — is the pinnacle of Buddhist meditation. But for this deeply subtle practice to be valid, it is essential to first work with the teachings and practices of hinayana, mahayana, and gradual mahamudra. Recognizing and resting in mind essence is also dependent upon devotion to one's guru and lineage. A powerful way to cultivate this is to mix formless meditation with guru yoga, which we will do in this retreat.
Students new to these practices, or in need of a “reboot,” should begin with the Authentic Meditation weekend if possible, and attend the entire retreat. Students familiar with these practices will also benefit from the weekend.
Our meditation will be guided by pith instructions from great lineage teachers. Emphasis will be on direct personal experience, over scholarship. The retreat will primarily be in silence, with times for discussion and interviews.
Prerequisites Participants must have received pointing out transmission from the Vidyadhara, Sakyong Mipham, or the Vajra Regent or Dorje Loppön on behalf of the Vidyadhara. Students who received transmission from other qualified rinpoches will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Schedule
Monday to Wednesday, November 6-8 • 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (PT)
Lunch break 12:30 to 2:00 pm
Richard John
An early student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Richard served as acharya for Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche for 20 years. He completed the traditional Buddhist three-year retreat at Gampo Abbey, and has directed six Warrior Assemblies. Richard and his wife Liz reside in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Heart Gifts
It is customary to offer a monetary Heart Gift to the teacher, whose livelihood is entirely from teaching programs. The gift is completely voluntary according to your inspiration, and there is no suggested amount — any amount is appreciated!
This program is hybrid — offered both in-person at the Sonoma Shambhala Center and online via Zoom. Zoom meeting info will be provided to registrants within the week prior to the program. Please review Sonoma Shambhala’s in-person attendance policy.
ABOUT ZOOM This program will be presented on the Zoom platform. It is available for computers, smart phones, and tablets. You will need to download the free app on your device before joining the session. Once it’s loaded, click the link and follow the prompts to join the session.
Please join us at least 5-10 minutes in advance so that you’re set up when the program begins. And, make certain that your mic is muted when you join to avoid background noises which are multiplied with many participants.
Meditation and Wisdom in a Confused World
Monday to Wednesday, November 6-8 • 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (Pacific Time)
Please register early — space is limited
Prerequisites Participants must have received pointing out transmission from the Vidyadhara, Sakyong Mipham, or the Vajra Regent or Dorje Loppön on behalf of the Vidyadhara. Students who received transmission from other qualified rinpoches will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
- $225 Program Price
- $285 Patron Price — this amount allows us to offer a “Reduced Price” option for those who are not in a position to pay the full program price at this time
- $100 Limited Income*
- *If your circumstances are such that you are unable to pay the “Limited Income” amount, please contact Joanne Martin Braun at jmartinbraun [at] gmail [dot] com.
Please indicate in ‘note’ space whether you will attend in-person or via Zoom.
After completing your registration, before the program you will receive a ‘welcome’ email containing the Zoom link and attendance info, to the email you provided.
If you have questions, please contact Joanne Martin Braun at jmartinbraun [at] gmail [dot] com
