Luminosity: The Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen

with

Lama Michael Gregory

June 24 to June 26, 2022

Offered via Zoom Only

“The essence of the mind of all beings
Is primordially the essence of Buddhahood.
Its empty essence is the birthless Dharmakaya.
Its clear distinct appearances are the Sambhogakaya.
Its unceasing compassion is the variegated Nirmanakaya.
The inseparable union of those three is the Svabhavikakaya.
Its eternal changelessness is the Mahasukhakaya.”
-— Karma Chakme Rinpoche

The heart of Mahamudra and Dzogchen practice lineages are profound methods for recognizing the nature of mind. Lama Michael will offer both accessible commentary and experiential meditations opening the door to Karma Chagme's classic text that integrates two of the great meditation systems of India and Tibet: Mahamudra and Dzogchen.

This weekend retreat will begin with the spirit of awakening (Bodhicitta) and the essential instructions on recognizing the nature of mind.

These retreat instructions and contemplations are drawn from The Essential Instructions of the Compassionate One on the Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen. Lama Michael will explain in lucid detail the advanced meditation practices of Mahamudra and Dzogchen as well as their similarities and differences, including advice on how to safely perform some of the more advanced Great Perfection practices.

Benefits of Attending:

This retreat represents the rare and in depth Pointing Out instructions on the nature of mind.

These teachings and practices are deeply transformative to the attendee and offer a direct and immediate experience of your true nature and also offer means to grow and stabilize this recognition.

What will be learned in this retreat?

• Lama Michael will explain in lucid detail the advanced meditation practices of Mahamudra and Dzogchen as well as their similarities and differences, including advice on how to safely perform some of the more advanced Great Perfection practices.
• You will receive vivid pointing out instructions and teachings on how to practice them with confidence
• Essential meditations on recognizing the nature of mind from both the Mahamudra and Dzogchen approaches
• Discover how to deeply integrate these teachings into your life and relationships and bring the spirit of awakening to all aspects of life.
• How to establish a clear path to enlightenment in this very life

Zoom and Retreat Recordings:

The retreat will be offered in our live, interactive online zoom classroom.

Recordings of teaching sessions will be posted within 24 hours after the end of the last session and will be available to all those who register for the retreat.

When:

This retreat takes place on zoom from Friday 24 - 26.

Schedule:
Starts Friday June 24th at 4 pm PT
Ends Sunday June 26th around noon PT

Prerequisites:

Those who have received pointing out instructions and those who are in the current Dzogchen Course, those who completed Course 5 Mahamudra and others by permission.

What Will Be Included?

• Live teaching, Q&A, and practice sessions with Lama Michael on zoom
• Guided meditation and teaching sessions with Lama Michael
• Access to supporting written material
• Access to retreat recordings on vimeo

About the Teacher:

Michael Gregory Biography

Lama Michael is a former Buddhist Monk, Teacher and Executive Director of Mindfulness Meditation Centers. Michael has shared that there can never be enough gratitude to repay the debt of kindness that others have shown [him], in particular the XIV Dalai Lama, the XVII Karmapa--Orgyen Trinley Dorje, Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Bokar Rinpoche, Thrangu Rinpoche, HH Dodrupchen Rinpoche and Penor Rinpoche who have offered the empowerment cycles of Rinchen Terzo and Dam Ngak Dzod.

For more than twenty-five years Lama Michael has joyfully instructed a continuous stream of educated and experienced practitioners of all levels and backgrounds in Thailand, India, Hong Kong, Europe and the United States. He has led hundreds of meditation retreats on almost every subject matter related to Buddhism, in addition to leading meditative pilgrimages throughout Thailand, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and India. Michael currently directs the practicing and teaching schedule at Mindfulness Meditation Centers and is the Three Year Retreat Master for our current retreat in Southern California. Lama Michael leads a vibrant local and international online and in person community of practitioners.

About the Author of our text:

KARMA CHAGME was born in Tibet in 1613. He was a major lineage holder of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, and his writings have also become central to the Payul Nyingma order.

https://dharmasun.org/courses/mahamudra-dzogchen/

Tuition:

Suggested donation is $200 for members and $300 for non-members. The suggested donation allows Mindfulness Meditation Centers to support the costs of running the retreat, the sharing and distribution of the teachings, and the support of our community.

Mindfulness Meditation Centers is a non-profit center and community devoted to making meditation, mindfulness, and the teachings of awakening available to all.

If you are unable to donate the suggested amount, please do not let that keep you from attending; contact Liz at donate@mindfulnessmeditationcenters.com to make arrangements.

For questions about this retreat, please contact the Mindfulness Meditation Centers' Retreat Coordinator at

retreatsupport@mindfulnessmeditationcenters.com

Register:

To register please fill out the form below