Mahamudra Stepping Stones

Transforming Confusion into Wisdom Unlike other spiritual traditions which reject confusion and mental afflictions trying to find wisdom elsewhere, Mahamudra uses these negative mental states as a pathway to liberation. Mahamudra uniquely points out that the fundamental nature of these negative mental states, is the same as all other experiences. (Including the positive experiences we desire and seek) Tantra Mahamudra From the beginning of his teachings in the West, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche taught Mahamudra, mostly through sadhana practice — in what is called Tantra Mahamudra. Essence Mahamudra In 1991 at RMDC (now Drala Mountain Center) Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche began teaching mahamudra. He continued these teachings at Karmê Chöling in 1993. His method differed in that he taught Mahamudra through shamatha and vipashyana practice in what is called Essence Mahamudra. His style was experientially accessible to the participants, who were a large group of Trungpa Rinpoche´s students. Going Further into Mahamudra Teachings This autumn, Andy and Scott will return to Karme Choling to lead another five-day retreat focusing on Khenpo Rinpoche's essence mahamudra instructions. We will review his presentations on mahamudra shamatha and explore his vipashyana presentations. We will work with material we have touched on in the previous retreat as well as investigate and practice further aspects of his original mahamudra teachings at Karme Choling. Both returning participants and first-timers are most welcome. Please join us. Prerequisites:  All Tantrikas and Sadhakas who have received Pointing Out Instruction are welcome to participate in this program. Required Reading: Participants will need copies of Mahamudra Stepping Stones . These can be ordered from the Nalanda Translation Committee Getting Here Visit our Directions and Transportation page to see different options for traveling to Karmê Chöling.