Chöd, or “cutting through,” is a profound practice that cuts to the heart of wisdom and compassion. Traditionally attributed to the eleventh-century female practitioner Machig Labdrön, it is prevalent in many Tibetan Buddhist lineages. Combining the view of the Prajnaparamita sutras with tantric visualization methods, chöd is a direct meditational approach to severing ego-clinging. Chöd practice is also known for its hauntingly beautiful melodies, and has traditionally been used as part of Buddhist healing rituals. Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche has repeatedly emphasized the importance of practicing of chöd, and of perfecting our understanding of both its profound meaning and its lineage…

In this online workshop, Dr. Catherine Dalton will elucidate the profound meaning of the Tibetan text of the Manual for Concise Daily Practice (Gyünkyi Köljang), revealed by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa as part of his Dispeller of All Obstacles (Tukdrup Barché Künsel) treasure cycle. This simple, essential practice focuses upon Guru Padmasambhava, known affectionately as Guru Rinpoche, crowned by Avalokiteshvara, embodiment of compassion, and Amitayus, Lord of Infinite Life. It is said in Guru Rinpoche's own instructions that the most powerful way to dispel obstacles is to pray to the guru—the master who embodies all the awakened beings of past, present,…

In this 4-part online series, Lama Tsultrim Sangpo will unpack an essential aspect of tantric practice—the development stage. To properly realize our innate nature through sadhana practice, the great masters from Guru Padmasambhava down to our present teachers emphasize the necessity of "binding the life force" of the deity through planting four "stakes". These four points condense the essential methods of the development stage, and thus allow us to truly take hold of the deity—our own deepest nature. Lama Tsultrim, a master himself in all aspects of tantric ritual practice, will guide us through an in-depth exploration these four stakes…