SANTA RITA

CENTRO DE RETIROS

Canatlan, Durango

MAHAYANA VIPASSANA

Shamata, Vipassana and Mahamudra

1. Level I

Meditation sessions will be a total of 9 hours each day, 6 sessions of 1.5 hours each. The structure is based on Mahayana principles and motivation of Love and Compassion. The initial technique is an introduction to basic sitting and awareness of breathing. The first 3 days allow the students to become familiar with quietude meditation, Shamata. This is an excellent foundation for all meditation practices. Lord Buddha emphasized in the Sutras that Awareness of the breath is the best technique to subdue the uncontrolled mind. This level includes instruction on how to deal with distractions such as scattering and sinking. The second 3 days are focused on scanning the body and being aware of physical sensation. The subjects of the Gradual Path to Enlightenment are introduced at this time with a focus on impermanence and the law of cause and effect, karma. The final 4 days are an introduction to Sutra Mahamudra. The sessions focus on observing the mind alone and investigating the nature of reality.

Instruction will be given on how to use dream interpretation in daily Dharma practice plus how to Lucid Dream.

2. Level II

Detailed instruction is given for 3 days on Shamata meditation with an emphasis on how to deal with distractions. The second 3 days are a more detailed description of the body and its structure which is integrated with the Vipassana scanning technique. The final 4 days are detailed instruction on Mahamudra and investigating the nature of the mind. The text “The Ganges Mahamudra”, used in the Gelukpa and Kagyu lineages will be taught at that time.

3. Level III

This retreat requires all students to have received an initiation in the highest class of tantra from a qualified teacher. The initial 3 days are Shamata meditation as in level I and II with the addition of deity yoga. The second 3 days are an introduction to tantric meditations scanning the body with an emphasis on the 3 main nerves of the body. The final 4 days are an introduction to Tantric Mahamudra.

These courses have been developed to help Western Buddhists enter into meditation and finally tantric practice in a well structured program. This ensures the student will practice tantra in the correct manner that benefits themselves and others.