In this course series we will explore the realms of existence, the conditions of life which beings experience from moment to moment. Sometimes these realms are interpreted as external planes of existence, and sometimes as states of mind. This class invites us to look directly, to see and to explore the potential of each realm to reveal all of the others. The course text will be Mark Epstein's Thoughts Without a Thinker.
The Course Includes:
- 9 lectures on the Buddhist realms of existence taught by Lama Michael Gregory, that include a teaching, contemplation and guided meditation.
- The course material is recorded and available for watching on video so it can be done at any time.
- Personal meditation instructors are provided to those that become members and offer weekly mentoring and email support for meditation practice.
- If available notes, homework, and meditations can be downloaded from the individual classes.
- Upon completing the course you will receive a certificate of completion and are welcome to continue with our program: Stages of the Path to Enlightenment
Video Teachings
Each class is between 1.5 hours to 2 hours long and includes teaching, contemplation and meditation with Lama Michael. Teachings can be watched at your own pace. It is recommended that you watch one video a week and then complete the practices over the week to integrate your understanding.
Class Notes
Detailed class notes may be provided so that you can gain deeper insight into what you learned in the class.
Class notes summarize the main points of the teachings and also provide clear instructions on meditation so you can have clear instructions on your meditation practice.
Quiz
At the end of every lesson, you may find a quiz to reflect on what you learned and ensure you have understood the core concepts and teachings.
Curriculum
Enrollment
This course is available in the sequence of courses making up the Lam Rim: Stages of the Path to Enlightenment as a Vajragarbha member.
If you are a Vajragarbha member, please remember to click the "Complete and Continue" button in each lesson so a certificate of completion will be issued when you finish a course and you'll be enrolled in the next course in the sequence.
About The Teacher
Lama Michael is a former Buddhist Monk, Teacher and Executive Director of Vajragarbha Dzogchen Teachings. 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 focuses on transmitting the classical teachings of Buddhism in a modern way that offers practitioners a method to integrate mindfulness and awakening into every day life.
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.
