Join us for the Infinite Bliss: A Retreat On the Union of the Illusory Body and Clear Light Weekend Retreat, led by Lama Michael, a former Buddhist Monk, and Three Year Retreat teacher. This retreat will focus on the practices of the seminal Dzogchen Semde Tantra, The All Creating Sovereign (Kunjyed Gyalpo) and commentary by Longchenpa, translated as, You Are The Eyes of the World.
The step by step instructions will deepen your Dzogchen practice and assist you in gaining the necessary stability in Tsa Lung Trulkhor, Thogal and Trekcho.
The retreat emphasis will be on the direct introduction to the nature of mind, including explanations of the natural state and methods for recognizing it.
Retreat Theme and Prerequisites
Infinite Bliss: A Retreat On the Union of the Illusory Body and Clear Light
Michael Gregory
November 12 to November 14, 2021
St. Petersburg Florida
Within all of us lies a source of infinite bliss, clarity of wisdom, and endless compassion. In this beautiful instruction, based on The Buddha's Tantric teachings, the contemporary Buddhist teacher, Lama Michael Gregory, will present authentic methods for discovering this inner wealth within our subtle body. In a clear and precise way, he will explains step-by-step how we can generate a deeply peaceful and concentrated mind by harnessing the subtle energy system within our own bodies. With this blissful awareness we can uncover our true nature, destroy ignorance and suffering at its root, and swiftly become a source of inspiration and benefit for others.
This retreat can be taken on its own or seen as continuation of our Six Yogas of Naropa Classes and Retreats in Lama Michael’s current teaching cycle. These Tantric meditation instructions are an introduction to the most profound and supremely blissful methods of the ancient yogis and mahasiddhas of India and Tibet.
"Everyone dies, but no one is dead," goes the Tibetan saying. It is with these words that our weekend retreat takes flight. Lama Michael draws from a wide range of traditions and beliefs to explore the stages we all go through when we die, which are the very same stages experienced when we go to sleep, or reach the ecstasy of orgasm.
The stages will be described so vividly that we can imagine the process of traveling deeper into the mind, on the ultimate journey of transformation. In this way, we will learn how to prepare for that time and, in doing so, how to enrich our time on earth, die without fear, and influence the stage between this life and the next so that we may gain the best possible incarnation. As always, the ultimate goal is to advance along the path to enlightenment.
This meditation retreat and Saturday evening fundraiser supports the rebuilding of the Lukhang, also known as the Dalai Lama’s Secret Temple in Southern California on 88 acres just outside of San Diego. The full wall-sized fine art murals will be on display during the retreat and fundraiser. Lama Michael will offer a private talk with the donors Saturday evening describing the murals and progress of the Temple building (which is underway). All are warmly welcomed.
Prerequisites
All are welcome to register for this retreat. There are no prerequisites.
Tuition
The suggested donation for this retreat is $200 for MMC Members in-person attendance or via Zoom. This 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 as a whole.
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. To participate please email Liz at [email protected] as financial arrangements are available.