About this Retreat
Pamela Bothwell first encountered the dharma at Tail of the Tiger (Karme Chöling Buddhist Contemplative Center) in 1973, and has been a direct student of the Vidyadhara Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, the Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin, and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche ever since. A retired attorney, Pamela is a mother, grandmother, and the best friend of a mutt named Kila.
Adrienne Chang has studied in the tradition of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche for over fifteen years, helping co-lead Shambhala and Buddhist meditation retreats and study courses in Europe, North America, and online. Adrienne is currently a member of the Milinda program, a ten-year shedra-styled Buddhist teacher training program under the guidance of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. Originally from the United States, Adrienne earned an MA in International Public Policy at Columbia University, and has had a career in management consulting. She has taught and published in the fields of Buddhist philosophy and history, meditation, and aging and spirituality. She currently resides in Luxembourg and France.
Rhea Colmar considers herself a student in the lineage of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche as well as other contemporary Buddhist teachers. As a public health nurse, Rhea is interested in the intersection of meditation, health, and well-being, on both the individual and societal levels. She has a background in dance and massage & bodywork.
Recently, she has been teaching on topics such as Meditation, Buddhism, and Qigong for the Shambhala Mandala, as well as other organizations and meditation communities. Professionally she has certifications for her therapeutic work, Qigong and Mindfulness meditation.
Blaire Martin was introduced to Chögyam Trungpa’s unique style of meditation in 2013 and her life’s compass shifted on the spot. She attended the Profound Treasury Retreat for the last five years, and will be teaching the main course this year with friends.
Blaire currently works for the Chögyam Trungpa Digital Library and recently moved to Nova Scotia. Her most cherished moment to date is when her two boys told her, “Something must be working with this Buddhist thing, mom, you’re different in a good way.”
Daniel Nguyen has been a practitioner of Buddhism for over a decade. He studied the Theravada tradition, as well as the Kagyü and Nyingma tradition through attending and teaching at the Profound Treasury Retreats. He is one of its current board members.
Daniel is a family doctor in Montreal. He works in a group clinic, in long-term care, as well as palliative care in a hospital.
Mark Nowakowski met the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1972 and has been his student ever since. He also studies and translates with many other Kagyü and Nyingma masters. Mark is particularly inspired by the works of Chögyam Trungpa and his teacher Khenpo Gangshar. He recently coordinated the translation and publication of Songs of Realization and Pith Instructions. Mark is a senior member of the Nalanda Translation Committee and teacher in the Shambhala mandala. He enjoys practicing, teaching and discussing the dharma with friends.
Details of this retreat
"Emptiness is like open space - empty yet full. A tremendous sense of freedom comes along with that kind of openness."
- Chögyam Trungpa
The Heart Sutra is a profound condensation of all the Buddha's teachings into one single drop. What is that? You say it's EMPTY? What does that mean? What are all these lists of Buddhist teachings that are also empty? And empty of WHAT?
In seven classes, we look into what the Buddha saw and taught on this provocative subject that has intrigued scholars and meditators for centuries, and led them to wisdom and kindness. We will listen and study, think and contemplate, and practice and meditate together with a rich and varied group of experienced meditators and teachers. We look forward to meeting you.
Who Should Attend
This course is open to anyone who is interested in deepening their understanding of mindfulness, exploring personal growth, and fostering a greater connection to themselves and the natural world. Whether you are new to meditation or have an established practice, this program offers an inclusive and supportive environment to learn, reflect, and engage meaningfully with others.
What to Expect
Program Description: Exploring the Heart of Prajna-Paramita Sutra
Thursdays, February 13 - March 27
This seven-week series offers a profound journey into the teachings of the Heart Sutra, one of the most celebrated and essential texts in Buddhist tradition. Each session will provide an in-depth exploration of key concepts and practices that illuminate the path of wisdom and compassion. The program is open to all, regardless of prior experience, and is designed to offer insights that are both accessible and transformative.
Each session will be led by experienced practitioners and teachers from our community, creating a supportive and inspiring environment for study, meditation, and dialogue.
Course Schedule
February 13: Introduction to Prajna-Paramita and the Sutras
Instructor: Mark Nowkowski
In this opening session, we will set the stage for our exploration of the Heart Sutra. Participants will be introduced to the profound wisdom of Prajna-Paramita (the perfection of wisdom), the historical context of the sutras, and the overarching themes that will guide our journey.
February 20: Emptiness
Instructor: Adrienne Chang
This session delves into the central teaching of emptiness (shunyata), exploring its meaning and implications for our understanding of reality and self. Adrienne will guide participants through meditations and discussions to help integrate this profound concept into daily life.
February 27: The Five Skandhas
Instructor: Daniel Nguyen
This session explores the five aggregates (skandhas) that constitute our experience of self: form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness. Daniel will illuminate how understanding the skandhas can help unravel our habitual patterns and open the door to freedom.
March 6: The Six Senses, Twelve Sense Fields, and Eighteen Consciousnesses
Instructor: Mark Nowkowski
This session examines the intricate interplay of the senses, their corresponding fields, and the consciousnesses that arise from them. Participants will learn how these elements contribute to our perception of reality and how mindfulness can transform this process.
March 13: The Twelve Nidanas
Instructor: Rhea Colmar
Rhea will guide participants through the twelve links of dependent origination (pratityasamutpada), offering insights into the cyclical nature of suffering and how wisdom can break this chain to bring liberation.
March 20: The Four Noble Truths
Instructor: Blaire Martin
This session revisits the foundational teaching of the Buddha; the Four Noble Truths. Blaire will explore how these truths provide a clear framework for understanding the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation.
March 27: Wisdom, Attainment, and the Mantra of the Heart Sutra
Instructor: Pam Bothwell
In this final session, we will reflect on the themes of wisdom and nonattainment as presented in the Heart Sutra. Participants will also be introduced to the power and meaning of the mantra, culminating with an introduction to Vyana, the integrative energy of wisdom.
Program Highlights:
•Guided meditations and contemplative exercises to deepen your understanding.
•Engaging discussions to clarify complex teachings.
•Opportunities to connect with a supportive community of practitioners.
Whether you are new to Buddhism or seeking to deepen your practice, this program offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the profound teachings of the Heart Sutra. Join us in this transformative journey into the essence of wisdom.
Schedule:
Thursdays:
February 13 | February 20| February 27| March 6 | March 13 | March 20 | March 27
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 pm Eastern
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Cost
All prices are in $70 CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.
Suggested Tuition: CA$70
Generosity Policy applies. You will the have the option of pay what you can and applying a discount on the Registration Page should you need financial assistance. The remainder of our costs are covered by donations, creating a generosity circle.
Recommended Reading
The Heart Attack Sutra by Karl Brunnhölzl
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