Profound Simplicity: Essentials for the Path, from Beginning to End

taught via zoom: attend on Zoom or In-Person with a group at the Berkeley, Davis or Sonoma Shambhala CenterS • Presented by Northern California Shambhala

“Relax your mind in simplicity, released from struggle and effort, like a garuda soaring through space.”
— Tagpo Tashi Namgyal

Some of the most crucial and powerful dharma teachings are the so-called “preliminaries” for establishing one’s path of Dharma. Although great masters have taught that these are the most important of all, with our linear western education we habitually regard them as something to outgrow in order to progress on the path.

The opposite is true. After years of practice, many senior practitioners find themselves uncertain or stuck: We have too many practices — how do we choose? How do I know I am on the right track? Who is my teacher? Maybe I missed something early on...

For vajrayana practitioners, the ability to rest the mind in stillness is an essential basis for all other practices, including sadhana, guru yoga and mind nature. 

The four thoughts that turn the mind, the three prajnas (hearing, contemplation, meditation), and the four wheels of the chariot of meditation are unsurpassed for establishing the direction and power of our path. These teachings must become more and more subtle, personal, and deeply experiential if we are to ever wake up to our inherent wisdom.

This retreat will consist of teachings, Q&A, and practice of these three profound sets of teachings.

Attendance

This online weekend retreat is open to all practitioners, from those who are new to the path to those who have practiced vajrayana for many years. Participants should commit to both days if possible, or to at least one full day.

Richard John will teach this program online via Zoom. The program will be recorded and links sent out to all registrants post-program.

• Attend live via Zoom from anywhere.
• Attend in-person with a group at the Berkeley, Davis or Sonoma Shambhala Centers, where a viewing screens will be set up. 
• Watch recording later: attending live is much preferable but if you’re simply unable to, you can register to receive the recording links, post-program.

Schedule

Saturday & Sunday, May 4-5 • 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (PT)
Lunch break 11:00 to 1:00 pm (PT)

Heart Gifts

It is customary to offer a monetary Heart Gift to the teacher, whose livelihood is entirely from teaching programs. The gift is completely voluntary according to your inspiration, and there is no suggested amount — any amount is appreciated!

Profound Simplicity: Essentials for the Path, from Beginning to End

Saturday & Sunday, May 4-5 2024 • 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (Pacific Time)
This program will be taught on Zoom. Attend live from anywhere in the world via Zoom or attend in-person with a group at the Berkeley, Davis or Sonoma Shambhala Centers. 

Open to all practitioners, from those who are new to the path to those who have practiced vajrayana for many years. Participants should commit to both days if possible, or to at least one full day. 

Please note that if you are attending in-person at one of the centers we ask that you complete your payment online at the time of registration. Thank you!

• $150 Program price
• $190 Patron price
• $100 Limited Income price
• $ 65 (if unable to pay ‘Limited Income’ price), or
• Pay what you can afford: type dollar amount in form

Registration  Please register and pay in advance to receive the welcome letter containing the Zoom info in advance of the program. This program will be recorded and links made available post-program to all registrants. It is much preferable to attend these teachings live but if you are unable to, register to receive the recording links, post-program.

Questions?

Joanne Martin Braun  jmartinbraun [at] gmail [dot] com

Center contacts for in-person attendance questions
Berkeley: Jesse Miller shambhalaberkeley [at] gmail [dot] com
Davis: Patti Larson pablarson [at] gmail [dot] com
Sonoma: Bill Shean bill.shean [at] hotmail [dot] com