Shambhala Publications' Online and In-Person Author Events, Talks, and Retreats

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A Fire Runs through All Things | Susan Murphy | Castlemaine Zen

Monday, March 18, 2024 | 5:45 PM Australian Eastern Time |  Northern Arts Hotel (Castlemaine, VIC, Australia)

Susan Murphy will discuss her new book A Fire Runs through All Things during this in-person event hosted by Castlemaine Zen at Northern Arts Hotel in Castlemaine, VIC, Australia.

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Mahayana Vision and the Dawn of Tantra: A Journey Into the Mirror | Andy Karr | Online and Dharma Mati Berlin

March 22, 2024 |7:00 PM CET (1:00 PM EST) to March 24, 2024 | 5:00 PM CET ( 12:00 PM EST) |  Dharma Mati Berlin, Germany

The practice of Vajrayana is based firmly on the insights of the Mahayana, and especially on the insights of Yogacara. The more you understand the Mahayana, the deeper your Vajrayana practice will be. In this weekend program we will explore the way the two aspects of of shunyata—emptiness and luminosity—are experienced by plumbing the depths of the Middle Way and Yogacara teachings, and the way the unique Mahayana perspective translates into the profound practices of the Vajrayana.

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Book Launch: The Heart of Tibetan Buddhism | Khenpo Sherab Sangpo with Roger R. Jackson | Magers & Quinn Booksellers

Monday, March 26, 2024 | 7:00 PM Central Time |  Magers & Quinn Booksellers (Minneapolis, MN)

In-person book launch of The Heart of Tibetan Buddhism at Magers & Quinn Booksellers in Minneapolis, MN. Khenpo Sherab Sangpo will discuss his new book in conversation with Roger R. Jackson.

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Green Tara Annual Retreat/Allison Choying Zangmo/Orgyen Khamdroling Dharma Center

March 29th / 9:00am MST |  Orygen Khamdroling Dharma Center

Join us for our third Green Tara Retreat at our Denver center. Allison Choying Zangmo will offer this program, including Practical Instructions on the 21 Taras.

March 29-31, 2024

Tara, the Mother of all Buddhas, called the Swift Liberator, vowed to work for the benefit of sentient beings in female form until the end of samsara. Each of the 21 major forms of Tara offers a feminine attribute of ultimate benefit to all who ask for her assistance.

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Darkness, Emptiness, Luminosity: A Journey Into the Mirror | Andy Karr | Online and Rigpa UK, London

April 06, 2024 | 10:00 AM GMT+1 (5:00 AM EDT) | to April 07, 2024, 5:00 PM GMT+1 (12:00 PM EDT) |  Rigpa London, 330 Caledonian Rd, London N1 1BB, UK

In this weekend program, we will explore techniques for cutting the karmic chain reactions that bind us in samsara. We will look into contemporary thinking that challenges our materialistic assumptions. We will investigate techniques for deconstructing mental fabrications and elaborations. Finally, we will learn how recognizing the basic ground of being dissolves the foundations of duality.

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Book Launch: Presence | Tracy Cochran | Rubin Museum of Art

Friday, April 19, 2024 | 6:00 PM Eastern Time |  Rubin Museum of Art (NYC)

Tracy Cochran will discuss her new book Presence: The Art of Being at Home in Yourself in this in-person book launch and signing at the Rubin Museum of Art in NYC.

Darkness, Emptiness, Luminosity: A Journey Into the Mirror | Andy Karr | Halifax Shambhala Centre

April 19, 2024 | 7:00 PM ADT to April 20, 2024 5:00 PM ADT |  Halifax Shambhala Centre

In this weekend program, we will explore techniques for cutting the karmic chain reactions that bind us in samsara. We will look into contemporary thinking that challenges our materialistic assumptions. We will investigate techniques for deconstructing mental fabrications and elaborations. Finally, we will learn how recognizing the basic ground of being dissolves the foundations of duality.

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Mythmaking and the Timeless Art of Memoir: A Writing Workshop for Women | Maureen Murdock | Santa Fe, NM

April 25-27, 2024 |  Hotel Santa Fe, Santa Fe, New Mexico

The story we tell ourselves and others gives us a sense of identity. It helps us organize our life in such a way that it gives us meaning and direction. Although not every memoir reflects a mythic theme, most memoir writers unconsciously reveal mythic themes in their desire to find meaning in their lives. They wonder: Who am I? Who are my people? What is my journey? What is my purpose? Where is home? Myth fuels the psychic desire of humans to understand their origins and therefore their destinies. Memoir brings forward an event of the past and re-enacts it by giving it form in writing.

The essence of a great memoir is the voice of the writer and how she brings the reader into a scene with sensory details. Memoir has to deliver vivid characters, evocative settings and pitch-perfect dialogue for the reader to remain interested. How you select and order the events in your life adds to the meaning  you make of these events and helps you find a cohesive theme. Both myth and memoir arise from a human need for connection and that is why memoirs are so popular in culture today.

In an atmosphere of friendship, support, and safety in the beautiful Hotel Santa Fe, you will have time and the opportunity to write, read excerpts from contemporary memoirs that reflect mythic themes, and listen to the power of your own words and the words of your sisters.

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Sangye Khandro: The Art and Craft of Translating the Dharma

Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10:00am-11:30am MDT |  

Tara Mandala is honored to welcome a beloved teacher to our community and the wider Buddhist community in the West, Sangye Khandro, for a special dharma talk on the art and craft of translating the dharma. In this intimate session, Sangye Khandro will share reflections and stories from her over forty years of experiences as a translator and practitioner, giving us a glimpse into the often hidden and arduous work of bringing to the English speaking world the profound Tibetan teaching

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EMBODYING TARA Through Meditation And Chanting With Chandra Easton And Chantress Nina Rao

May 11, 2024 2PM-5PM Eastern Standard Time |  Tibet House US, New York, New York

Come celebrate women in Buddhism by immersing yourself in Mother Tara on this Mothers’ Day weekend.

Tara, the female buddha of compassion, is called the “Savioress” because she is known for saving beings from the ocean of samsara (suffering). Her name also means “star” as she is as infinite as the stars in the sky. Ultimately, she represents the essential nature of your own mind, your buddha-nature, and in this way, she can manifest in each and every one of us in a myriad of different ways. The twenty-one aspects of Tara appear in the 11th century tantric text called the Twenty-One Praises to Tara, a devotional hymn popular in Tibetan Buddhism, from which Chandra’s book, Embodying Tara, draws its teachings and practices.

In this workshop, Chandra will speak about her book, guide a Tara embodiment meditation, and share stories of real life women who embody their qualities. Nina will chant some of the 21 Tara melodies from their project www.21tarascollective.org with musical accompaniment.

You will have the opportunity to get your Embodying Tara book at the bookstore and have it signed. You will also receive a free CD of Nina’s ‘Anubhav’ album.

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Embodying Tara: a Meditation, Mantra and Yoga Retreat (featuring Nina Rao)

May 12-17, 2024 |  Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

THE ESSENTIAL NATURE OF OUR MIND

Tara, the female buddha of compassion, is called the “Savioress” because she is known for saving beings from the ocean of samsara (suffering). Her name also means “star” as she is as infinite as the stars in the sky. Ultimately, she is the Great Mother, and she represents the essential nature of your own mind, your buddha-nature, and in this way, she can manifest in each and every one of us in a myriad of different ways. The twenty-one aspects of Tara appear in the 11th century tantric text called the Twenty-One Praises to Tara, a devotional hymn popular in Tibetan Buddhism, from which Chandra’s book, Embodying Tara, draws its teachings and practices.

Join author and and translator of Tibetan Buddhism, Chandra Easton, along with devotional chanteuse and recording artist, Nina Rao, for a program that covers the first three of the 21 Taras: Turavira, Vajra Sarasvati, and Vasudhara. Learn meditations and mantras, hear stories of real life women who embody these qualities, and become inspired to bring the aspects of Tara alive in yourself.

Collectively, we will invite Tara’s energy to come alive through:

Guided meditations, gentle therapeutic yoga, mantras, and chanting
Exploration of women and broader social movements that embody Tara's enlightened activities
Insight into core Buddhist concepts and teachings
Return home feeling more united in your body, mind, and soul.

NOTE Nina will share beautiful melodies for the 21 Tara mantras and also offer a Kirtan for the Kripalu community on Wednesday, May 15. Learn more about the music featured in this program at 21tarascollective.org.

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Embodying Tara: A Meditation, Chanting and Yoga Retreat & Book Signing

July 19 - July 24, 2024 |  Tara Mandala Retreat Center, Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Tara, the female Buddha of compassion, is revered as the “Savioress” because she is known for saving beings from the ocean of samsara (suffering). Her name also means “star” as she is as infinite as the stars in the sky. She manifests in the world according to the needs of sentient beings.

Join us for the first-ever in-person 21 Tara’s retreat with Dorje Lopön Chandra on the sacred land at Tara Mandala, said to be the body of Tara herself. Lopön Chandra will teach five of the 21 Taras, one Tara per day. You will learn meditations and mantras for each Tara as well as hear stories of real-life women who embody their qualities. They will inspire you to bring these aspects of Tara alive in yourself, bringing your body, mind, and soul into alignment with your own enlightened nature.

In this retreat, we will invite Tara’s awakened energy to come alive in ourselves through:

Insight into core Buddhist concepts and teachings
Guided Tara meditations in the Trikaya Tara Temple and outside in nature, the true abode of Tara
Chanting melodies of the 21 Tara mantras
Gentle therapeutic yoga
Dyad (mindful relational) practice
Exploration of the lives of real women and movements that embody Tara’s enlightened activities
Closing fire ceremony under the stars with chanting on the final evening
The 21 aspects of Tara appear in the 11th century tantric text called the Twenty-One Praises to Tara, a devotional hymn popular in Tibetan Buddhism, from which Lopön Chandra’s new book, Embodying Tara, draws its teachings and practices. Students will have the special opportunity to celebrate the publication of this heartfelt work of scholarship and years of engaged practice with Lopön Chandra at an intimate book signing during the course of the retreat.

Recommended Reading:
As an accompaniment to this retreat, students are encouraged to read Lopön Chandra Easton’s new book, Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom (2023).

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Kalachakra Completion Stage Program

August 2, 2024 - September 2, 2024 (4-Week Retreat) |  Dzokden Kalapa - Garanas 41, 8541 Bad Schwanberg, Austria

VAJRA YOGAS
The completion stage practice of Kalachakra's Profound Path of Vajra Yoga

The 4 Drops
To help simplify the process of transformation which is established through the preliminary practices, we can think of four stages leading to a non-conceptual awareness.

Practicing the 6 Vajra Yogas
Taranatha said the 6 Vajra Yogas are above all other practices. This is the true completion stage practice. Rinpoche encourages you to prepare to take these practices.

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Buddhist Society Summer School 2024

aturday 24th August 2024 through to Saturday August 31st |  The Royal Agricultural University , Cotswolds, UK

The 71st Buddhist Society Summer School Retreat 2024, this Year celebrates the Centenary of the Buddhist Society, 1924 - 2024 on Saturday 24th August 2024 through to Saturday August 31st.
The week is an opportunity for newcomers and experienced practitioners to come together for a program of talks and meditation to deepen their connection with the Dharma and enhance their practice.

Morning talks will cover the early teachings of the Buddha, Afternoon talks will cover Buddhist practice, and Evening talks on a variety of topics and intended to encourage and inspire.

Speakers
This year distinguished international speakers from all the main traditions are attending and include:

Ajahn Amaro, Abbot of Amaravati monastery of the Theravada Tradition
Lord High Abbot Daiko Osho-san of Ichibata Yakusi Zen Temple in Honshu, Japan of the Rinzai Zen Tradition
Venerable Bogotá Seelawimila Thera, Head Priest of The London Vihara, of theTheravada tradition
Dr Desmond Biddulph CBE, President of the Buddhist Society, Chairman of the Summer School Retreat, of the Zen Tradition
Roy Sutherwood, FPMT teacher and leads on Tibetan Studies at the Buddhist Society
Other international speakers are being invited and will be added to the programme.

Daily meditation practice
There are three daily sessions of voluntary meditation. Instructions are offered to newcomers by Mark Bush of the Zen Tradition.

Morning Dharma Talks
A series of six talks. Three talks are given by Olwen Smith on the fundamental teachings common to all schools of Buddhism and three talks given by Roy Sutherwood, former Director of Jamyang Tibetan Buddhist Centre London. On the development of the Mahayana, The Great Way.

Afternoon Talks
Afternoon talks on Buddhist practice in daily life are given by experienced practitioners and open for everyone to attend after tea time and relaxation

Held at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, the annual Summer School Retreat is a joyous week. The friendly atmosphere of 'all on the same path' makes it a happy experience for everyone. There is free time every day to explore the ancient Roman town of Cirencester and the beautiful surroundings of the Cotswold Countryside.

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