Celebrating Goodness and Wisdom: Feast Practice in Shambhala Vajrayana

Teacher : Walker Blaine
Price per person: $108
Patron Price: $149
Price for Centers: $399
Price for Groups: $249
 
Celebrating Goodness and Wisdom is a six-session, in-depth exploration of the core elements of feast practice. The course is designed for Werma Sadhana practitioners and will be of interest to new and not-so-new practitioners alike. The first two sessions cover issues related to food and dining from the perspective of the three yanas and Shambhala culture. This lays the ground for the rest of the course, where we will look at the structure of the feast, roles involved in a feast, the basic themes in feast practice, etiquette, samayas, and tantric symbolism.
 
Prerequisite: Restricted to Werma Sadhana practitioners.

Here are suggestions for doing the course:

  • If you are doing the course at a center, schedule the classes a few days before each feast and have a brief check-in discussion before the feast itself, and some about the experience of the feast during the next class.
  • Individuals taking the course are encouraged to form online groups to discuss the classes together, scheduling discussions after the talks or keeping in touch by email.
  • Whether taking the course in a group or individually, conclude the series with a feast.
About the teacher
 
 
Walker Blaine is Master of Liturgies to Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and a Herald of the Kalapa Court. He has been part of the Shambhala community for 35 years. Walker’s ebook, The Great River of Blessings, an account of the Rinchen Terdzö received by the Sakyong in the winter of 2008-2009, can be downloaded here. His two CDs of Buddhist music can be sampled on iTunes. In 2016 he premiered a five-act Shambhala comedy, Norbu and the Mystery of the Missing Ratna, in Halifax. He lives with his wife Patricia and their son Griffin Arrow in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
 
 
 

Feast Course Invitation from ShambhalaOnline on Vimeo.

About Our Courses

The online courses are designed for those who don’t live near a Shambhala Center, or who need a particular course in order to continue on the path. Each course features a senior Shambhala teacher, an online community of participants, and facilitation by an experienced course leader. Over 6 to 8 weeks, course participants view recorded teachings, then gather in the online learning environment to discuss, contemplate and engage in exercises aimed at deepening their understanding.

When Does the Class Meet?

The course is asynchronous. You may view the recorded talks at your convenience. The recommended schedule is to view one talk each week and complete the associated readings and exercises in the module. There are 6 recorded talks.

How Much Time Does it Take?

Most participants spend 2 to 3 hours per week on the course. The talks average 45 minutes in length. Allow yourself time to do the readings, meditation practices and other assignments. It’s a good idea to schedule the time on your calendar as you would for a face-to-face class.

NOTE: This program consists of six pre-recorded classes, which can be completed on your own schedule.

Registration Options

1) Regular Amount. $108 for individuals. $399 for Centers; $249 for Groups.

2) Patron. The Patron rate of $149 supports our efforts to connect teachers and learners through online programs. In particular, it helps us offer the generosity policy to those in need.

3) Pay Another Amount.  To pay something other than the listed regular or patron amounts, please use the Registration button.  We recommend that you consider the value of the course to you personally within the context of your current circumstances when making an offering. 

NOTE to Centers and Groups: Please use your Shambhala Center account to register. Click here for instructions on creating an account.

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