We may have received - or given - meditation instructions on how to cut thoughts many times. If thinking is what brings meaning to our human life, why would we want to do that? Why do Jamgon Kongtrul, Tilopa, and Yeshe Tsogyal say that non-distraction is the most important meditation skill of all? How can nonthought open the tender heart of bodhichitta, or the confidence of windhorse? Why did Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche teach that cutting thoughts is the key to the wisdom of mahamudra and dzogchen? This will be an opportunity to unpack and discuss the subtleties of these classic instructions. Acharya John will share his own exploration and insights, including what he regards as the most important meditation experience of all - "beginner's mind."
ABOUT THE TEACHER
Acharya Richard John is an early student of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and was appointed as an Acharya by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. He has for many years taught Shambhala Buddhist programs in the US, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Chile. He completed the first three-year group retreat at Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, and now teaches full time. Richard and his wife Liz live in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
ABOUT SUNDAY GATHERINGS
Please join us every Sunday for an online gathering of the Shambhala community worldwide. This online space is a place where we can practice meditation together, hear dharma teachings from a featured guest teacher, learn more about the activities of incredible people in our sangha, engage in discussion – and connect with one another, our community, and our hearts.
Sunday Gatherings are produced by Shambhala Global Services and hosted by Shambhala Online.
Sunday Gatherings are presented in English and are live every week at:
North America: 12:00pm PST, 1:00pm MST, 2:00pm CET, 3:00pm EST/CLT, 4:00pm Atlantic
International: 5:00pm Brazil, 8:00 pm GMT / 9:00pm CET/SAST, 6:00am +1 AEST, 8:00am +1NZST
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REGISTRATION
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Questions? Email [email protected] >>