Yeshe Tsogyal and the Feminine Principle

Saturdays: June 17, 24, July 1, 8, & 22 from 2:30pm-4:00pm EST

Tibetan queen and renowned yogini Yeshe Tsogyal experienced many obstacles and challenges on her path, some of them specifically because of her female birth and others connected to personal struggles everyone faces. Nevertheless, she was an unwavering dharma student, deeply practiced and committed to her teacher and consort, Guru Rinpoche. This course will explore Yeshe Tsogyal as a female exemplar, enlightened teacher, and fierce protector for all dharma practitioners. The course will include dharma talks, ritual practices, stories and discussions about the importance of Yeshe Tsogyal for contemporary times.

Prerequisites: This course is open to all practioners.

Outline of Sessions:

June 17 (Course Opens): Session I - Prerecorded

Yeshe Tsogyal, Embodiment of Feminine Principle

An introduction to Yeshe Tsogyal, with outer, inner, and secret aspects of who she is and why she is so important in Tibetan Buddhism.

June 24: Session II - Live (2:30pm-4:00pm EST)

​Yeshe Tsogyal, Tibetan Noblewoman Becomes a Yogini

​An overview of Yeshe Tsogyal’s life and journey, with selected themes that inspire our practice.

July 1: Session III - Prerecorded

Yeshe Tsogyal Dakini Iconography

​An exploration of Yeshe Tsogyal as woman, deity, and dakini from Tibetan Buddhist practice, with reference to contemporary pilgrimage sites associated with her journey.

July 8: Session IV - Prerecorded

Yeshe Tsogyal the Mother of Tibetan Buddhism

Tracing her timeless relevance for practice, how Yeshe Tsogyal awakens authentic devotion, realization, and protection.

July 22 (Closing): Session V - Live (2:30pm-4:00pm EST)

Q/A

Participants will engage in a live question and answer session with teacher Judith Simmer-Brown. 

Text

Readings: Changchub and Nyingpo, Lady of the Lotus Born (Shambhala, 1999)

About the Teacher

Judith Simmer-Brown, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Professor of Contemplative and Religious Studies Emeritx at Naropa University, where she has taught for over 40 years. Simmer-Brown is a compassion trainer for the Compassion Initiative at Naropa. She is author of  Dakini’s Warm Breath: The Feminine Principle in Tibetan Buddhism (Shambhala) and editor, with Fran Grace, of Meditation and the Classroom: Contemplative Pedagogy for Religious Studies (SUNY). She teaches Shambhala Training levels, Mahayana and Vajrayana topics, with a special love of White Tara, feminine principle, working with emotions, compassion and social engagement.