Chöygam Trungpa Rinpoche presented two approaches to space awareness: Mudra, which he shared with theater performers, and Five Buddha Family training, commonly known in Western Psychology under the title of “Maitri.” These two are profound and powerful teachings on playfully working with and creating our reality.

The ten-day retreat setting offers participants the opportunity to integrate the Five Buddha Families with Mudra space awareness and discover the potential of mandala. Together the practices encourage us to meet space on its own terms, to trust its wisdom, and to learn how to remain courageously present even in intense or challenging situations.

Description

Dechen Chöling is home to a set of the five maitri rooms, which allows us to combine a Mahamudra depiction of space’s energies with the Dzogchen-influenced naked awareness of Mudra. The retreat schedule includes meditation practice, improvisational forms, solitary time in Maitri rooms, group Mudra space awareness practice, and short talks and discussion, linking the Tibetan approach to space and awareness to the challenge of keeping our rainbow-like world harmonious at home, work and beyond.

The retreat setting also provides an opportunity for us to live, work and play as an ensemble, transforming together as we explore the dance between the five elements that compose our world and behavior patterns, both neurotic and enlightened.

Prior experience with meditation and with Mudra and/or Maitri is recommended. While this combination of practices is physically and mentally demanding, accommodations can be made for some physical challenges. If interested, please contact the presenters and we can explore the suitability of the retreat for you. If you have not studied Mudra or Maitri but have other mind-body training and experience, we will talk about it. Please write to Sabine: [email protected]

The retreat is limited to 25 participants.

Practical

Arrival day (Sunday 12 May): Orientation talk at 8 pm. You’re invited to come from 4 pm in order to register and settle in your room. Dinner is served at 6.45 pm.

End of programme (Wesnesday 22 May): Closing circle and Banquet in the evening.

Departure day (Thursday 23 May): You may leave anytime (no programme that day). You’re welcome to stay for lunch.