The legacy of Tibetan Buddhist master Chögyam Trungpa holds many contemplative methods for taming and training our wandering minds, directing us towards gentleness and helping us to uncover our basic nature of goodness, spaciousness and creativity.

Mudra Space Awareness gives us an opportunity to grow and evolve by helping us to connect our innate compassion and express it in the world.

Chögyam Trungpa originally offered this series of physical exercises to theater performers as a tool for researching how “self” arises from space. From that understanding, we can learn how to develop a proper communication with reality and act in accord with situations.

The Mudra approach offered in this program combines group work with self-revelation, improvisation and laughter. It is a playful rebellion from the traps of ego and a recognition that each of us is our own Mudra.

Throughout the week, you can expect periods of sitting meditation interspersed with formalized exercises working with body and mind. There will be improvisations in how to channel fearlessness and remain flexible to changing situations. We will also work with methods aimed at enhancing awareness of perception, sound and speech, working with sound cycles originally written by Chögyam Trungpa.

There are no prerequisites to register for this programme It is open to all who are willing to try something new and discover the unbound fearlessness and creativity that lie in us all. Whether you want to bring to light your authentic being on the stage or in your daily life!


Know more

Defined literally as ‘gesture’ mudra refers to the central issues of theatre, broadly defined to include performance art, dance, bodywork, music, visual arts and design principles. Developed by Chögyam Trungpa in the 1970’s, the mudra space awareness exercises are a collaboration of Tibetan monastic dance and theatre improvisation aimed at developing presence and authenticity. Since then this rigorous practice has become a ground for many disciplines in fields such as psychology, teacher training and eldercare as well as providing insight into how to lead a mindful life.

The Vidyadhara’s teachings on Mudra Space Awareness are one of Shambhala’s hidden treasures. The cycle of exercises embody his creative genius in making the vajrayana teachings accessible and penetrating. He begins at the beginning-how to be in space-then takes us step by step through how to stand, walk, relate with things, and interact with people. So simple, yet so revealing! – Ashe Acharya John Rockwell

Practical

Arrival day (Monday April 17):Orientation talk at 8 pm. You’re invited to come from 5 pm in order to register and settle in your room. Dinner is served at 6.45 pm.
End of program (Saturday April 22): Closing circle and Banquet in the evening.

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

This program is taught in English. Translation into French or other languages are available at no extra costs. Please give us notice of your request as early as possible, so that we can provide translation service.

Teacher

Lee Worley

Lee Worley was Chair of Theatre Studies Programme at Naropa University from its beginning in the 1970’s. Here, under the direct guidance of the founder, Chögyam Trungpa, she studied the Mudra Space Awareness Practices and developed  the Theater program through its infancy as well as collaborating on the creation of the InterArts Studies and Contemplative Education programs She is currently Professor of Performance and Contemplative Education at Naropa University.