Chöd Practice: Severing Attachments to Obstacles

Chöd is a powerful Vajrayana practice founded by Machik Lapdron in 11th century Tibet that couples Buddhist philosophy with indigenous Tibetan shamanic traditions. Chöd literally means “cutting” — cutting through our obscurations, cutting ego-grasping and fixation and then offering our entire being to pacify the suffering of all beings. It is also valued as a special system of spiritual healing.

Chöd practice was given to our sangha by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamsto Rinpoche during the summers he visited Karme Chöling and Dorje Denma Ling. We use the English translation of the Surmang Chöd practice text prepared by Elizabeth Callahan with music composed by Ellen Green and Jean Thies, as requested by the Khenpo. Khenpo gave permission for his students who have been practising Chöd regularly to give the lung for this practice to Shambhala vajrayana students.

The retreat is open to vajrayana students who wish to learn the practice, as well as to experienced Chöd practitioners. Kristine McCutcheon will give the lung, and provide instructions for the sadhana and music.

Copies of the liturgy will be available for purchase ($20) which covers printing and a donation to the translator. Please indicate on your registration whether you require a copy.

Schedule

Saturday: 6:30 Dinner & 7:15 Talk
Sunday & Monday: 7am – 9pm Instructions and Practice until 6pm
Tuesday: Practice and Departure at 4pm

Who Can Attend

• Experienced Chödpas. Beginning Monday, local Chödpas are welcome to come for a half day ($20) or a full day ($30). A full day begins with a 7am session and ends around 9pm. Please email programs@dorjedenmaling.com if you are planning to come for a half or whole day and we will register you.
• Aspiring Chödpas who received Vajrayogini abhisheka or who finished a ngöndro and has permission from their teacher.

What to Bring

• If you have a Chöd drum, please bring that. If you don’t bring your damaru.
• Bring a bell.
• Bring a mala.
• If you have extra bells, Chöd drums or damarus, please bring those along to lend to a few people who might not have these implements.

If you have questions about whether you can attend, please contact Kristine directly at kris@mcyork.com