(Cancelled) Chöd Training & Practice: Severing Attachments to Obstacles 2021

Chöd is a Mahayana practice compiled, realized and transmitted by the 11th century yogini Machik Lapdron. The practice brings together the teachings on selflessness and great compassion with very specific meditation methods. 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. The distinctive drum and singing are what many people recognize as the outer practice.

Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamsto Rinpoche presented Chöd practice during the summers at Karme Chöling, Dorje Denma Ling and other Centres, skillfully translated into English by Elizabeth Callahan. The melodies were transposed from the Tibetan by Ellen Green and Jean Thies.

The retreat is open to qualified students who wish to learn the practice, as well as to experienced Chöd practitioners of any tradition. Instructions for the sadhana and music will be provided.

Who Can Attend

• Experienced Chödpas who have received the practice from another teacher or lineage and have permission of their teacher.
• Aspiring Chödpas who have received Abhisheka or who finished a ngöndro and have permission from their teacher.

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

Costs

Tuition:$135
Meals: $40

Accommodations are extra. You can view total costs including accommodations by visiting the Registration Page.

Repeaters will receive a 50% discount on the tuition portion. If you are a repeater, simply add that note in the “Comments of Special Needs” field on the Registration Form.

Invitation to Friday Talk

All practitioners who meet the requirements for the program are invited to attend the introductory talk on Friday evening at 7:30, free of charge. This will give an overview of Chöd practice, the history and lineages, and approach why one would consider this practice in these present times.

Donations are welcome. Please let Guest Services know if you are planning to come.

Practice Liturgy

The practice liturgy we use is called Offering One’s Body: The Daily Practice of Chö, which was translated into English by Elizabeth M. Callahan under the Guidance of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche.

If you are doing this for the first time, there will be a charge for the text.

Schedule

Friday: 6:30 Dinner & 7:30 Talk
Saturday: 7am – 9pm, with Chöd Instructions and Practice from 9am to 6pm
Sunday: 7am – 4:30pm
Note: 7-8 am and 7:3-9 pm sessions are optional

What to Bring

• If you have a Chöd drum, please bring that. A damaru (small drum) doesn’t work for this practice..
• Bring a bell.
• If you have extra bells, Chöd drums, please bring those along to lend to a few people who might not have these implements.