[Online] Heaven and Earth: Contemplative Landscape Photography
with John McQuade
June 28 - September 20, 2026
Online
Date and Time Details:
Biweekly Sundays
3-5 pm Atlantic
Contact: DDLOnline@dorjedenmaling.org
Cost: Sliding Scale
- CAD $165.00 to CAD $265.00
“When human beings live in harmony with heaven and earth, the world itself becomes workable. There is no fear.”
— Chögyam Trungpa
Heaven and Earth is a six-class contemplative photography course exploring landscape through an Eastern contemplative approach, rather than the traditional Western scenic view.
The course looks at landscape not simply as scenery, but as relationship: heaven above, earth below, and the human being learning to see clearly within that living field.
The contemplative landscape way emphasizes visual form, space, atmosphere, stillness, and direct perception, rather than dramatic effect or conventional composition.
This updated offering places greater emphasis on the study of Chinese landscape painting, deep ecology, and the work of Ansel Adams; both as a master photographer and environmentalist.
If something in you wants a quieter, more precise way of seeing, this course will meet you there.
Those who have previously taken the course are warmly invited to return for this refreshed version.
Course Emphasis
The course works with Chinese landscape painting, deep ecology, and the precision of Ansel Adams.
Participants explore how landscape reveals structure, atmosphere, scale, and interdependence—where clarity meets vastness.
Who Should Attend
This course is open to anyone interested in exploring the principles of contemplative landscape photography and the messages landscapes express.
Participants should be prepared to travel through the countryside, looking carefully and finding contemplative landscapes. This is different from simply capturing nature, and it may take time. For this reason, the sessions are spaced two weeks apart.
You will need a digital camera with a long lens, at least 180mm. Enrollment is limited to 15.
What to Expect
The program is structured around teachings, visual study, assignments, and assignment reviews. Participants will receive specific exploration assignments, which the group will share and review together. Meditation instruction and practice will be offered, but it is not required.
Schedule
Sundays, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Atlantic
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern
June 28 · July 12 · July 26 · August 9 · August 23 · September 20
Cost
All prices are in CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.
Suggested Tuition: CA$165
Generosity Policy applies. You will have the option to pay what you can and apply a discount on the registration page if you need financial assistance. The remainder of our costs are covered by donations, creating a generosity circle.
NEW: 30 & under and monastic discounts are available during registration. When early bird pricing is in effect, the higher discount will take precedence.
Read About Our Generosity Policy
References
Contemplative Art and Liberation, by John McQuade
Other Useful Links
About the Leader
John McQuade
John McQuade is the founder of Nalanda Miksang Photography, and has established Nalanda Miksang teachers in North America, Europe and Australia. He is also co-author of two books in his field: Looking and Seeing, and Heart of Photography. He is currently on the faculty of the Halliburton School of Art and Design and is completing a PhD on the […]
Learn more about John McQuadeCategory : Online