The Tibetan Buddhist Path: Wisdom and Compassion
with Al San Valentin, Andy Karr, Daniel Nguyen, Molly DeShong and Rhea Colmar
September 3, 2026 - April 8, 2027
Online
When: Thursdays 7pm - 8:30pm Eastern | 8pm - 9:30 Atlantic
Registration: Full program or Individual Modules.
Contact: DDL Online Team
ddlonline@dorjedenmaling.org
Pricing: Suggested: $396 full year/$108 per module Pay what you can.
- CAD $396.00 – I can pay the suggested amount
- CAD $25.00 to CAD $300.00 – I can pay this amount.
 |
Module 1
Introduction to MahayanaSept. 3 to Oct. 15 This opening module provides an overview of Mahayana and begins with a review of the foundational teachings and the importance of mindfulness-awareness meditation. From there, we enter the bodhisattva path through the study of absolute and relative bodhicitta. Students will explore heart-opening practices such as tonglen and loving-kindness meditation while also beginning to engage the teachings on shunyata and emptiness. Topics include the way of the bodhisattva, ultimate and relative bodhicitta, the four limitless qualities, the twofold egolessness, and becoming a bodhisattva. Teachers: Andy Karr, Jean Marie Robbins, Tavita Martinez
7 classes • Meet and greet on Oct. 22
|
 |
Module 2
ParamitasOct. 29 to Dec. 17 This module introduces the paramitas as practical methods for developing generosity, discipline, patience, exertion, meditation, and wisdom. These teachings show how the Mahayana path is not merely philosophical, but lived through conduct, relationship, and everyday action. Throughout the module, we examine the characteristics of each paramita practice, with emphasis on threefold purity. We also explore how prajna functions as the intelligence needed to work skillfully with others, and how post-meditation practice transforms ordinary activities into sacred action rooted in nonaggression and basic goodness. Teachers: Lynn Friedman, Daniel Nguyen, Jean Marie Robbins
7 classes • No class on Nov. 26
|
 |
Module 3
LojongJan. 7 to Feb. 18 This module introduces mind training, or lojong, as a set of practical guidelines for cultivating the wisdom and skillful means of the bodhisattva path. The slogans become pithy reminders that bring meditation off the cushion and into everyday life. We explore the four reminders, ultimate and relative bodhicitta as they apply to lojong, and the practice of tonglen or sending and receiving. The emphasis throughout is on using these teachings to transform difficulty, deepen compassion, and act with greater clarity in the midst of ordinary experience. Teachers: Lynn Friedman, Molly DeShong, Al San Valentin
7 classes • Meet and greet on Feb. 25
|
 |
Module 4
EmptinessMarch 4 to April 8 This module dives into the teachings on emptiness by guiding students through progressive stages of understanding. Rather than leaving emptiness as a philosophical abstraction, we approach it through logical analysis, contemplations, and direct exercises that make it relevant to daily life. The curriculum moves through the stages of Shravakayana, Cittamatra, Svatantrika, Prasangika, and Shentong, with supporting readings. The module concludes with review and integration. Teachers: Andy Karr, Rhea Colmar, Tavita Martinez
6 classes • Bodhisattva vow details TBD
|
Open to all. No previous experience required. Join one module or walk the full path.
About the Leaders
Al San Valentin
Al San Valentin (they/them/their) has been practicing and studying in the Kagyu Nyingma lineage in the tradition of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche since 2016. They received their meditation instructor certification in 2021 through Open Heart Project. Al is part of The Wisdom Seat as a board member and Meditation Instructor, has helped with Chogyam Trungpa Institute’s […]
Learn more about Al San Valentin
Andy Karr
Andy Karr has practiced and studied the dharma for over fifty years under the guidance of such great masters as Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. His most recent book is, Into the Mirror: A Buddhist Journey through Mind, Matter, and the Nature of Reality. Visit andykarrauthor.com for his teachings and work.
Learn more about Andy Karr
Daniel Nguyen
Daniel Nguyen has been a practitioner of Buddhism for over a decade. He studied the Theravada tradition, as well as the Kagyü and Nyingma tradition through attending and teaching at the Profound Treasury Retreats. He is one of its current board members. Daniel is a family doctor in Montreal. He works in a group clinic, […]
Learn more about Daniel Nguyen
Molly DeShong
Molly DeShong is a longtime dharma student and teacher based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She thanks Chögyam Trungpa’s lineage, Tsokyni Rinpoche, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, and others for her voracious appetite for three-yana view and practice. In her counselling/consulting work, Molly offers mindfulness and contemplative methods to individuals and groups, drawing from Non-Violent Communication and Transformative […]
Learn more about Molly DeShong
Rhea Colmar
Rhea Colmar considers herself a student in the lineage of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche as well as other contemporary Buddhist teachers. As a public health nurse, Rhea is interested in the intersection of meditation, health, and well-being, on both the individual and societal levels. She has a background in dance and massage & bodywork. Recently, she […]
Learn more about Rhea ColmarCategories : Online, Public Program