Joyful Heart, Spacious Mind: Singing the Songs of Milarepa and Machig

Songs from the Yogic Tradition of India and Tibet

Join us for a weekend immersed in spontaneous songs – direct teachings from yogins of India and Tibet. These songs are not merely poetry; they are practical instructions, clear pathways to freedom and awakening.

Through singing, meditation, gentle movement, and practices outdoors, you’ll experience the energy and insight these ancient, yet living songs carry.

The Yogins

Milarepa, the snow mountain yogi, sang openly about hunger, hardship, demons, and joy. His songs are raw expressions of lived experience – clear, direct, and practical.

Machig Labdrön brought her teachings to charnel grounds, transforming fear into freedom. Her practice of Chöd cuts through ego by compassionately facing our fears. Her songs and practices provide immediate tools for awakening.

Niguma, known as the Black Dakini, transmitted the Six Yogas, practical methods for awakening subtle energies. Her teachings were passed quietly from yogi to yogi, outside traditional institutions, and remain vividly alive today.

Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, revitalized these traditions through teachings based on the songs of Milarepa, Machig Labdrön, and his own spontaneous compositions. His approach emphasizes direct understanding, embodied experience, and fresh, personal expression. Khenpo Rinpoche himself practiced Chöd extensively in the charnel grounds of India and Tibet.

And others: Yeshe Tsogyal, Gotsangpa, Sukhasiddhi, depending on time and inspiration.

The Experience

You’ll learn traditional Tibetan and Western melodies, explore their profound meanings, and discover your own spontaneous expression of these ancient teachings.

Practices include:

• Wakeful space meditation
• Gentle yoga and Lujong movement
• Outdoor sensory exploration and singing
• Resting and letting go of the watcher
• Sound emptiness meditation
• Creating spontaneous song from your own direct experience

Who May Attend

Open to everyone. No previous meditation or singing experience is necessary. All that’s required is openness, curiosity, and a willingness to explore.

Program Schedule

Costs

All prices are in $CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.

Tuition & Meals: $260
Lodging: Extra: varies by type. Visit the Registration Form or this page for a list of options and pricing.

Generosity Policy: We have a donor-supported pay what you can policy and scholarships available. If you need financial assistance in order to attend, please complete this form and our Finance Director will contact you. If you have questions or would like to set up a payment plan, contact our Finance Department at finance@dorjedenmaling.com.

Covid Considerations

Please read the full details of our Covid policy here.

Registration and Cancellation Policies

Please take note that our registration and cancellation policies have been updated. You can read our registration and cancellation policies here.

Useful Links

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