Hi Sangha!
Here comes August with lots of practice opportunities and ways to connect:
There are two online weekend retreats, two open public teachings, and (into September) an in-person retreat in Canada that will definitely fill up fast.
As always, check the calendar for the most up-to-date listings.
Hope to see you around this month!
If you benefit from the teachings and would like to offer Dana, you can do it here:
Upcoming Events
Live Q&A
Sunday, August 2, 11am CST
Lama Lena will go live to answer student practice questions. This is an informal session where students can type questions in the chat and Nyondo reads them for Lama Lena to answer. Make sure to join as these sessions are a lot of fun. Please keep your questions under 140 words.
This will be a live public teaching on Facebook & YouTube.
Online Retreat: Working with Thoughts
August 8-9
All about the nature of thoughts. If you’ve already had the pointing out instructions, but don’t yet experience thoughts as “self-liberating”, this is for you!
This is a practice retreat - it can’t be experienced through intellectual understanding alone. Plan to maintain practical silence and actively practice from the start of the first teaching through the last.
Note: There is a 50-person cap on all online retreats. If the retreat is full when you register, you’ll be put on priority for the next time this is offered.
Self-liberation through Seeing with Naked Awareness
Sunday, August 16, 11am Central Time
Lama Lena continues her teaching series on this text by Padmasambhava, as revealed by Karma Lingpa. This teaching is open to all, but you’re encouraged to watch from the beginning of the series and continue through.
If you missed previous sessions, watch them HERE.
This public teaching will be available on Facebook & YouTube.
Online Retreat: Working with Emotions
August 21-23
This retreat requires a minimum of 2 years Dzogchen practice and the ability to “see through thoughts at least some of the time.” This means, letting thoughts release naturally without getting caught up in them.
The retreat will consist 3 teachings of approx. 2 hours each. Attendance at all 3 is mandatory. It’s recommended that you stay in retreat mode (practical silence) and commit to 3-4 practice sessions a day.
In-Person Retreat: Speech Rushen | Ontario, Canada
September 2-12
Lama Lena will be giving the Speech Rushen retreat in Lanark, Ontario (outside of Ottawa). This retreat is for experienced Dzogchen or Chagchen practitioners who feel a bit stuck.
Please note: You will need to be approved after you register to make sure this is a suitable retreat for you. Once approved, reservations will be processed in order of registration. All accommodations are in shared rooms and there is also the possibility of on-site camping.
Practice with Sangha
The Four Immeasurables with Lama Tasha
Tuesday, July 28 @ 8pm EDT
Each month, Lama Tasha holds a live practice session on the Full Moon. This month we focus on aspiration: how aspiring audaciously can open the heart, free us up, and make motion powerful. We practice this through the Four Immeasurables: kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. You can read about this month’s topic here.
All are welcome!
Sangha Practice Groups
We have a vibrant practice community with folx from all around the world. Sangha groups are held by teachers and practitioners that Lama Lena has authorized and are a great way to synchronize your practice with others.
Check out the Sangha Calendar to see what’s being offered!
Hope you have a wonderful month!
If you benefit from the teachings and would like to offer Dana, you can do so here: