Vipashyana: Exploring the Nature of Mind

In the Kagyu tradition, the principal wisdom component is Mahamudra whose main practices are shamatha and vipashyana. On this retreat we will begin with shamatha meditation but quickly progress to explore vipashyana techniques where we systematically investigate the nature of mind and its contents. Through these meditations, we confront our assumptions about mind, thoughts, and perceptions, and in time, with committed practice, can experience insight into the nature of our being and experiences.

In general, before beginning vipashyana practice, a good foundation of shamatha or resting meditation is important. Through shamatha meditation, we gain some space from the onslaught of thoughts and other mental phenomena that continually stir up our minds, and we begin to experience some settling of mental busyness and an enhancement of meditative awareness. This practice is wonderful and critical, but shamatha alone does not lead to liberation from confusion and suffering. For that we must practice vipashyana or insight meditation where we look into the nature of mind and its contents.

A skillful way to approach vipashyana practice is to alternate between shamatha and the investigations of vipashyana, and this is the approach that we will take in this retreat. Vipashyana can be a challenging practice so having spent at least a year with regular shamatha practice is an important foundation. If you are not sure if it is right for you, contact Lama Eric.

This retreat will be a hybrid offering—you can participate in-person at our retreat center near Goldendale, WA, or you can participate via Zoom. In either case, you must commit to attending the retreat from beginning to the end.

Texts

The teachings will loosely follow the book Clarifying the Natural State by Dakpo Tashi Namgyal. There is a commentary on this work by Thrangu Rinpoche published as Crystal Clear. These will be available in the KCC bookstore prior to the retreat. Alternatively, both of these books are available in PDF format for $1.75 each at Namo Buddha Publications.

COST: $910 double cabin, $1120 single cabin, $800 camping, and sliding scale for Zoom

SOME CITIES CLOSE BY: Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Portland