Vajrayana and Mahamudra

Students of Buddhism encountering the Vajrayana and Mahamudra teachings of the Tibetan tradition often see these as two distinct and different approaches to practice.

This series of nine audio talks takes issue with that idea. On the one hand, we explore Vajrayana and its apparent complexity as a path to a direct experience of our fundamental nature, and this “buddha nature’s” essential simplicity. On the other hand, we discover through Mahamudra that in the freedom afforded by realization of mind’s essential simplicity we are able to embrace the rich complexity of our human experience.

In this five day retreat, Lama Drupgyu explores these two seemingly contradictory approaches to buddhist practice and realization, showing how they are really just two faces of the same coin. To become a “master” of complexity through Vajrayana practice is equivalent to becoming a “master” of simplicity through Mahamudra practice.

With Lama Drupgyu we will dive deeply into the theoretical understanding of both Vajrayana and Mahamudra. The teaching will be illustrated through meditation practice, applying a number of examples of Vajrayana and Mahamudra meditation techniques.

There are also rich interactive exchanges with students’ in question and answer sessions that are both on point, and widely ranging.

These teachings are accessible to those new to Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhism as well as providing opportunities for more experienced practitioners to enrich their understanding and experience.