Virginia: Chod Intensive

This meditation intensive focuses on Buddhism’s esoteric practice for transforming the most difficult experiences into opportunities for awakening. It is a method which harnesses the heroic energy of enlightened intent to change neurotic mind patterns and heal from traumas. It is a practice for opening to intrinsic wholeness, loving compassion, and natural resilience.

The intensive will offer training and immersion in the method known as “Cutting Through” or Chod. Chod is a practice cherished by every lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a dynamic meditation which incorporates, vision, mantra, prayer, music, and ritual to cultivate open-hearted presence in the face of one’s fear. Chod is a Buddhist method for healing and transforming the hidden content within one’s own mind. By giving up grasping and externalized projections, the meditator taps into intrinsic courage.

The intensive will alternate between teachings, training, dynamic meditation practice and silent sitting meditation. It will include instructions on:

• How to use the Chod instruments, drum, bell and thighbone trumpet
• Chanting the Laughter of the Dakinis Chod in Tibetan
• The visualization and meaning behind Chod
• The Chod technique for working with emotions and subconscious mind
• The song of the Dakinis of the five directions
• Dzogchen and Chod – Buddhist philosophy on the nature of mind

What to Bring
This retreat will use Vajrayana instruments, so please bring chod drum and bell with you. If you don’t have one please notify the organizers so that one can be ordered for you.

Meals Provided
Saturday Lunch and Dinner
Sunday Lunch
*Organic, Vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free

Location
Khandro Ling is a private home retreat, address will be released upon registration

Where to Stay:
Khandro Ling lodging is already full for this retreat.
We recommend the following lodging options nearby:

If you are new to Vajrayana Buddhism and want to learn more about Buddhism, the following courses are recommended:

Buddhism As a Way of Life
or
Vajrayana Training

General Schedule of Events
*This is the approximate daily schedule and is subject to change.

Friday, Oct 26
7:00pm – Opening Ceremony and rLung

Saturday, Oct 27
9:00am –  Chod Teaching and Practice
11:30am – Tea Break
12:00pm – Chod Teaching and Practice
1:00pm –  Lunch
3:00pm –  Chod Teaching and Practice
5:30pm  – Dinner
7:00pm  – Chod Teaching and Practice

Sunday
9:00am  – Chod Practice
11:30am  –  Tea Break
1:00pm  –  Lunch
3:00pm  – Final Class
5:00pm  –  Group Picture and Departure

Tuition – $225
*Member Discounts Apply

Tuition is non-refundable. In case one cannot attend the program, tuition costs may be applied as a credit to a future teaching or toward Membership.

Member Discounts
*Membership discounts apply to Tuition Only
**Use your membership discount code at checkout.
10% discount  –  Supporter Members
20% discount  –  Mandala Holders
50% discount  –  Snow Lion Members (with a 6-month commitment)
100% discount  –  Sustainers and above (with a 3-month commitment)

Click Here to Learn More about Membership