May we know our own nature ourselves
Through the yoga realizing cyclic existence and nirvana as empty
When appearance, increase, and near-attainment dissolve - the earlier into the latter -
And experiences like pervasive moonlight, sunlight, and darkness dawn.
- The First Panchen Lama
In Mahayana Buddhist tradition, both sutra and tantra can eventually lead one to enlightenment. Unlike sutra, tantra employs different techniques to access the more subtle mind, particularly the mind of clear light to arrive at the direct and non-conceptual realization of emptiness. This mind of clear light is the basis of the everlasting continuum of consciousness that continues moment-to-moment-to-moment. Even though this mind is non-conceptual and empty in nature, emptiness and dependent arising must be pointed out to the mind of clear light and habituated through one’s sadhana practice.
Following the tantric path takes the result as the starting point and requires one to think and to act now as if one is already enlightened. This further entails one using imagination to transform the ordinary body, speech, and mind into the aspects of the Buddha, bringing the future result into the present moment of one’s generation stage practice. Albeit sounding fantastical, if this imagination is built upon a strong foundation of correct understanding of emptiness, sincere aspiration for Bodhicitta, and tantric initiation from qualified teachers, one can progress swiftly along the path to enlightenment.
This course will give participants the opportunity to explore fundamental concepts of tantra and its practices through selected readings and discussion. For those who are new to tantra, one might find this course illuminating while clarifying the often misconceived notions shrouding tantra in mysticism and secrecy.
The course starts Sep 16, 2022, and continues until Dec 9.
In study groups we learn through sharing our explorations of Dharma teachings. The group is like a sounding board for trying out new ideas or working toward clarification of difficult points. Sharing unique insights promotes learning from one another. Varying interpretations are to be expected and encouraged. Discussing differences offers opportunities to uncover the richness of the teachings and broaden our view of the practices.
Each participant will be a member of an online group of at least five and at the most seven people. The main topic is studied in two-week segments over 12 weeks.
During the first week of a two-week section, each participant reads and contemplates the assigned teachings. Then the group members meet online to discuss the readings and their contemplations.
During the second week, participants continue studying and contemplating the readings to deepen understanding and experience. At the end of the second week, each group meets online with either Francis or Jean. Each participant will make a short presentation about the topic and their meditations on it. There will also be a Q & A session. These sessions are two hours long. That procedure will be followed for the entire 12-week program.
Francis and Jean individually meet with each group on an alternating schedule. Personal interviews with Francis and/or Jean can be made upon request.
Each program has no more than five groups. Some study groups have the same members from program to program. Others change. Each group chooses its own meeting day and time, but there can be only one group on any given day. We do our best to connect folks who can agree on meeting times.
Each group must meet once a week but can meet more often.
Groups assign one person as a facilitator at the first meeting, and that person can remain as the facilitator or facilitation can rotate among group members from week-to-week. Facilitators begin each meeting by leading refuge and bodhicitta recitations, and end the meeting by leading the dedication. They keep meetings moving and keep things on time, and they are responsible for having the group agree on decisions that may have to be made.
In addition, one or more persons in the group will be responsible for setting up the Zoom meetings for the group and sending out the invitations to the group members. This includes the meetings with Jean and Francis. If no one in the group pays for the Zoom account, let us know. (Free accounts are allowed sessions that are only 45 minutes long.)
Before registering, consider that you are committing to:
All Vast and Profound online activities are offered free of charge, and that includes the Tantra group study program. You can register by sending an email to office@vastandprofound.org. As soon as possible after registration, a program syllabus will be sent to you. Register as soon as you can if you want to participate. Space is limited.
Best wishes from Francis and Jean on behalf of Vast & Profound.
