Apprentice Retreat: Living Beyond Hope and Fear

Pant-y-Porthman
Banc-y-Ffordd
Llandysul
Sir Gærfyrddin / Carmarthenshire
WALES
SA44 4RY
Britain

How do we react in the face of fear, disorientation, and chaos? What happens when our hopes come to nothing, and the structure of our rationale falls apart? How can we attain freedom from our addiction to the “me-project” and liberate our innate wisdom and compassion?

During this retreat, Ngakma Déwang Pamo and Naljorpa Traktung Dorje will introduce and give transmission of the gÇod teachings and practices according to the Aro gTér. gÇod (chöd) means ‘severance’ - severing the worship of the human form as the sole indicator of existence. These teachings and practices were originated by the great Tibetan yogini Ma-gÇig Labdrön (1055-1145) and received in the 20th Century by Aro Lingma (1886-1923). They provide a powerful means of becoming open and fearless in times of crisis. 

The teachings and methods that will be introduced provide the basis for the practice of gÇod on various levels. There will be transmission of the method of silent sitting, the practice of yogic song, the Lama’i Naljor of Ma-gÇig Labdrön and the gTérma melody of Ma-gÇig Labdrön’s mantra, as well as empowerment for the relevant yidam practice. Anyone wishing to use the opportunity to engage in the ritual practice of gÇod will want to bring a gÇod-drum and khangling (thigh bone trumpet, which can also be made of wood).

We are very happy that Ngak’chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen have kindly agreed to also regale us with their presence for a couple of days.

“Through cutting addiction to corporeal form as ‘the major reference point of expectance’; we become free, not only of fear – but of persecutory hope. Hope is often merely fear in disguise – a wretched demon who drives us with the whips and goads in the direction of needless misery. gÇod unmasks false hope and facilitates the ability to live joyously – free from both hope and fear.” 

(Ngak’chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen)