Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Meditation-Level 2 Intensive Retreat

Daniel Brown, Ph.D.

Pointing Out The Great Way Master Tilopa

Book: "Pointing Out The Great Way" ; Master Tilopa

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           The level 2 course utilizes the same relationally-based Pointing Out style of teaching as in the level 1 course. More emphasis is given to mastery of the last three stages of concentration–automatic concentration, one-pointed flow, and equanimity. A traditional Mahamudra approach is taken to concentration. In the interval between the cycle of the rising and falling breath as the intended meditation object, instructions are given to rest the mind in its natural state, following Guru Yoga instructions. In that way, the view of the natural state of the mind is established and reinforced throughout concentration training. During the insight series of meditations, traditional Mahamudra meditations are used that stress emptiness of thought elaboration, emotional states, body and mind, and external appearance. Mahamudra emptiness of the three times meditation is added to traditional sutra emptiness of time meditation. Emphasis is given to establishing direct experience of automatic emptiness as a foundation for non-meditation instructions. Emphasis is given to expanding the range of advanced  non-meditation practices, and to recognizing awakened wisdom.A strong emphasis is on the spontaneous songs of awakening. For those practitioners who have some direct experience of initial flames of awakened wisdom, but who have not yet stabilized the realization, Mahamudra path-walking instructions will be introduced. An emphasis is given to developing uninterrupted practice all of time in everyday life, instead of formal sitting meditation sessions, until realizing automatic emptiness on and off the meditation cushion at all times, without difference.

            The level 2 retreat is restricted to meditators who previously have taken the level 1 Pointing Out retreat directly  with Daniel Brown and least one time, who have been able to stabilize practice at the very subtle level of mind (sealing the emptiness of everything upon arising or non-meditation practice) at least during a previous retreat, and who have developed an on-going follow-up relationship with one of the four teachers. Those unclear about these requirements must schedule a telephone or Skype interview with one of the teachers to review practice before applying for level 2 training. Entrance to the level 2 course is by invitation of one of the four teachers.