Freedom From Hope and Fear

Chöd (gÇod) is the visionary practice of cutting attachment to corporeal form in terms of our dualistic tendency to relate to our body as the major reference-point that proves our existence. Chöd means ‘to sever’ – to sever the illusion that we are merely physical entities. By loosening the bonds of emotional attachment to our bodies, we are liberated from fear – which is the ultimate obstacle to spiritual realisation. In practising Chöd we learn to dance ferociously and joyfully in the midst of chaos, horror, and death – whether literal death, or simply the death of our hopes.

We shall explore the life and legacy of the founder of Chöd, Ma-gÇig Labdrön, who is revered as a foremother of the Aro lineage. The day will include the explanation and practice of her sung Lama’i Naljor (guru yoga) and the practices of both 'yang' and 'yang-sang', secret and most secret Chöd - the Dzogchen practice of view that is the ultimate freedom from hope and fear.

“Through cutting addiction to the corporeal form as the major reference point of our existence; 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 whips and goads us in the direction of needless misery. With Chöd we unmask the false hope in our lives and learn to live joyously - free from both hope and fear.” Ngak’chang Rinpoche