Buddhism Beyond Ritual: The essence of Tantra in everyday life

There are times of day, seasons of the year, and natural environments which have special characteristics, particularly sympathetic to meditation. There are qualities of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space in these moments, which are like signposts in a forest. They point out to us that we are walking the Middle Way of Buddhism: we are resonating with our beginningless enlightenment. Nga-la Rig'dzin Dorje will introduce a repertoire of yogic meditation practices which make it possible to take advantage of these opportunities. Yogic meditation involves the use of the Three Doors of Body, Energy and Mind in conjunction with the naturally occuring elements. The emphasis is from Inner Tantra and Dzogchen, the ‘Total Completeness’ teachings, the ultimate Vehicle of Buddhism.

It is possible, that those who are prepared to experience themselves and their world in a different way, may learn that there is a real and accessible interaction between the inner and outer elements. The practice leads towards seeing for onself that the opportunities for realisation are unlimited. Every situation is capable of revealing itself as miraculous display: time’s parade of visions in the space of mind. We are enabled to become spiritual practitioners without effort, in the cycle of opportunities which the natural world spontaneously presents to us. Once the gentle thunder of this connection is experienced it is no longer possible to experience depression, or boredom: the first step is taken as a master of life.

The event will consist of teachings, interspersed with both group and solitary yogic meditation, especially outdoors around the environment of Hamburg. There will also be the opportunity to receive individual guidance, instruction, and practical advice, and private interviews with Nga-la Rig’dzin Dorje. Ngala Rig’dzin Dorje has been teaching in Hamburg for nearly 20 years. He has often remarked that the area is rich in locations of natural beauty and elemental potency which are particularly conducive to practising with the moving elements of Water, Fire and Air. This is an opportunity to spend five days with Nga-la Rig’dzin Dorje in an ambience of kindness, merriment, and freedom. Inspirational instruction will be the theme of this retreat, according to the need, personality, and intuition of those who attend. No previous knowledge of Buddhism, Buddhist Tantra, or Dzogchen are required — simply a fire of enthusiasm for life; and the capacity for fierce participation, unbridled affection, and laughter that tastes the edge of impossibility.

Ngala Rig’dzin Dorje is a Ngakpa in the Nyingma tradition. Born in London, he and his wife, Tsalgyür Wangmo live and hold courses at Aro Ga’dzong, their home in Tuscany, northern Italy. He belongs to a tantric, non-monastic lineage of enlightened women founded by YeshéTsogyel and has been teaching internationally in the Dzogchen tradition for the past 20 years.