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Balancing Liberation and Devotion: Opening the Kuan Yin Dharma Doors

Residential Program
Dates: Oct 16, 2016 - Oct 21, 2016
Days: Sunday - Friday
Number of Nights: 5 nights

Instructor(s): Kittisaro

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Program Description:
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This program will explore the dynamic relationship between the devotional and liberating dimensions of Buddhist theory and practice as found in the Mahāyāna and Theravāda Traditions. Although relatively unknown in the West, the Kuan Yin Dharma offers a powerful holistic template that spans Pure Land and Chan practices, "Holding the Holy Name" and "Returning the Hearing" to listen in to the true nature. In the Lotus Sutra, the Shurangama Sutra, and the Heart Sutra, we are introduced not only to the prayerful, merciful, and healing powers of Buddha recitation, but to the realization of the non-dual luminous heart. Similarly in Theravāda teachings, the honoring and recollection of the Buddha (puja) is an important obstacle-dissolving foundation for "turning the mind to the deathless" (amata dhamma). The practical and profound teachings on stopping the proliferating mind (papanca/nippapanca) will be investigated alongside classical Theravāda texts. This program will include study, meditation, devotional practices, and discussion.

Learning Intentions:

To learn the connections between essential Theravada and Mahayana practices and teachings that go to the heart of our awakening process; to recognize the importance of cultivating an open and devoted heart space as a support for liberating insight; and to access wise guidance, through depth listening into the dynamic intelligence of the living Dharma, in order to meet the challenges of our times.


Experience Level:
Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.