Meditation Seminar: Nurturing Presence in Times of Conflict and Reactivity

Our busy lives appear to be uniquely filled with stress and conflict, but many of the ways we cope may fail to help us be able to face these challenges with inner peace. Instead, our own reactions sometimes propagate negative behaviors in a self-reinforcing circle of reaction. These cycles of reactivity have been challenges for people in all times and cultures, including the Tibetan monks and yogis, who addressed these through the practices of Bön for millenia.

This workshop, led by Geshe Sonam and John Jackson, will provide participants with tools for enhancing their own presence under stress. Only in the past few decades have the advanced mind practices, developed by the Bön, have been shared with Western meditation practitioners. This day-long workshop introduces participants to the foundational practices that help prepare the mind for a deeper connection with the universal ground of being, whether one aims to be a householder or a secluded monastic. Participants in this workshop will have a better understanding of how to compassionately recognize their own reactivity and expectations and create the space to choose a response to an event. Practices will include the 9-round breath, simple calm-staying exercises, and meditations that help to generate a compassionate approach to others.

Geshe Sonam Gurung trained for the Geshe degree under His Holiness the 33rd Menri Trizin, the Abbot of Bon Menri Monastery and lineage holder of Yungdrung Bon. He served as His Holiness’ (the 33rd Menri Trizin) personal assistant and, under his guidance, co-translated key texts in the Bon Dzogchen canon with the late Dr. Daniel Brown. , Geshe Sonam oversees the Mustang Cultural and Education Center in Jomsom.

John Jackson John Jackson is an experienced meditation practitioner and teacher with over 45 years of dedicated study under renowned masters such as His Holiness Lungtok Tenpai Nyima, the 33rd Menri Trinzin, and His Eminence Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche. Since 2010, he has led nearly 100 meditation retreats and courses across 13 countries.

Debby Kirkman, the host of this event, is a director at the Mustang Bon Foundation, and in her role, has organized multiple meditation retreats with Geshe Sonam in the U.S. She has also organized a number of Zoom teachings, through Mustang Bon Foundation, with Geshe Sonam. She teaches yoga and meditation locally in Virginia.
A light vegetarian lunch will be provided for in-person participants.


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Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2988460-2?pid=2874

Category: Community | Religion and Spirituality | Meditation and Yoga