Using the pre-tantric teachings of the Yogachara, we will examine how pure awareness became obscured, and how “Knowing thy enemy” (the eight consciousnesses) can transform them into friends (the five wisdoms). The archetypal teachings from the Perennial Philosophy on contraction/expansion will be presented, along with practices that reveal their vast applicability in immediate experience.

Some Topics We Will Explore: 

• What is the nature of mind, or pure awareness?
• Why don’t I recognize it – nature of mind deficit disorder
• Why enlightenment is a false destination
• How did pure awareness become so obscured?
• How the Eight Consciousnesses work to create samsara
• How the Eight Consciousnesses can be transformed into the Five Wisdoms
• The archetypes of contraction and expansion as the basis of samsara and nirvana
• Relationship of outer elements of world, inner elements of body, secret elements of mind
• Why body is as important as mind
• Dzogchen sky gazing and star gazing practice
• What is non-duality – really?
• The power of symbolic guru
• Shaiva Tantra, Kedumah, and Mahamudra: trans-religiosity

The retreat will include nature of mind meditations, Mahamudra investigations, and other nondual practices, as well as optional yoga. In addition to a progression of advanced practices held indoors, we will do extensive “aimless wandering” along the magnificent surf and beach, inviting the symbolic guru of the phenomenal world to teach us.

Using the tenets of the ancient Kalachakra Tantra, conjoined with modern Deep Ecology and Ecopsychology, we will use the principles of “nature dharma” (ri-chö inTibetan) to teach us. We’ll engage nature to invoke the recognition of the natural state within.

Mixing mind with space-awareness is a central narrative of this program and will be explored with Dzogchen sky gazing and star gazing practice (on a roof top far removed from any light pollution). The Great Outdoors will open the sense gates to the Great Indoors, until we discover the ultimate nonduality of inner and outer.

COVID Information – Presently there are no COVID restrictions at the Prana del Mar facility. Prana del Mar always has strong safety protocols in place to support the health, well-being, and comfort of all retreat guests. You will need to follow COVID travel guidelines in airports and on flights and ground transportation. Currently a negative COVID test is required to board the flight home to the US. The Prana staff will coordinate this test for you. Cost at the time of the test is approximately $50.