Gelug Tradition of Mahamudra

November 22 – 30, 2023

A 9-Day Intermediate-Level Course Led by Glen Svensson.

Mahamudra, the great seal, refers to systems of meditation on the nature of the mind. In the words of Panchen Losang Chogyi Gyaltsen:

May all migrators quickly gain victory over the two obscurations by means of this path, as there is no other second gateway to the state of peace.

Mahamudra techniques have been transmitted through the Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug schools of Tibetan Buddhism. In this course we will be investigating the Gelug tradition of mahamudra using the First Panchen Lama’s text, A Root Text for the Precious Gelug/Kagyu Tradition of Mahamudra.

The main topics covered will be how to develop single-pointed concentration (shamatha) through focussing on the mind and how to gain insight into the ultimate nature of the mind (vipashyana). Instructions are in accordance with Arya Nagarjuna’s view of emptiness.

The course will also highlight the preliminary practices which act as a foundation for mahamudra practice along with a brief discussion of the tantra or vajrayana level of practice.

Recommended Reading

  • His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Gelug/Kagyu Tradition of Mahamudra
  • B. Alan Wallace, The Attention Revolution
  • 9th Karmapa Wangchug Dorje, The Mahamudra Eliminating the Darkness of Ignorance
  • Thrangu Rinpoche, Crystal Clear – Practical Advice for Mahamudra Meditators
  • Traleg Kyabgon, Mind at Ease: Self-liberation Through Mahamudra Meditation

For more detailed explanations

  • Daniel P. Brown, Pointing Out the Great Way: The Stages of Meditation in the Mahamudra Tradition
  • Dakpo Tashi Namgyal, Mahamudra: The Moonlight – Quintessence of Mind and Meditation

Course Details

For more information about Intermediate Courses, including a typical schedule and how to register, please see our Intermediate Course Page.