Introduction to Tantra

5-Day Mini-Retreat, 22 - 27 April

Lama Mark Webber has

been studying and teaching

Buddha Dharma for forty

years. For several decades

he studied Abhidharma and

the Vajrayana / Tantric path

under the great Ven.

Namgyal Rinpoche, his main

root teacher. More recently,

under the guidance and re-

quest of HE Ontul Rinpoche,

Lama Mark has been prac-

ticing and teaching the rich-

ness of the Drikung Ma-

hamudra and Drikung Yang-

zab Dzogchen lineages.

Lama Mark’s universalist

approach is classically

founded in Buddhism, while

completely integrated with

contemporary life and the

richness of modern Western

culture. Through many vehi-

cles —including Dharma,

meditation, science, art, craft

work, natural history and

world travel — Lama Mark

displays and teaches the

wondrous unity, uniqueness

and intrinsic freedom of all

life. His emphasis is on un-

covering pure Dharma to

reveal its extraordinary ben-

efits and share the great joy

of its deep study, meditative

practices and integration into

all aspects of our lives. For

more info about Lama Mark

Webber, see:

www.markwebber.org

www.openbreath.org

This mini-retreat will provide an essential introduction to the science, study and meditations of Buddhist Tantra

- the rich and deep practices of liberation developed in India and Tibet over one thousand years - which are

extremely relevant in these complex modern times. ‘Tantra’ literally means ‘continuum of freedom-awareness’.

By taking on the practice of the fruition of Awake Mind and Body as our path, Tantra cuts directly through the

internal self-referencing stories which bind us to suffering states, offering a rapid path to freedom.

By explaining modern psychological and physiological understandings of anxiety, fear and trauma as well as

the remarkable plasticity and openness of our nervous system, Lama Mark will demystify how and why the

Tantric path is so effective. Through teachings on refuge, bodhicitta and creation and completion stage

practices, he will clarify the essential aspects of this path. The retreat will conclude with the full tantric

empowerment of the Twenty-one Taras (Tara – “to cross over”, “remover of terror”). This will open the door for

those who wish to begin working with these practices.

Intro to Tantra & 21 Taras Retreat Te Moata Retreat Centre, Coromandel, April-May 2016

Empowerment and Practice of Twenty-one Taras

Full Retreat, 22 April - 15 May (23 Days)

Building from the ‘Introduction to Tantra’ mini-retreat, over the remaining 18 days Lama Mark will deepen the

exploration of the Tantric path by elaborating on the teachings and practices of the Twenty-one Taras. These

powerful practices help us liberate from fears, anxieties and all kinds of obstructions, helping to build great

emotional and mental strength. Through explanations, guided meditations and private practice we will learn

to become each figure in the mandala, a process which causes different types of obstacles to be dissolved and

strengths and talents opened up. This is a compassionate awake activity.

Each figure is an aspect of the central figure of Green Tara. Around her are four different Taras representing

the Four Buddha Activities of: peacefulness, unfoldment/increase, power, and fierce cutting through all

obstacles. Then there are the remaining sixteen Taras that help remove deep seated fears and anxieties and

bring about immense strength. This transmission of the Twenty-one Taras was revealed by the great 19th

century Terton Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa, bestowed by the 16th Karmapa and Yogi Kelsang Rinpoche and was

often bestowed and taught by Lama Mark’s main root teacher, the Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche.

Retreat Costs*:

5-Day: $600

23-Day: $2400

*These costs cover food and accommodation only. Please bring dana / donation

for Lama Mark in appreciation of the teachings. Financial assistance may be avail-

able for those who couldn’t attend without. Please enquire if interested in applying.

Contact:

Lara: 021 204 4854

laverdurelara@gmail.com