Day 1

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Teachings and guided meditations from the two-month retreat led by Alma Yaeli Ayon at Thosamling Institute.

The Buddha—and the great commentators and mahasiddhas ever since—emphasized that the effortless stability and vividness of mind achieved through shamatha is essential for developing wisdom. This is sometimes described as “the fusion of shamatha and vipashyana,” as Tsongkhapa taught.

The course is designed to develop a strong understanding and practice of shamatha meditation, deeply grounded in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and the lamrim (stages of the path) framework.

The course explores: - Developing a clear, concentrated mind through a gradual study and practice of shamatha meditation, while situating this practice within the broader Buddhist context: beginning with an overview of the Buddha’s life and teachings. - How shamatha and vipashyana practice fit within the framework of the three vehicles, the four noble truths, the three higher trainings, the six perfections, and the lamrim. - A brief introduction to Dream Yoga and Dzogchen practice, along with an overview of the path, in the final part of the retreat.