Programs

Path of Liberation

The Path of Liberation builds on the foundational teachings of the Joy of Living, presenting a series of meditation techniques designed to strip away the causes of suffering and uncover the radiant awareness that underlies all experience. This course of practice and study, based on the ancient Buddhist teachings of Tibet, addresses the fundamental confusion that lies at the root of all suffering.

The Path of Liberation contains five levels:

• Laying a Foundation for the Buddhist Path – The Nature of Mind and Preliminary Practices (part I)
• Releasing Delusion – Advanced Teachings on the Nature of Mind and the Preliminary Practices (part II)
• Manifesting Basic Goodness – Guru Yoga and the Art of Visualization
• Transforming Perception – The Sadhana of White Tara
• Deep Immersion Tracks I & II

Level I: Laying a Foundation for the Buddhist Path
In the first level of the Path of Liberation, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche teaches the foundational practices of the Buddhist path: the four thoughts and the first of four preliminary practices – the act of taking refuge. The four thoughts are contemplative exercises that guide one to a recognition of the preciousness of the human life, impermanence, the principle of karmic causality, and the suffering of samsara. Taking refuge and offering prostrations leads to an appreciation of the potential of the spiritual path and a corresponding commitment to the process of awakening. Along with these practices, Mingyur Rinpoche offers experiential “pointing-out instructions” that allow one to experience the mind’s pure and luminous nature. The process of recognizing and familiarizing oneself with the mind’s true nature lies at the core of the Path of Liberation.

Homework:

• 180 hours of formal practice and two weekend retreats
• Recommended daily practice: 30 minutes per day

Level II: Releasing Delusion
The second level of the Path of Liberation presents advanced teachings on the nature of mind, along with instructions on the second and third preliminary practices, the meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva and mandala offering. The meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva is a profound practice designed to purify negativity, obscurations, and illness, while mandala offering sets the stage for spiritual practice by creating a sense of inner wealth and openness. The advanced teachings on the nature of mind given at this stage of practice allow for a deeper experience of the mind’s innate radiance.

Homework:

• 250 hours of formal practice and three weekend retreats
• Recommended daily practice: 45 minutes per day

Level III: Manifesting Basic Goodness
The third level of the Path of Liberation builds upon the previous two levels, offering deepening instructions on the nature of mind and how the practice of guru yoga, the fourth and final preliminary practice, can be used to enact a profound shift in consciousness. Also included in this level is a systematic training in the art of visualization, which prepares the meditator for the advanced practices taught in the subsequent levels of the Path of Liberation.

Homework:

• 300 hours of formal practice and three weekend retreats
• Recommended daily practice: 60 minutes per day

Level IV: Transforming Perception - The Sadhana of White Tara
In the fourth level of the Path of Liberation, one is introduced to the sadhana of White Tara, in which one uses visualization and mantra recitation to disrupt the processes of ordinary perception and connect with the innate qualities of one’s buddha nature. In this level, Mingyur Rinpoche also presents advanced teachings on the nature of mind.

Homework:

• 300 hours of formal practice and three weekend retreats
• Recommended daily practice: 60 minutes per day
  

Advanced Practice: Deep Immersion Tracks I & II
For those who have completed the Path of Liberation, there are two tracks of advanced practice available. Students may choose to focus on either track, depending on their personal preference.

Track I: Enlightened Form and the Subtle Body
The first track is designed for those who are drawn to visualization and activity. This approach entails:

• Completing the traditional preliminary practices, which involves a fourfold accumulation of 110,000 repetitions
• Completion of the full-length Vajrayogini Sadhana
• Practicing the Six Yogas of Naropa: yogic heat, illusory body, luminosity, dream yoga, intermediate state practice, and transference

Track II: Exploring the Nature of Mind
Designed for those who are drawn to a simpler form of meditation, this track focuses on the profound paths of Mahamudra and the Great Perfection. This approach includes:

• Full ngondro: Completing the traditional preliminary practices, which involves a fourfold accumulation of 110,000 repetitions
• Mahamudra immersion: A multi-year course of training in the practices of awareness and insight (shamatha and vipashyana), with a special emphasis on exploring the nature of mind, based on the writings of the ninth Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje
• Great Perfection immersion: Advanced teachings based on Garap Dorje’s Three Statements that Strike the Vital Point