monktastic wrote:Thank you kindly for the replies.
Alpha, I am aware that my "retreat" is somewhat unconventional, to put things lightly. I didn't mean to say I'm doing a formal Mahamudra retreat. It's more that I've taken off time to deeply investigate something I've been putting off for far too long.
Pema Rigdzin, thank you for that suggestion. I am actually in the USA. Another retreatant here has advised me similarly, and strongly recommends I visit her in Scotland next summer to talk with Lama Yeshe at Samye Ling (as well as Tsoknyi Rinpoche, when he's around, and perhaps others). She's even tried to help me get in contact with other Rinpoches, so far with little success. I hope I can "follow my nose" until that time. My lama here seems to agree that resting in (my nearest facsimile of!) the natural state is probably a fine thing to do for now.
I wasn't aware that Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche was so accessible (particularly online). And money is not a concern for me right now. If you think approaching him online is a reasonable thing to attempt, then I agree that that would be fantastic. And if offering compensation would be sensible (and not gauche), well, his time is worth more than any wealth I could offer anyway... (Please feel free to respond over PM if you have time and that is appropriate).
You are getting very good suggestions.
My 2 cents is that if you are with a Lama at the moment, in a retreat, then you should do whatever practice that he / she suggests for you.
If you are someone who can do many things at once, then tune in to ChNNR, and integrate that with whatever you are doing on the retreat.
If "simpler is better " for you, then do one thing at a time. If you are going to take teachings from more than one teacher, keep the practices separate and don't make a big ministrone soup of everything.
That doesn't work.
If you tune in at the times listed in a recent post in the ChNNR, Dzogchen Community thread, you can hear ChNNR. There is a new retreat starting tomorrow. If the video drops out, go to the audio which is more reliable.
Hope you have headphones.
http://www.shangshunginstitute.net/webcast/video.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
For lucid dreaming from a Dzogchen point of view:
Dream Yoga News Upcoming Events
website ; dreamyoga.net
Dream Yoga Forum with Michael Katz and other Lucid Dream Trainers on Buddhist Radio Saturday September 24th 12: Noon Eastern Standard Time, 9 AM PDT, 5 PM GMT
Live Stream at ; archetypeevents.com/dreamtalk
Extending mindfulness into the Dream State– with Michael Katz Thursdays October 4--25
@ Tibet House 22 West 15th Street New York City
Event Details
Thursdays October 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th ; 2012 at 07:00 -9:00PM
About the Events
These classes are intended to enhance creativity, self-exploration and spiritual/psychological growth through powerful techniques of lucid dreaming derived principally from the Tibetan dream yoga tradition. Lucidity within the dream state represents exceptional potential, and is a gateway to mastery of the dream process.
Participants will join Dr. Katz as he induces lucidity within a dream by combined deep relaxation training and induction. Afterword we will deepen our dream material through a process of psychodrama. Attendance at previous sessions is not required . There will be a portion of the program where attendees are invited to meditate laying down. Comfortable clothes & an exercise or yoga mat are suggested but not provided.
General:$25 per class/ Members:$22.50
SERIES (Thursdays, 10/4; 11, 18, & 25) General:$100./ Members:$90. click here to register
http://www.tibethouse.us/programs/full- ... 641560/114" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Gateways Of The Mind Conference London , England
http://www.archetypeevents.com/programme" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
November 3-5 London , England
A 2-day conference plus focused workshops, a unique event bringing together leading researchers, authors and experienced practitioners to explore and discuss Lucid Dreaming and Out of Body Experiences.
Presenting both ancient and modern theories and practices from different cultures including western science, Tibetan Buddhism and the Toltec / Mexica (Aztec) tradition - this event will offer the attendee both the opportunity to learn from the experts and pioneers, discuss personal experience and then integrate the teachings into their practice with careful guidance and advice.
Gateways Of The Mind will demonstrate how we can all benefit from the non-physical realities. All 5 speakers have between them thousands of first hand accounts of personal exploration, and will talk extensively about their practices and techniques whilst demonstrating how everyone can explore these non-physical realities and what the practical benefits can be to all of us in today’s world and on our spiritual path.
In addition to the 1 & 1/2 hr presentations from each of the speakers on key themes there will also be 2 mini-workshops included in the 2-day conference .
Wrapping up the conference will be a live 'question time' panel debate involving all 5 of the speakers. Utilizing a mix of event key theme questions and direct audience participation - this will be your chance to put questions directly to the experts.
For Lucid Dreaming form a Mahamudra point of view:
http://charliemorley.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Charlle is based in London, but teaches regularly in the States.
Michael is based in NYC.
I highly recommend both Charlie and Michael.
Isn't it wonderful!
ob