Foundations of Nondual Buddhist Tantra
Philosophy and Meditation Practices of Vajrayana, the Diamond Vehicle
With Chandra Easton
Course Overview
Tantra is a word that appears in different contexts but isn’t always clearly defined or properly understood. You may have a Buddhist background but aren’t aware there are tantric forms of Buddhism. You may be curious about the origins of Tantra and the applications of it in your life. This class will elucidate what Tantra is (and isn’t), its origins, different forms of classical Tantra, and how it applies to our modern lives. The class is appropriate for all backgrounds – from the advanced practitioner to the curious beginner – though a background in Buddhist principles would be encouraged.
With Buddhist Tantra, also called Vajrayana, the Diamond Vehicle, we see the arising of more equality for women and the integration of mantra, yoga, pranayama, mandalas, deity yoga, sexual yoga, and other common themes shared across South Asian traditions. Vajrayana Buddhism – which includes all phases of Buddhist teachings (early, middle, and later) – traveled through the Himalayas and into Tibet, the Land of Snows. There it flourished and evolved into the rich and unique tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
Classical Tantra – as opposed to modern American neo-Tantra – leads us to an embodied awakening where all aspects of ourselves are integrated onto the path of natural liberation (Tib. rang dröl). Turning toward life and experience, we embrace all aspects of ourselves, and we realize reality as-it-is, and the illusory “cave of duality” collapses. Whether you are new to meditation or a long-term seasoned practitioner, the guidance you will receive in this series will support and challenge you to apply these teachings to your life authentically and creatively. This course is for those seeking a more focused, personal, and palpable shift in their practice with a qualified teacher and supported by a close-knit, dedicated cohort.
(Green Tara. Photo credit: Rubin Museum)
(Kurukulla. Photo credit: Rubin Museum)
Each series will have at its heart a Dharma root text, poem, or dohā (song of realization). As a translator of Tibetan Buddhist texts, Chandra has a unique perspective on language and how the meaning behind words plays into our direct experience that cannot be contained within language alone. Ultimately, to realize the meaning behind the words found in these root texts, we must go beyond concepts into a direct realization for ourselves. This emphasis on direct realization is expressed succinctly by the Fletcheress Dakini (circa 8th century CE), the teacher of Saraha, when she said,
“The Buddha’s meaning can be known through symbols and actions, not through words and books.”
Experiencing the meaning of the Buddha’s teachings, not just talking or thinking about them, will be at the heart of this series. We will move into this experience through the “three doors” or “pathways” of the body, speech, and mind. In this way, we will release into presence (Tib. rigpa) as a collective, letting concepts fall away as we rest at ease in our natural state, suchness, dharmata.
This series:
In this two-part series, we will study the classic long poem, Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones: The Practice of View, Meditation, and Action by Patrul Rinpoche, covering the entire Buddhist path. The unique charm of this text is that at the end of each stanza, Patrul Rinpoche instructs us to recite the Mani mantra, Om Mani Padme Hung. We will do just this. But we will also spend ample time chanting other mantras, such as the Arya Tara mantras and others, for the path of tantra is also called the Mantrayana, the path of mantra. Therefore, we will explore and experience the importance of mantras for ourselves.
In this Foundations of Nondual Buddhist Tantra series, you will learn
- Early Buddhist teachings that laid the groundwork for Buddhist Tantra;
- Origins and practices of classical Tantra (Buddhist & Hindu, including nondual Shaiva Tantra)
- The importance of compassion and love for liberation;
- Nonduality – philosophical teachings on emptiness and interdependence;
- Meditation guidance and direct instruction on how to overcome obstacles to your realization;
- Commentaries to classic Dharma root texts from the original Tibetan language (will differ from series to series);
- Chanting mantra japa (utter quietly) and kirtan (chanting melodically);
- Experiential practices of the three doors of the body (somatic movement & gentle yoga), speech (mantra & pranayama), and mind (philosophy & meditation) that help us release into presence, resting at ease in our natural state;
- How to live with clarity, beauty, and integrity in this modern world as householders.
(Mandala of Avalokiteshvara. Photo credit: Rubin Museum)
Chandra’s ecumenical perspective is informed not only by her love of Theravada, Zen, and Vajrayana streams but also by Hatha Yoga, which she has taught since 2001, nondual Shaiva Tantra, and her training as a translator and scholar in religious studies. She has published two books, the first called Sublime Dharma (Vimala Publishing, 2012) on Dzogchen (Great Perfection) and the second, most recently, Embodying Tara (Shambhala Publishing, 2023) on the twenty-one Taras, the female Buddhas of compassion, wisdom, and protection.
Logistics:
Personal engagement, daily meditation practice, and group discussion will be encouraged. Because each class builds upon the prior class, consistent attendance is important. However, if you need to miss a class, please commit to watching the recording before the next class. Recordings of classes will be provided within 48 hours.
Space is limited.
This is an experimental course and may shift and evolve as we go along according to the needs of the teacher, material, and participants.
Course Format:
This course is divided into two six-month immersions.
Part 1: Foundations of Buddhist Tantra
Sign onto Lopön Chandra’s Newsletter to receive news for next series beginning in Spring 2025
Two cohorts are offered to accommodate your time zone.
Choose your preferred group/day (choose only one):
Tuesday Group: FULL
October 8, 2024 – April 1, 2025
Tuesdays, 10:00 -11:30 am Pacific Time
Wednesday Group: FULL
October 9, 2024 – April 2, 2025
Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm Pacific Time
Part 1 Series Rate
(6 months, 22 classes total) :
Please select the rate that is suitable for you. Please know that no one turned away for lack of funds. Email me (chandra@chandraeaston.com) if you need to discuss other options.
General rate: $880
Pay-It-Forward rate: $1320 (By choosing the Pay-It-Forward option, you are contributing to the scholarship fund that supports the Access rate).
Payment plan rate: $150/month over 6 months (set up via Paypal)
Access rate: $440 At present, all Access rate slots (aka scholarships) have been taken. We need more folks to register at the Pay-It-Forward rate to fund the scholarships in order to open up the Access rate slots again. The contributions we receive at the Pay-It-Forward rate make it possible for us to offer a below-cost Access rate to those practitioners with a limited income. More guidance on how to decide which rate category is for you is provided at the bottom of the Registration page link for your reference.
(Mandala of Vajrayogini – Chinnamasta. photo credit: Rubin Museum)
Required reading:
Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones by Patrul Rinpoche (with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s commentary)
Part 2: Foundations of Nondual Buddhist Tantra Continued
Two cohorts are offered to accommodate your time zone.
Choose your preferred group/day (choose only one):
Tuesday Group:
April 22 – October 21, 2025
Tuesdays, 10:00 -11:30 am Pacific Time
(No classes in the month of August)
Wednesday Group:
April 23 – October 22, 2025
Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm Pacific Time
(No classes in the month of August)
Part 2 Series Rates (6 months, 22 classes total):
Please select the rate that is suitable for you. Please know that no one turned away for lack of funds. Email me (chandra@chandraeaston.com) if you need to discuss other options.
General rate: $880
Pay-It-Forward rate: $1320*
Access rate: $440
Payment plan rate: $150/month over 6 months (set up via Paypal)
*By choosing the Pay-It-Forward option, you are contributing to the scholarship fund that supports the Access rate.
Registration will open soon.
Required reading:
Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones by Patrul Rinpoche (with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s commentary)
