༄༅། 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 is not always clearly defined or properly understood. You may have a Buddhist background but are not 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. All levels are welcome, from seasoned practitioners to those just beginning their exploration, though familiarity with Buddhist principles is recommended.
With Buddhist Tantra, also called Vajrayana, the Diamond Vehicle, we see the arising of more equality for women and the integration of mantra, mudra, yoga, pranayama, mandala, 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 throughout Central, East, and Southeast Asia during the medieval period, taking root in places like Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, China, Japan, and Sumatra (Indonesia).
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, 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 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 succinctly expressed by the Fletcheress Dakini (circa 8th century CE), Saraha’s teacher, who 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. This text is very precious and profound, as it includes the preliminaries (Tib. ngöndro) to Dzogchen, with a special emphasis on the practice of bodhichitta, the heart of awakening. The unique charm of this text is that Patrul Rinpoche teaches us to recite the maṇi mantra, oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ, in connection with different aspects of Avalokiteshvara. We will do just this. We will also learn sound yoga (nadyog) and chant other mantras, such as those to Arya Tara, Sarasvati, and others, for the tantric path is also called the Mantrayana, the path of mantra. Therefore, we will emphasize mantra practice in this class and in our peer study groups (pods).
In this Foundations of Nondual Buddhist Tantra series, you will learn the following:
- 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),
- Practice deity yoga where we meditate upon deities/buddhas such as Sarasvati, Arya Tara, or Avalokiteshvara. Unifying our mindstream with them, we enter into the nondual state.
- 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 & Agreements
Participation in this year-long immersion entails the following:
Commitment to Attendance & Participation: This course builds progressively, so consistent attendance via Zoom is essential for a cohesive learning experience. Please make every effort to attend all sessions. If you must miss a class, commit to watching the recording (provided within 48 hours) before the next session. Avoid missing more than one consecutive class when possible. Life happens—if you need to miss a session, please communicate with us. Additionally, maintain appropriate online etiquette to ensure a respectful and focused learning environment for everyone.
Agreement to Engage with Course Materials: To get the most out of this program, come prepared by completing the assigned reading (approximately 2–10 pages per week). The material is designed to be enriching, not overwhelming, uplifting but not a heavy lift. Your engagement supports both your learning and the collective experience of the group.
Daily Meditation Practice: Regular meditation practice is integral to this course. This can include practices you already engage in (e.g., ngöndro or other commitments) and/or the new techniques learned in class.
Peer Study Groups (Pods): Small peer study and practice groups (“pods”) will be available to support deeper learning and community connection. These groups provide a valuable opportunity to discuss course material, share insights, and practice Chandra’s meditations together. Pods may meet via phone, Zoom, or in person when possible. While participation in a pod is optional, it is highly encouraged as many find these groups enriching and beneficial, creating bonds that last far beyond the time frame of this course.
Course Agreement & Flexibility: By registering, you agree to these guidelines. If circumstances arise that affect your participation, please reach out to Chandra so we can explore ways to support your continued engagement.
This course is experimental and may evolve based on the needs of the teacher, material, and participants. Space is limited.
Course Format:
This course is divided into two six-month immersions.
2024-2025 Course
PART 1: UNDERWAY, REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
PART 2: OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
This section is open to those who have completed Part 1.
We offer two cohorts to accommodate your time zone. Please select your preferred group and day (choose only one):
COHORT OPTIONS
Tuesday Group:
April 22 – October 21, 2025
Tuesdays, 10:00 -11:30 am Pacific Time
(No classes: 6/24 and no classes in the month of August)
Wednesday Group:
May 14 – November 12, 2025
Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm Pacific Time
(No classes: 6/25 and no classes in the month of August)
PART 2 SERIES RATES:
(6 months, 22 classes total)
Please select the rate that works for you. No one is turned away for lack of funds. For other options, email me directly at chandra@chandraeaston.com. See below for payment guidelines.
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.
REQUIRED READING:
Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones by Patrul Rinpoche (with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s commentary)
New 2025-2026 Course
PART 1: OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
Wednesdays:
May 14 – Nov 12
10:00 – 11:30 am Pacific Time
No Classes: 6/25 and no classes in the month of August
PART 1 SERIES RATES:
(22 classes total)
Please select the rate that works for you. No one is turned away for lack of funds. For other options, email me directly at chandra@chandraeaston.com. See below for payment guidelines.
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 supporting those who pay the reduced Access rate).
REQUIRED READING:
Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones by Patrul Rinpoche (with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s commentary)
PART 2: OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
This section is open to those who have completed Part 1.
Wednesdays:
December 3, 2025 – May 13, 2026
10:00 – 11:30 am Pacific Time
No Classes: December 24th and 31st, 2025.
PART 2 SERIES RATES:
(6 months, 22 classes total)
Please select the rate that works for you. No one is turned away for lack of funds. For other options, email me directly at chandra@chandraeaston.com. See below for payment guidelines.
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.
REQUIRED READING:
Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones by Patrul Rinpoche (with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s commentary)
Pricing Guidelines
Pay-It-Forward Rate
Choose this amount if you have the financial security and capacity to support this program at a higher level. The contributions we receive at this rate make it possible for us to offer a below-cost Access Range to those practitioners with a limited income.
This range is for you if you:
- Own your own home and live comfortably without financial worry
- Have investments and savings
- Easily have access to money in times of need or emergencies
- Have the desire to help make the Dharma more accessible to others
General Rate
Choose this rate if you have the financial capacity to sustain our ability to offer high-quality programs. The contributions we gratefully receive at this rate enable us to keep our prices low while covering the basic program costs.
This range is for you if you:
- Have the capacity to meet your basic financial needs
- Make your rent or mortgage and other monthly payments
- Are generally able to purchase new items and experiences for yourself
- Can afford to take trips and go on retreats
Access Rate
Choose an amount if you have limited financial capacity or are currently experiencing financial hardship. The contributions we gratefully receive at this rate go toward covering costs and are supported by contributions of those who choose the Pay-It-Forward Rate.
This range is for you if you:
- Have difficulty meeting your basic financial needs
- Are experiencing housing, employment, or income instability
- Live paycheck-to-paycheck and and lack money in times of need
- Face challenges due to devaluation of your currency against the US dollar.
