༄༅། Foundations of Nondual Buddhist Tantra
Philosophy & Meditation Practices of Vajrayana
With Chandra Easton
Course Overview
This yearlong immersion offers a grounded, experiential introduction to Buddhist Tantra—its origins, classical forms, and relevance to modern life. Whether you are new to Vajrayana or deepening an established practice, this course provides a supportive path guided by a qualified teacher and a dedicated cohort.
A central thread of this immersion is the relationship between language and direct experience. As a translator of Tibetan Buddhist texts, Chandra works intimately with the subtle ways meaning is carried—and limited—by words. The teachings themselves remind us that conceptual understanding is only a doorway. Realization happens in the body, in presence, in the immediacy of practice. As the Fletcheress Dakini, Saraha’s 8th‑century teacher, expressed:
“The Buddha’s meaning can be known through symbols and actions, not through words and books.”
This course is designed to help you cross that threshold—from studying the teachings to embodying them.
Green Tara (Photo credit: Rubin Museum)
Kurukulla (Photo credit: Rubin Museum)
What We’ll Explore
- Early Buddhist foundations of Tantra
- Classical Buddhist and Hindu Tantra, including nondual Shaiva Tantra
- Compassion and bodhichitta as the heart of liberation
- Nonduality: emptiness, interdependence, and the nature of reality
- Meditation instruction and methods for working with obstacles
- Commentary on Tibetan root texts
- Deity yoga with Tara, Sarasvati, and Avalokiteshvara
- Mantra practice: japa and kirtan
- Somatic movement, pranayama, and sound yoga
- Living with clarity and integrity as modern householders
Root Text
We will study Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones by Patrul Rinpoche, a luminous guide to the entire Buddhist path, including Dzogchen preliminaries and the cultivation of bodhichitta.
Chandra’s ecumenical perspective draws from Theravada, Zen, and Vajrayana Buddhism, as well as decades of teaching Hatha Yoga, her study of nondual Shaiva Tantra, and her training as a translator and scholar of religion. She is the author of Sublime Dharma (2012), on Dzogchen, and Embodying Tara (2023), on the twenty-one Taras.
Logistics & Agreements
Commitment to Attendance:
This course builds progressively, so consistent attendance via Zoom is important. If you must miss a class, please watch the recording (available within 48 hours) before the next session. Avoid missing more than one class in a row when possible, and maintain respectful online etiquette.
Engagement with Course Materials:
Weekly readings (2–10 pages) are designed to be enriching but manageable. Your preparation supports both your learning and the group field.
Daily Meditation Practice:
A regular meditation practice—your existing commitments and/or practices learned in class—is an essential part of this immersion.
Peer Study Groups (Pods):
Optional small groups offer space for discussion, shared practice, and community connection. Pods may meet by phone, Zoom, or in person. Many participants find these groups deeply supportive.
Course Agreement & Flexibility:
By registering, you agree to these guidelines. If circumstances arise that affect your participation, please reach out so we can explore supportive options.
This course is experimental and may evolve based on the needs of the teacher, material, and participants. Space is limited.
Mandala of Avalokiteshvara (Photo credit: Rubin Museum)
(Tibetan script: oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ)
Course Dates
April 28, 2026 – April 27, 2027
Tuesdays, 10:00–11:30 am PT
(Several scheduled breaks; see full list in registration details.)
Course Rates
We offer a tiered pricing model designed to support accessibility while honoring the care and depth of teaching:
| Tier | Description | Full Course Total |
|---|---|---|
| General Rate | Standard Enrollment | $1760 USD |
| Pay-It-Forward Rate | Includes contribution to scholarship fund | $2640 USD |
| Access Rate | Available for those with financial need | $880 USD |
| Payment Plan Rate | Monthly Payment Over 12 Months | $150 USD / month |
No one turned away for lack of funds. Please choose the tier that feels generous and sustainable for you. Monthly payment plans are available upon request.
Testimonials
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.
