༄༅། Nondual Buddhist Tantra
Mantra, Meditation, Mudra & Movement
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 how it applies to your life. This weekend retreat offers a grounded, experiential introduction to the tantric path through its three doors — mantra (speech), meditation (mind), and movement (body). 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, sound, breath, and mudra become gateways into the natural state — an embodied awakening where all aspects of ourselves are integrated rather than transcended. Turning toward our own experience rather than away from it, we realize reality as it is, and the illusory “cave of duality” begins to collapse. Whether you are new to meditation or a long-term seasoned practitioner, the guidance you’ll receive this weekend will support and challenge you to bring these teachings into direct, felt experience — held by a qualified teacher and a dedicated group of fellow practitioners.
As a translator of Tibetan Buddhist texts, Chandra brings a rare sensitivity to how language shapes — and limits — our experience. Words can point the way, but they cannot contain the fullness of realization; ultimately we must go beyond concepts into direct realization for ourselves. This is 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 teachings, not just hearing or thinking about them, will be at the heart of this retreat. We will move into this experience through the three doors of body, speech, and mind — releasing into presence (Tib. rigpa) as a collective, letting concepts fall away as we rest at ease in our natural state.
Green Tara (Photo credit: Rubin Museum)
Kurukulla (Photo credit: Rubin Museum)
This Retreat
Away from the noise of daily life and held by the open sky of Anza, we will immerse ourselves in periods of silence and mantra recitation (japa and kirtan) as our central practice, supported by seated meditation, sound yoga, and gentle movement.
In this retreat, you will:
- Learn and practice mantra recitation (mantra japa)
- Devotional chanting (kirtan)
- Practice sound yoga (nādyoga), using vibration and voice to settle body and mind
- Receive guided meditation instruction and direct methods for working with obstacles to presence
- Engage gentle pranayama and somatic movement to prepare the body for stillness
- Explore teachings on nonduality — how sound, breath, and presence work together to reveal the natural state
- Rest in silence away from the distractions of daily life
- Learn how to carry mantra and meditation practice back into life as a modern householder
Root Text
Chandra holds the title of Dorje Lopön (Vajra Master) within her lineage, and her ecumenical perspective is informed by her love of Theravada, Zen, and Vajrayana Buddhism, her decades of teaching Hatha Yoga (since 2001), 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 Presence:
This retreat is designed as an immersive container. We ask that participants commit to being fully present for the weekend — arriving Friday evening and staying through Sunday lunch — and to maintaining silence between sessions where indicated, to support the depth of practice for the whole group.
Daily Meditation & Mantra Practice:
Regular practice — whether an existing commitment or techniques learned during the weekend — is an essential part of this retreat.
Community Container:
This is a small, dedicated group. Please come with a willingness to practice, rest, and be in community with openness and respect.
This retreat is experimental and may evolve based on the needs of the teacher, material, and participants. Space is limited.
Location
Anza Retreat, Berkeley, CA Tucked into the hillside just 10 minutes from UC Berkeley and 30 minutes from San Francisco, Anza is a hidden gem nestled in the folds of the Berkeley Hills — named for its meaning, “a dwelling among the elder trees.” Surrounded by rolling hills, golden light, and elder trees overlooking Tilden Park, the grounds offer a rare stillness suited to deep practice.
The property offers a variety of private and shared rooms, spacious common areas, and sunlit decks that allow the group to move between solitude and shared practice throughout the weekend. After sessions, retreatants can unwind in the sauna, soak in the Japanese hot tub, take a cold plunge, or wander the surrounding trailheads.
Meals: All meals are delicious, farm-to-table fare, prepared to nourish the body and support the depth of practice throughout the weekend.
Mandala of Avalokiteshvara (Photo credit: Rubin Museum)
(Tibetan script: oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ)
Retreat Dates
September 18-20, 2026
Friday evening arrival – Sunday lunch departure
(Detailed schedule provided upon registration)
Ways To Attend
Choose the accommodation that fits your comfort and budget. All options include the full weekend program, teachings, and farm-to-table meals.
| Accomodation Type | Price |
|---|---|
| King Room (private) | $1000 USD |
| Double Room (shared, 2 people) | $900 USD |
| Bunk Room (shared, sleeps 4–6) | $850 USD |
| Sunset Room (tatami mats, shared dorm) | $800 USD |
| Bus (unique shared lodging) | $745 USD |
| Camping (bring your own tent) | $695 USD |
| Commuter (day-only, no overnight stay) | $450 USD |
Payment plan available — email Kamille at admin@chandraeaston.com Limited number of scholarships are available — please contact Kamille at admin@chandraeaston.com
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.
