Teachings by Lama Mark Webber, Wuppertal, Germany

Weekend 1- (Forest Retreat Centre- Waldpädagogisches Zentrum Burgholz) Jan. 23-25th – Open to all 1) Teachings on Tantra: What it means, why it developed and how it developed. How Tantra works and why it is so important to Western practitioners of Dharma; Tantra and Compassion; the meaning and importance of transmission and Wongkur (Empowerment); Tantra and the removal of life obstacles. 2) An introduction and overview to the Mandala Offering in the Extraordinary Foundation Practices: What is a Mandala?; What is offered and why; the many levels of meaning and understanding of this profound meditation; building strength/merit and power to awaken. 3) A Vajrasattva Wongkur and some pith teachings.

In Wuppertal City- Authorization Wongkur of Yamantaka- An Evening during the week of January 26th (contact Karin Ricono for details) Requirements to attend: 1)Everyone attending is to be of healthy mind and body. Only for those who have completed at least 100,000 mantras of Chenresig, Sakyamuni or Manjusri or other Deity Yoga meditations, combined with visualization practice of the deity yoga. Attendance by approval of Karin Ricono. Pithy teachings on the meditation practice of Yamantaka will also be given.

Weekend 2- (Forest Retreat Centre- Waldpädagogisches Zentrum Burgholz): January 30 to Febuary 1st. Open to all. Teachings and direct instructions on the Natural Mode of Freedom. “The Essential Point in Three Statements” by Khepa Sri Gyalpo (Patrul Rinpoche). Lama Mark will teach from this wonderful and pithy Dzogchen text. And he will give teachings to point out the “View”, Meditation” and “Conduct”, the natural meditative state, relaxing the mind and getting to the essential question. What is meditation and what is not meditation? Find out how not to go astray in meditation and Dharma practice, how to go right to the “heart of the matter.” Why practicing mindfulness alone does not liberate, and what other mental and physical factors are required for experiencing and developing confidence in this naturally compassionate and awake mode. For further informationplease contact Karin Ricono at 0202/305930 or 0049/17652579518 or Monika Ellies by email or by calling 0049/173392145.