This Shambhala Art Program is a three-part introduction to the dharma art teachings of the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
Shambhala Art springs from the meditative mind. Seeing the simplicity and brilliance of "things as they are" provokes genuine creativity, the expression of non-aggression.
The Shambhala Art Program looks at three topics from the teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche which focus on perception, and uses art-making exercises to bring our understanding into direct experience.
Part One: Coming to Your Senses
Clear perception is the basis of genuine art. Through a series of exercises, Part One explores the process of perception, highlighting both clarity and obscurations.
Part Two: Sign and Symbol
Art-making can be an inquiry into what is true. Trungpa Rinpoche taught dharma art as a way of investigating relative truth and absolute truth, which he called "sign" and "symbol." The exercises in Part Two point us in the direction of non-conceptual knowing.
Part Three: Heaven, Earth and Human - The Creative Process
Facing a blank piece of paper, an empty stage, an idle instrument, or an unplanted garden, we welcome the open space of not knowing: the Heaven principle. Out of that space, inspiration arises and we take the leap, make the mark, and begin to create, joining Heaven and Earth. Bringing awareness and heart to the process is the Human principle. Part Three explores these ancient Chinese aesthetic principles through calligraphies and object arrangements.
This program is available to all with no prerequisites. Part 1 & 2, with out part 3, is the 24th -26th and is $250. Part 3 is the 26th - 28th (departure day is the 29th) and is $315 . A list of recommended readings will be supplied on registration.
Program Price: $495
Please Note:
Price includes meals but not
accommodations.
It is traditional for students to offer a monetary gift to the teacher in appreciation for receiving
the teachings, and in recognition of the years of training and understanding the teacher has cultivated.
There will be an opportunity to offer a teaching gift at the program.
Scholarship and Financial Aid resources are available to make dharma accessible to
people in all circumstances. We offer different ways for overcoming financial obstacles
here.
About Laura Simms:
LAURA SIMMS is one of the best known storytellers in the world today. Her work brings together meditation and the study of oral narrative. In addition to consulting with corporations, nongovernmental organizations and consumer businesses, she has taught storytelling as compassionate action worldwide for the past thirty five years. Presently she works with many humanitarian organizations including Search for Common Ground and Mercy Corps, Inc .A senior Shambhala teacher, she teaches Shambhala Arts and Buddhist studies.. Her most recent book is Under the Currant Leaves: essays on storytelling and compassion. She is the mother of Ishmael Beah, author of A Long Way Gone.
About Tom Semmes:
Tom Semmes has been a member of the Shambhala community since 1987 and currently serves as the Nalanda Chair at the Washington DC Center. He has been teaching from the Shambhala Art curriculum for the past eight years. He is a website designer and also a visual artist. For more information, visit tomsemmes.com.
Registration is closed for this program.
