Online Course with Andrew Holecek & Robert A.F. Thurman
The second weekend deals with the esoteric application of Pure Land doctrine. How does the tantric tradition relate to Pure Lands, and how can I discover a Pure Land right here and now? What is the relationship between the tantric mandala and the pure lands of the various contemplative archetype buddhas? Where does Shambhala fit in, and what is the essence of purification? How does phowa, and the bardo teachings in general, relate to the Pure Lands? What are the “hidden lands” (beyul) and how do we find them? The relationship of pure land to pure mind is explored: how the transformation of one implies the transformation of the other.
We can use the Pure Land tradition to augment our spiritual path, and to prepare us for our eventual rebirth into a Pure Land – either in the next moment, or in our next life. In addition to talks and discussion, both weekends present meditations that pave our way to a Pure Land now -- and after death.
Andrew Holecek
Andrew Holecek is an author, speaker, and humanitarian who offers seminars internationally on meditation, lucid dreaming, and the art of dying. He is the author of many books, including The Power and the Pain: Transforming Spiritual Hardship into Joy, and Preparing to Die: Practical Advice and Spiritual Wisdom from the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition.
Dr. Holecek is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and the coauthor of scientific papers on lucid dreaming. His work has appeared in Psychology Today, Parabola, Lion’s Roar, Tricycle, Utne Reader, Buddhadharma Magazine, Light of Consciousness, and many other periodicals. He also hosts the popular Edge of Mind podcast, conversations with leading-edge thinkers in the fields of science, philosophy, spirituality, psychology, integral studies, and the arts.
Andrew is the founder of the international Night Club community, a support platform for the nocturnal meditations, and the co-founder of Global Dental Relief, which provides free oral health care to children in developing countries. He holds degrees in classical music, biology, and a doctorate in dental surgery. Learn more at andrewholecek.com.
Robert A.F. Thurman
Robert Thurman is Professor Emeritus of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US | Menla in service of HH Dalai Lama & the people of Tibet.
Translator of a number of books from the Tibetan canons and author, he specializes on the Mādhyamika Centrist philosophical tradition as intertwined with the unexcelled yoga tantra practice tradition from Shakyamuni up to the contemporary Great Fourteenth Dalai Lama.