Course Reviews and Testimonials
The Lucid Mind Retreat August 2006 - January 2007 with Mark Webber reviewed by Jamie van Dam   The Golden Earth Retreat February 2-8, 2007 with Terry Hagan & Mala Sikka reviewed by Christine Wihak   The Jewelled Net of Indra, (Mandala: Mind Expansion) Aug 24 - Sep 5, 2007 with Terry Hagan, Mala Sikka, & 'Dana Arts' reviewed by Hilde Paz   Tarot Weekend Nov 15 - 18, 2007 with Sonam Gyatso reviewed by Peter Bergerson   Discovering the Heart Sutra through Art Nov 30 - Dec 2, 2007 with Heather Rigby reviewed by Ray McGirl

Reviews The Lucid Mind Retreat See the attached PDF document for Jamie's review: Lucid Mind Retreat

The Golden Earth Retreat Reviewed by Christine Wihak Was it Terry and Mala that called us there? Or was earth itself, saturated with Rinpoche's vibration, that called to us? Bhum, Bhum, Bhum. The golden earth sent out its deep drum call, summoning us to the Dharma Centre for a mid-winter celebration. There we were, about 30 beings, representing all the strata of the DC's history: "old timers", freighter guys, academics, long-term retreatants, former and current Board members and staff. And most importantly, the newcomers such as Lynn, Tom, Neils, Chandeep and Arlene. What did we do? Rather surprisingly, we talked. And talked and talked. In the year after Rinpoche's death, Tracy Sheridan had remarked, "We are not a community. When people spend all their time together in silent retreat, you don't really have a strong sense of community". Well, this retreat remedied that deficit. Sherab and Jack Connelly, both accomplished meditators, lit up at discovering a peer with whom each could discuss Dharma insights and practices. David Berry, although suffering from the flu, managed to take meetings in the hallway of the Temple, in the dining-room, on walks to and from the Hermitage. Away from the DC for almost two years myself, I found deeper levels of friendship developing with people who had previously been only retreat acquaintances. We also meditated together: daily Zambala practice, Mahakala pujas, and star groups. The last full day of the retreat was designated a "practice day", with more time devoted to meditation. This intensified focus changed the potency of the atmosphere on the property and renewed our appreciation of the value of practice shared amongst us. The integration of practice and ideas was a powerful combination. So much of what happens at the Dharma Centre is on the inner plane. Who knows what anyone else experienced? For me, the Temple was full of golden light, and every dancing mote of dust was filled with Rinpoche's smiling face. And the Guardians of Deva Chen were very much on the job, protecting our precious Centre. We shared Dharma talks, too. While Terry and Mala initially took the lead, sitting in 'the teacher' position, the conversations quickly evolved into Sangha discussions. The circle of practitioners became the teacher – an embodiment of "refuge in the Sangha". It was a delight to hear people speak out loud the insights they had gained during our shared, silent hours in deep meditation retreats, helping each other to unfold. I even learned Dharma lore I hadn't heard from Namgyal Rinpoche. Did you know that the bow and arrow that Zambala holds represent the Parami? Or that the name Zambala means "calling the power"? We have so much to teach each other. Coming at the end of three years, three months, and three days without Rinpoche in his accustomed form, this sharing consolidated the insight that the mandala of beings previously around him is now the manifestation of the guru. Enjoying delicious and varied food, movement classes, star gazing, walking through woods asparkle with millions of snow diamonds. These were just some of the other riches that we sampled during the week. Given this abundance, it seemed fitting that Trudy reported on the financial situation, "The Dharma Centre has just come off its best year ever". A generous donation from Elizabeth Salm to support Terry's and Mala's first year as Resident Teachers was matched by generous donations from many other beings. Although the dana bowl was overflowing, the questions on everyone's mind were: What now? What next? Where is the DC going? Matthew was collecting people’s insights on these questions gained during a final night stargroup and we will be doing further work to develop future directions. But the strong consensus is that we need make the Centre accessible and attractive for new students, so that new generations can experience the same rich exploration that we have all enjoyed. Terry and Mala, with their common interest in body work, travel, the environment, and being in love, seem to have just the chemistry needed to attract the young people that everyone would like to see at the Centre. Shine on, Terry and Mala, in your new roles as DC ambassadors. You're off to a great start! [ Back to Top ]

The Jewelled Net of Indra, (Mandala: Mind Expansion) Reviewed by Hilde Paz, Artist & sculptor: www.creatingoutofthespirit.com This creative collaboration was an extraordinary meeting with the most gifted artist-healers. I would compare the journey we had to the rhythmic growing of a plant as it moves from contraction to expansion, looking in and looking out, expanding into the environment. As a group we were constantly going through leaps of metamorphosis, clearing the old and bringing in new. Inner strength grew by working with the sadhana of Shakyamuni Buddha, star-group meditations, individual healing sessions, sounding with Indian classical singing, dynamic movement, Qi-qong healing exercises and inspiring Dharma talks. I personally gained tremendous insight into the nature of emptiness through movement with Mala Sikka. The space ‘in-between’ became full of creative possibilities. We moved together in the temple and outdoors ever mindful of our connection to one another, the landscape and the body of the earth. Slowly we discovered how point, line and shape give direction, as the landscape informs and moves us. Making mandalas indoors or outdoors we were invited to connect with living forms and to use natural materials. The creative process was one of letting go of self and opening up to the magical play of Nature. We connected with the environment through a lively dialogue with the animals, the trees, the plants, with everything living in the rhythm of that space. The seam between earth and sky suddenly lifted and our working together became full of magical play. Words fall short of expressing my gratitude to Terry Hagan and Mala Sikka, Elizabeth St.John, Tim Jones and Jan Howarth. Your “healing presence” has opened my eyes to the numinous and filled the world with more joy. May the Jeweled Net of Indra collaboration continue to unfold in time to come. [ Back to Top ]

Tarot Retreat Reviewed by Peter Bergerson As humankind evolved out of Africa and began to spread from the Middle East into India and Asia to the East, and Europe to the West, differing mystical traditions crystallized in diverse cultural centres. Namgyal Rinpoche, having been trained in both Eastern and Western mystery schools saw great value in the Tarot as a vehicle to present the latter. A 20th century authority, Paul Foster Case, defined the Tarot as "a pictorial text-book of the Ageless Wisdom", a book "disguised as a set of cards". Rinpoche took the 22 most significant of the 78 cards (those commonly associated with fortune-telling) and devised imaginative, playful, and dynamic initiations for each, linking our psychic keys to the deep symbolism inherent in their original design. On a beautiful three-day weekend in mid-November, Lama Sonam Gyatso, himself a recognized expert (Past Grand Magus) in the Masonic/Rosicrucian traditions, re-created these in a concise yet penetrating manner, confirming yet again the on-going power of Namgyal's lineage. Each candidate came prepared to represent physically one or two of the Tarot cards (Fool, Emperor, Hermit, etc.). With the Lodge Master's 'Four Powers' assisting, all were put through a barrage of sensual stimuli, movement, meditation, discussion, laughter, tears, and play. (Where else can you buy colourful, edible jewels? Or the whole of North Dakota for next to nothing?) The enthusiastic participants were treated to the Dharma Centre's natural surround at its best - a brilliant sun and clear black velvet night skies. Participants' contrasting backgrounds, experience, and abilities matched the mosaic of initiation impacts, as the mystic symbolism of 'The People of the Book' and their precursors flowed around and through us. The walls of the Temple impressed the eye with the 22 still- brilliant banners created over 20 years ago by Namgyal's Ottawa students, (thank-you!) Our dances, processions, gauntlets, and contortions were driven by Sufi music, Mahler, Messiaen, and pop icons, along with our own voices. Who can forget waking from our floating coffins, invoking the 'lux aeterna' by Village People mudra? From dervish swirls to battlefield confrontations we moved in sensual, expressive and mesmerizing patterns around millennia- old images conveyed by the Tarot. We were led up the central channel backed by Bjork's "Kyrie Eleison", and down through the birth canal to an awakening as surprising as a newborn's. "I died a mineral, and became a plant. I died a plant and rose an animal. I died an animal and I was man. Why should I fear? When was I less by dying?" - Rumi. Initiates sizzled and sparked as they became nuclear radiation, then swarmed on our bellies as we groped our way up the evolutionary chain of consciousness, all the while wondering at the unsettling presence of The Fool or being stalked by Death's intransigent scythe. Whether suffering an 'execution', wandering blind in the cold darkness where tiny bells echoed from the stars, reveling in a triumphant chariot, or creating a maypole en masse, we experienced the initiations on a continuum ranging from 'merely' mystifying to profoundly moving. All these with longer-range effects yet to be welcomed and for which to be thankful. A collective 'thank-you' is due Lama Sonam, his Four Aces (all experienced practitioners and supportive facilitators - Rab in particular for all his assistance in organizing this event, and doubling as 5 a.m. breakfast Ace!), Resident teachers Terry and Mala, Dhani, Michael, and all of you who continue to make the Centre a vibrant home for the Teaching. Close to two dozen initiations in three days! - you'd have to be there to comprehend.. and you could be.. [ Back to Top ]

Discovering the Heart Sutra through Art Reviewed by Ray McGirl This was art - dakini-style, which means art, Hatha Yoga, Qi-gong, Dream Yoga, dance/movement, sounding with musical instuments and voice, visualisation directed towards healing, walk the path of awakening, or dance the multifaceted dance of human awareness. Such a short time, such a large undertaking, an ongoing path of exploration. The instructor, Heather Rigby, an emodiment of Dakini wisdom unfolding. The participants open, willing, assimilating, participating, dancing. The overview: awareness is the practice (and result) as the practice expands awareness. The weather, winter, is upon us. [ Back to Top ]

Testimonials The following are testimonials gathered from anomymous questionnaires gathered at various courses and retreats offered at the Dharma Centre between 2002 and 2005. “The property - the location, the facilities, the instructor and staff - oozes a single minded intention to liberate oneself” “Beautiful, spacious, amazing” “Excellent facilities, wonderful support staff and far, far away from “the real world” “I didn’t expect to feel as comfortable and for the property and buildings to be as well cared for”. “Clean, quiet, beautiful, gentle, friendly, interesting, wildlife, retreat centre” “I am looking forward to returning” “The whole experience was fascinating, interesting and informative. You guys made me feel right at home from the start to end. Thank-you again”. “I will return – peaceful, kind assistance – friendliness” “Very comfortable, quiet room. The temple is beautiful”. “The energy of the place is excellent for long-term retreats”. “The quiet and natural surroundings certainly made it conducive to contemplation. Safe surroundings and the presence of an instructor were invaluable; I felt able to talk easily about the work I was doing. “ “I like the DC because of the many years of work that have been done by many people – it inspirational.” “Impressed with the privacy of the single rooms. The grounds were well kept, attractive, organized, cared for.” “Very warm people making me feel welcome. I plan to attend other courses and self retreats.” “I like the laid back, “funky” character, the peace and quiet, the friendliness, respect and inclusiveness of the staff, the realization of the teachers and practitioners.” “Beautiful, natural setting, positive, friendly atmosphere.” “I liked the supportive, meditative environment, including the natural surroundings, a number of excellent programs, quality teachers, helpful staff, good food. For all these reasons, I shall return.” [ Back to Top ]

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