Being Tara: Transcending Fear through Song and Dance
with Kristine McCutcheon
July 2 - 4, 2021
Please Note: we cannot accept visitors from outside of the “approved regions” specified by the Nova Scotia Government. Please check the current Travel Guidelines on our homepage before registering.
Tara is a Buddhist female deity of compassion. Meditating on Tara helps practitioners overcome their fears and anxieties and relate to ones world more fully. Although she arises in many colours, her most popular energies manifest as peaceful White Tara, who brings healing, long life and tranquillity; and the dynamic Green Tara, who overcomes obstacles, and protects from fears. We will be working with all colours.
The practice of Tara is for all of us — whatever stage of life. We will explore various ways of meditating with Tara — including song and dance — in order to go beyond the many faces of fear that confront us in daily life and open our hearts to others.
What to Expect
There will be periods of sitting and short discussions and periods of movement and contemplation and singing. The program will be quite fluid with much variation. We will talk about how we understand and recognize our fears and how we work with them in daily life. We will be using a Tara practice that is song and dance as taught by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche.
Who can Attend?
Anyone can attend. Feel free to bring a friend.
- People who are interested in deepening the connection between meditation and meditation in action.
- Especially welcome are those with beginners mind who are open to exploring meditation in motion.
- This is a Buddhist practice, based on Buddhist teachings. Ideally one has entered that path by taking the Refuge vow. But that is not required for participation.
White Tara Sadhana Practice
There will also be an opportunity to practice White Tara Sadhana, written by Sakyong Mipham, Rinpoche. Everyone can practise White Tara with the group, but in order to receive a copy of the text to practise at home, one must have taken refuge and received the permission reading (lung). The lung will be offered at the program.
Those who have taken refuge and plan to receive the lung (optional) may purchase the White Tara Sadhana at the program, if they wish to. Copies will be available for sale for $14 + gst. Simply select the appropriate box under the “Optional Items” section on the Registration Form, and the cost will be added to your Guest Statement. The Sadhana will be presented to you after the lung.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable clothes and, if you want bring a flowing scarf. • We may well be outside a lot depending on the weather and Covid restrictions so please bring layers.
All materials are included. Copies of songs and chants.
Tuition
Tuition: $119
Meals: $40
Accommodations: Additional. (See Registration Form for Details)
Repeaters will receive a 50% discount on the tuition portion ($59.50). If you are a repeater, simply email Guest Services for the discount code to enter during registration.
ONLY CHOOSE DOUBLE OCCUPANCY OPTIONS IF you are attending the program with a friend or partner.
Useful Links
What to Bring & Expect at DDL
How to Get Here
Financial Aid Form
Leader
Kristine McCutcheon has been meditating in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition for over 30 years including a three year retreat. Studying the dharma has led her to travel to Nepal and India and then back to Nova Scotia. Drawing on her background as a Montessori teacher, Kristine presents the dharma in a hands-on way, incorporating movement, song and contemplation to help participants ground in shamatha meditation. Taking her teachers’ examples to heart, Kristine is a householder and lives with her partner in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, between the mountain and the ocean.
Learn more about Kristine McCutcheon
