Exploring Hidden Lands

Parts I: Outer and Inner Pilgrimage in Dzogchen Tantra

In this seminar Ian Baker will speak about his explorations of Beyul Pemako, ‘the Hidden-Land Arrayed Like Lotuses’, in the eastern Himalayas, from the perspective of Dzogchen and Tantra, and the ways in which primal nature can support spiritual awakening and the unfolding of our innermost potential.

Beyul refer to secret or hidden dimensions of nature and paradisiacal realms in remote parts of Tibet and the Himalayas described by Padmasambhava in revealed scrolls. Beyul have outer, inner, secret and ultimately secret dimensions, corresponding to levels of initiation in the Buddhist Tantras.

Guided on his own journeys to hidden-lands by some of of the greatest Dzogchen masters of the 20th century, Ian will share their insights into how obstacles and adversities engage deeper levels of our being, and transform experience.

Discussion periods will further explore Dzogchen as an existential disposition that can enrich our own and others’ lives beyond the limits of formal practice.

The Tibetan tradition of hidden-lands will also be explored in terms of the ways in which we relate to our inner and outer environment, as well as contemporary approaches to spiritual practice, education, and inquiry in an increasingly insecure world.

Part II: Outer and Inner Pilgrimage in Dzogchen Tantra (continued)

This seminar will go into greater depth in regard to the kind of practices that Tibetan adepts have undertaken on their journeys into inter-worlds of spirit and matter, based on the non-dual perspective of Dzogchen (Ati Yoga) and imaginal and embodied practices (Maha Yoga; Anu Yoga) of Vajrayāna.

With reference to Pemako-related guidebooks (neyig) and spiritual biographies (namthar), the seminar will specifically explore the interconnected nature of the Four Mudras (catumudrā) as practices that expand awareness and transform human experience, both individually and collectively.

Specific techniques, such as the transpersonal integration of ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ elements, will be discussed in the context of ‘taking nature as the path’.

Part III: Approaching the Great Perfection

Drawing both on textual sources and contemporary scientific research, this seminar will explore the relationship between tantric ‘completion stage’ practices, such as Tummo, and the resultant ‘great perfection’ stage of Dzogchen / Mahamudrā, in the realisation of altruistic, self-transcendent states of awareness and action, as well as enhanced health and vitality (as measured, for example, by increased blood flow to the brain). Attention will be given to analogous methodologies in ancient Greece, as well as contemporary adaptations, towards a deeper, cross-cultural, interdisciplinary understanding of human potential and the methods by which it can be realised.

Part IV: Nourishing the Subtle Body 

The Tantra and Dzogchen traditions of Tibetan Buddhism refer to Chulen (Sanskrit: rasayāna) as ingestible substances that promote health and longevity while aiding spiritual practice and realization.

Beginning with a review of the category of herbal medicine (auṣadhi) in Patañjali’s Yogasūtra as a support for yogic ‘accomplishment’ (siddhi), this seminar will explore the historical and contemporary use of medicinally active substances and formulations (chudlen, rasayāna) for opening subtle energy channels (nadi), nourishing the life force, and supporting contemplative practices based on expanded perception, insight, and awareness.

Suggested Reading:
The Heart of the World: A Journey to Tibet’s Lost Paradise, pp. 193-194, 217, 256-257, 277, 299-300, 458, 466;
Tibetan Yoga: Principles and Practices, pp. 229-241.