Whether you're new to meditation or just new around here, below you'll find some resources to get you started.
Dzogchen teachings must come from a qualified teacher. Dzogchen is considered a direct and advanced path of meditation, so there are some risks in practicing by yourself. Please read about those risks here before beginning.
Teachings can be given in person, live video, or via recorded intro sessions:
After you've watched an online teaching, you can join the monthly "Beginner Trekchö" teaching group with Lama Lena.
Want to learn about Buddhism and Meditation? There is no "right" place to start - begin with whatever interests you and keep going! Here are some things you can try:
Watch introductory video teachings by Lama Lena
Thoughts! Tired of those little buggers? Learn how to work with them in a Dzogchen…
Join Lama Lena for a teaching on Guru Yoga ngondro practice and etiquette – including…
Watch Part 2 here: A longtime friend of Lama Lena, Rinpoche presents these important teachings April…
Curious about Dzogchen meditation, but confused about how to practice? In this public teaching, Lama…
Getting distracted, annoyed, and disheartened by constant mental chatter? Watch Lama Lena’s 2-part public teaching…
Lama Lena gives a short guided practice of Guru Yoga that can be done at…
Dharma books are an excellent way to kickstart your journey and learn about the history, terminology, concepts, and key players in the Buddhist tradition. The list below is curated by Lama Lena, with favorites from her collection. But keep in mind that books alone aren't enough. The oral transmission of teachings by a qualified teacher helps you to progress in your practice. So in addition to reading, make sure to attend teachings online and in person, not just from Lama Lena, but from other teachers as well – whatever interests you!
For Dzogchen: make sure to attend pointing out instructions BEFORE reading books on the subject. Lama Lena gives this in almost every online teaching!
For Tantra: Lama Lena asks that you spend time developing a foundational understanding of tantra, guru yoga, and samaya before attending tantric initiations ("wangs") to avoid making commitments you don't fully understand. You can learn via the books below and from recorded teachings on this site.
Lama Lena says: These two both give a good idea of the multiplicity of paths. They're both based off of the same root text, with different translations and illustrations.
Lama Lena says: "This is a classic, a bit thick reading, but great basic text for the Traditional path. Gives you all the traditional analogies you'll need to really understand when they are referred to in more advanced and practice-specific texts."
From there... branch out into whatever topic catches your interest. Ask Lama Lena or your sangha members (in the forum or on facebook) for more recommendations!
Once you've begun a daily practice, you can join one of the monthly Teaching Groups that Lama Lena hosts on Zoom. These practice-specific groups give practitioners the opportunity to interact directly with Lama Lena, ask questions, and discuss with fellow practitioners.
CHOOSING A GROUP:
You can only join ONE group. Choose the group that corresponds most closely to your main practice. If you need help choosing, either write to Lama Lena or join the most relevant group and ask for guidance there. Lama Lena will help you sort it out.
FREQUENCY: Groups will rotate, occurring once every 4 weeks. Please check the calendar.
REGISTER: Please register using THIS FORM
We have an active and supportive community forum full of practitioners at all levels and from all around the world. It's a supportive space where people are generous with their questions, comments and conversation! Request to join HERE