The Path of Individual Liberation: Shamatha-Vipashyana

WMC Intermediate-level course based on The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma, Volume One

by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Wednesdays 7–8:45 PM

January 14 - April 8, 2026

Meets in person at The Aligned Center (with Zoom option).

Led by Tom Pantaleoni, Warner Dick, Dorian Burden, and Erich Kramer

Suggested Donation: $120

The winter semester of this year-long course will take students through a deep exploration of the heart of Buddhist practice, shamatha-vipashyana meditation. We begin with the simplicity of shamatha or "calm abiding," and explore many topics including the progression of stages, the obstacles to shamatha and their antidotes, and the buddhist understanding of mind and consciousness. We make a close study of Trungpa Rinpoche's unique presentation of the four foundations of mindfulness, which serves as a strong introduction to discussing vipashyana; the development, out of the precision of shamatha, of an insightful, skillful awareness that can expand to all aspects of our life.

The year-long Path of Individual Liberation course closely follows the text of The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma, Volume One, which presents a remarkably vivid and detailed outline of the Buddhist path of study and practice. The text is a compilation of thirteen years of teachings from Chögyam Trungpa's annual three-month retreats known as Vajradhatu Seminary, attended by students at an intermediate level of study.

In the spring of 2026, the course will continue, based on the later sections of the text, exploring topics such as the four noble truths and the five paths, and the development of discriminating awareness and wisdom.

Class will meet in person every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:45 at the Aligned Center in Irvington. A Zoom option will also be available.

Participation in this course requires completion of the WMC Foundation Course, The Way of the Buddha, or an equivalent experience with Buddhist practice and study.* Students are encouraged to attend all or most class sessions, and in person whenever possible.

The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma, Volume One can be ordered from Shambhala Publications or other book sellers.

*Questions about this requirement can be addressed to Derek Kolleeny by using this link derek@westchestermeditationcenter.org

*WMC maintains a policy of making our programs affordable to all.

Those with limited income, please note our student/fixed income rate on the registration page.