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The Friday evening talk will be a donation only program and the time is still to be determined, but 8pm is being suggested. We will post a confirmation regarding the time of the Pubic Talk very soon.

The Ancient Tibetan Healing retreat on Saturday and Sunday will explore the instructions and applications that have been handed down in an unbroken lineage dating back many centuries before the Tibetan Kingdom came into existence. It originated in an area known as Olmo Lung Ring, where modern day Pakistan is today, a region in an Empire called Zhang Zhung. It spread into the ancient areas of Persia, Gilgit, Bru Sha, Trom, Tazig and India. Zhang Zhung is presently being explored and examined by many leading anthropologists and archeologists, including John Vincent Bellezza, and the esteemed scholar Chogyal Namkhai Norbu has recently published a book on this ' before Tibet ' Kingdom.

Their spiritual tradition was called Bon ( peace ), and it became the traditional or dominate spiritual embodiment of the Tibetan Culture, until the arrival of Buddhism from India in the 8th century AD. This philosophical system greatly effected the arrival of Buddhism, and shaped it into the Lamaist Vajrayana version so different and unique from the Indian version we have inherited today. Tantric Buddhism is both exciting and unique, but it's roots delve deeply into the pre Buddhist tradition - Bon. Their philosophy centered around a matriarchal system of Deities, ceremonies and rituals that deal with elements, divination, astrology, meditation, energetic healing, yoga, and the advanced philosophical system known as dZogchen.

Recently, Rinpoche completed a 3 year program with western students that dealt with these ancient healing techniques. These students completed an intensive study of an ancient energetic therapy and spiritual practice known as Tsi Dup Yang Bod, which included Trul Khor (yoga), Soul Retreival, the 5 Elements, and detailed memorization of rituals and practices, including the 9 Preliminary practices of Dzogchen. As you can imagine, there has been a demand by students worldwide, to learn more about this energetic system. This is an unprecedented opportunity to learn more about man's oldest energetic healing modality.

Geshe Chongtul Rinpoche will host an evening talk on the pre Buddhist ancient culture of the Bon, answer questions, and meet with the general public on Friday evening March 18th. A goodwill offering of ' dana ' (generosity) is suggested. No one will be turned away, unless restrictions on local business codes are exceeded.

On Saturday and Sunday, Rinpoche will lead a 2 day retreat on the ancient healing systems of the Bon. There are many healing systems within Bon. Some of you may be familiar with Medicine Buddha teachings, the Bon have a much older system of Mawai Senge or Menlha. Yang Bod ( Life Force ), Healing Waters of Sipe Gyalmo, Dakini Healing with Loving Mother ( Sherab Chamma ), are just some of the healing and therapeutic practices and philosophial studies within the Bon tradition. Western energetic or practitioners of subtle energetic therapy, are looking seriously at this large body of written and oral teachings. Chongtul Rinpoche engages a teaching style that is easy to grasp by westerners, he speaks and comprehends English dialog very well. He is a humorist at times, but also a traditional strong teacher that elevates the mind of his students through a engaging style.

This is a wonderful opportunity to all.

More details will be posted soon, however, you can now hold your spot in this program by contacting Phyllis Douglass at (909) 967-0246. Please do not contact the Claremont Forum. All programs will be held at the Claremont Forum, in Claremont. Seating is limited, and advanced registration for the retreat is strongly recommended. Please arrive at least 20 minutes before the Public Talk on Friday evening.