Essence of the Lotus Trilogy: Wisdom of Padmasambhava

Three Year Program (October 2024 – May 2026)

Body, language, and mind are like lotuses rising from the muddy waters of our experience. For our journey to be meaningful, we can cultivate them well and encourage them to open fully, with the aspiration to be of benefit to all beings.

Tarthang Tulku’s Lotus Trilogy offers searching, novel explorations that reveal a profound vision: how ordinary structures of body, language, and mind can be deconstructed and recognized as the luminous vehicle for our liberation.

This experiential program guides you in playful and direct ways to recognize and take refuge within the intrinsic radiance of your own being. Our study and discussions of Lotus Trilogy will emphasize the importance of understanding the deep structure of ordinary experience, complemented by potent, unrestricted practices, contemplations, and prayers connected to Padmasambhava, the Lotus-born Guru.

Our journey will unfold over three successive years, focusing on one volume of the trilogy each year – Lotus Body, Lotus Language, and Lotus Mind. Designed as a progressive curriculum, the course features weekly classes, regular weekend intensives, and an annual retreat – providing ample opportunity to integrate these teachings into your daily life. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking dialogue, mantra recitation, Kum Nye (a Tibetan relaxation practice), meditation, and insightful inquiry.

We can reclaim the innate freedom and luminosity at the heart of our own body, speech, and mind. This program calls forth wonderment and appreciation of our shared potential to manifest the lotus from the boundless, open field of our being.

Year 2 Schedule

Year 2 Program Fees 

$1,100 includes: 

• 24 classes (Late Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Early Spring 2026, and Late Spring 2026 
• 4 weekend workshops (Friday-Sunday) 
• 1 retreat (5 days) 

This program may be attended either in person or online. Recordings will be provided for those who miss a session. 

Complimentary lunch is occasionally provided during workshops and retreats; donations are welcome but optional. 

To enroll with a payment plan or apply for a scholarship, please email:

Faculty

The weekly class is taught by Abbe Blum and Hugh Joswick, with regular participation by Pema Gellek and Lama Palzang.