Dzogchen West News & Views

Racial Justice Resources

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 23:35:47 GMT

We need not only to read about anti-racism, and Black people's lives. More importantly we need to act in ways that help uncover and dismantle policies and advantages rooted in racism.

Listening and learning are nonetheless important first steps. Here are some resources that Lama Daniela and Lama Christopher find helpful.

Webpages:

Justice in June, an excellent primer on getting educated

Facing My White Privilege, by Dharma Teacher Tara Brach

Our learning will never be finished, by Robin DiAngelo

Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)

Articles:

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, by Peggy McIntosh

What is White Supremacy? by Bettina Martinez

Books:

White Fragility, by Robin DiAngelo

How to be an Anti-Racist, by Ibram X. Kendi

The Racial Contract, by Charles W. Mills

Videos:

There's a Direct Line from Lynching to George Floyd, with Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative ("Just Mercy")

New in the View - May 29th, 2020

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sat, 30 May 2020 19:12:13 GMT

Click here to see our newsletter for the coming week

New in the View - May 8th, 2020

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sat, 09 May 2020 03:43:09 GMT

Click here to read our newsletter for this week

Lama Meetings: Online Scheduling

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 19:17:46 GMT

Lama Daniela and Lama Christopher are each offering private meetings for current members of Dzogchen Fellowship to be able to ask questions about meditation practice. These teacher meetings are available ~~either in person (in Laguna Niguel or Costa Mesa) or~~ via video-conference (Zoom or Skype).

In order to find out about an appointment, you will need to be logged in: if necessary please click the login button at the top right corner of this page, or sign up if you have not previously done so.

If you think you may have a login, but cannot remember the password, you can click here to reset it.

If you are logged in and currently a paid member, click the button below for further details.

Lama Meetings

New in the View - April 18th, 2020

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 17:20:22 GMT

Click here to view our newsletter for this week

New in the View - March 27th, 2020

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 04:58:03 GMT

Click here to view our newsletter for the coming week

New in the View - March 22, 2020

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 01:17:40 GMT

Click here for the latest edition of New in the View

Autumn Weekend Retreat

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 00:44:20 GMT

Our fourth annual long-weekend Autumn Dzogchen Meditation Retreat will be held at the beautiful Questhaven Retreat in North San Diego County again this year. Dates are Thursday, December 5th through Sunday, December 8th, 2018.

Registration will be opening in mid-July.

National Healthcare Decisions Day

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 18:35:18 GMT

April 16th is National Healthcare Decisions Day.

Teaching, Guided Meditation and Q&A in Costa Mesa

Resources:

National Healthcare Decisions Day

Five Wishes

Spring One-Week Dzogchen Meditation Retreat with Lama Surya Das in Malibu, CA

Lama Christopher Coriat — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:41:48 GMT

Treat yourself to the special gift of retreat. Join Dzogchen lineage holder, best-selling author and spiritual activist Lama Surya Das, along with Lama Daniela and Lama Christopher, for a week of awakening at the beautiful Serra Retreat Center in Malibu, CA., from Sunday, March 24th through Sunday, March 31st 2019.

This is a joyful opportunity to unfurl our heart and mind, supported by the beautiful natural elements of sky, mountains and ocean, as well as precious Dzogchen pith instructions.

For more information, click here.

New Sunday Afternoon Series in Laguna Beach

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 02:28:01 GMT

From (and including) January 2019 onward, Dzogchen West will be meeting in Laguna Beach on Sunday afternoons from 2 pm to 3.30 pm at:

Yoga Sapien
610 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 208 (above Pavilions)
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

All are welcome. For more information on what to expect, see the FAQ.

For further details on specific dates, please click here

Feel free to come along.

Online Meditation Group Meetings

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 20:32:04 GMT

There will not be an Online Meditation Group meeting in September due to construction work.

The next OMG meeting will be on Thursday, October 4th at the usual time.

Be One of Three More Big Savers: Dzogchen West Autumn Meditation Retreat 2018

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 23:36:30 GMT

Our third annual long-weekend Autumn Meditation Retreat will be held at the beautiful Questhaven Retreat in North San Diego County again this year. Dates are Thursday, November 15th through Sunday, November 18th, 2018.

Further details and secure online registration are available here.

The "Early Bird" discount for registration closed at the end of August, but to obtain the best rate from caterers we need to fill at least three more spots. So for the next three people who register to join us at this wonderful weekend retreat, we are offering the same discount. After those are gone, the retreat will be regular price (almost $100 more), so if you're planning to attend, now is the time to register, secure your spot and save.

Space is limited, and these discount places won't last - so register now for the lowest cost and the best chance to secure your choice of accommodation. If you don't see the discount rate, we're sorry, others secured it first.

We hope to see you there!

Autumn Three-Day Weekend Meditation Retreat

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 20:02:18 GMT

Our three-day residential Dzogchen retreat in San Marcos, CA from Thursday evening, December 8th to Sunday afternoon, December 11th, is ALMOST FULL.

There is likely to be space for one or two more to attend. To secure your place on the waitlist please see further details and secure online registration here.

We hope you can join us for this peaceful and uplifting time together in the heart of the Dzogchen tradition.

Further details and secure online registration are available here.

New Sunday Series: The Declaration of Interdependence

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 13:57:29 GMT

The "Wheel of Conditioning" or "Wheel of Life" is depicted outside many meditation halls in the East, to remind us of the ways we find ourselves caught up in cyclic patterns of action and result, and of the urge to break free.

This Declaration of Interdependence maps out the twelve links of conditioned origination - the Twelve Nidanas - in outer, inner and yogic progressions.

Each Sunday afternoon for the coming weeks, Lama Daniela and Lama Christopher will be exploring with the group this process that can trap us in unsatisfying loops of repetitive behavior - but can also afford us a glimpse of freedom.

This course of study is open and accessible to all, regardless of spiritual background. Whilst the entire series forms a comprehensive whole, individual Sundays can also stand alone and anyone is welcome to attend at any stage during the course.

Details of these meetings can be found here.

No Meeting Sunday April 2

Lama Christopher Coriat — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 17:06:52 GMT

The meeting in Laguna Beach on the afternoon of Sunday, April 2nd has been cancelled. Lama Christopher is overseas and Lama Daniela has a Symphony commitment. The Sunday series will resume on Sunday April 9th.

Four Noble Truths; The Buddha's Basic Prescription for Happiness

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 05:16:48 GMT

For the four Sundays in late February and early March, Lama Christopher and Lama Daniela guide us in exploring the fundamental premises of this ancient wisdom tradition. Melding both conventional interpretation and the direct experiential findings of the yogic practice lineage, these teachings open us to a positive, uplifiting and ultimately freeing realization of life just as it is.

The series started with the first of the Buddha's basic teachings: "Facts about Dissatisfaction: Embracing the Mystery". Frequently - and mistakenly - rendered as "Life is Suffering", this principle introduced us to the vast potential of our shared human condition, and surprisingly revealed the inherent possibility of transcendence.

The second basic teaching, "Facts about Craving: Not Getting Hooked", explored how we become trapped by the mind's tendency to grasp at experiences, and get mired in unsatisfying patterns of reactivity.

Then the good news: "The End of Confusion: Beholding Liberation". The third basic teaching introduces us to not just the possibility, but the actuality of freedom. This is a direct, experiential glimpse of the deathless peace inherent in our fundamental nature.

Join us for this extraordinary exploration of the ground of being - and of the path to freedom.

Sunday, March 6th in Laguna Beach: The End of Confusion

Registration Open for Lama Surya Das in OC: Saturday, January 30th

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 19:44:02 GMT

Lama Surya Das will be teaching a One-Day Dzogchen Meditation Retreat on Saturday, January 30th, 2106 from 10 am to 5 pm, at the Neighborhood Congregational Church in Laguna Beach, CA.

Sometime during the day, we're hoping for a special guest appearance by Lama Surya's friend, renowned comedian Pete Holmes, to help him "Enlighten Up" (as the Lama often says). Don't miss it!

Further details:
"Everything Must Be Meditated": the All-Embracing Way of Awakening

Lama Surya will also give a public talk at the University of California Irvine in Orange County the previous evening (click here for details):

"Awakening to Oneness: Relationship Yoga as Meditation for Healing, Well-Being and Wisdom"

Sundays in Laguna Beach: Schedule

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 21:13:30 GMT

The group has completed reading "Make Me One With Everything".

There will be NO Sunday meetings on January 24th or 31st due to Lama Surya's visit.

Sunday afternoon meetings will resume on Sunday 7 February.

NO Tuesday Evening Meeting in Costa Mesa On December 8th

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 05:13:50 GMT

Our weekly Tuesday evening gathering at the Neighborhood Community Center in Costa Mesa is rarely cancelled. However, due to a conflicting event, there will be no meeting there this week, Tuesday December 8th.

Regular Tuesday evenings with Lama Daniela and Lama Christopher will resume next week on Tuesday December 15th.

Ride Share Wanted from UCI Area to NCC Costa Mesa on Tuesday Evenings

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 18:04:35 GMT

One of our sangha members would like to find a ride to and from meditation group on Tuesday evenings in Costa Mesa. They live near UCI, but are not comfortable driving far at night. If you are willing to help, please contact us and we will put you in touch. Thanks!

One Day Retreat with Lama Daniela & Lama Christopher

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 16:12:16 GMT

We will be offering a one-day Dzogchen meditation retreat in Irvine, CA on Saturday, November 14th:

Subtle Discernment - Distinguishing between Mind and Awareness

This day of teachings, guided meditation and Q&A is suitable for anyone, whether new to meditation or wishing to deepen their practice, and regardless of spiritual or religious affliation (or disinclination).

There is no charge for the teachings or this event, but there will be an opportunity to contribute in support of the teachers, teachings and the group. Suggested donation: sliding scale $40-$95 or more. Please give what you can. Even if you are only able to donate a small amount, or nothing at all, you are nonetheless welcome to attend.

Space is quite limited at this venue, so please register (free) in order to reserve a space.

Dualism is the real root of our suffering and of all our conflicts

Lama Christopher Coriat — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 01:53:39 GMT

Dualism is the real root of our suffering and of all our conflicts. All our concepts and beliefs, no matter how profound they may seem, are like nets which trap us in dualism. When we discover our limits we have to try to overcome them, untying ourselves from whatever type of religious, political or social conviction may condition us.

~ Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, Dzogchen: The Self-Perfected State

We're Actually Very Close (HH Karmapa)

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 16:34:51 GMT

"Although we appear to be separate from others, we’re actually very close, The modern world is bringing that reality even more into the fore – our world is becoming smaller and we’re becoming even closer to everyone else we share the planet with. We’re sharing others’ experiences of happiness and suffering even more."

His Holiness the XVII. Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje
Stanford Lecture 2015

Follow or Like DzogchenLA for Event Updates

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 13:30:00 GMT

We are no longer sending out email announcements for regular weekly meditation group teachings, to avoid filling your mailbox with unnecessary messages.

The calendar on this site is always kept up to date and shows all the meetings taking place. If a date is not listed, there is no meeting scheduled that day.

You can also use any of the following to receive announcements for cancelled meetings, as well as good news and quotes from time to time:

Follow DzogchenLA on Twitter

Like DzogchenLA on Facebook

+1 Dzogchen Center So Cal on Google +

And while we're all about social media, don't miss DzogchenLA's Instagram feed for some really great photos!

Lama Surya Das InsightLA Event: June 27th

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sat, 30 May 2015 18:41:36 GMT

Public Workshop with Lama Surya Das, sponsored by InsightLA:
MAKE ME ONE WITH EVERYTHING
Buddhist Meditations to Awaken from the Illusion of Separation

For more information and/or to register for this, visit InsightLA's event page.

Note venue: Lama Surya's teaching will be at:

Crossroads Elementary School Community Room, 1634 18th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Make Me One With Everything: Book Tour LA Dates

Lama Christopher Coriat — Fri, 29 May 2015 12:44:48 GMT

Lama Surya's great new book, Make Me One With Everything, comes out officially today in bookstores everywhere.

He will be on national book tour during May and June, including the following dates in Southern California:

Tuesday, June 23rd at 7 pm:
Book Soup, Los Angeles

Friday, June 26th at 7 pm:
Vromans Bookstore, Pasadena

HH Karmapa & Lama Surya Das at Kunzang Palchen Ling

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 14:28:01 GMT

Our dear root teacher Lama Surya Das was at Bardor Tulku Rinpoche's dharma center, Kunzang Palchen Ling, for His Holiness the 17th Karmapa's teaching on Medicine Buddha on Friday, April 24th.

You can watch the event, which includes extensive footage of Lama Surya with Tulku Sherdor Rinpoche before His Holiness's arrival, here on YouTube.

No Sunday at the Shala on Mothers' Day

Lama Christopher Coriat — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 17:36:56 GMT

The Sunday afternoon Heart-Mind Training (Lojong) group at the Shala in Dana Point will not meet on Sunday, May 10th due to Mothers' Day. Regular weekly meetings will resume on Sunday, May 17th.

The group will be meeting as usual on Sundays April 26th and May 3rd.

See the event calendar for more details

HH Karmapa's Visit

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 13:40:58 GMT

His Holiness The 17th Karmapa will be visiting the US during March, April and May 2015.

He will be giving numerous public talks and teachings during that time.

Live and archived video streams for most of his appearances are available here for viewing.

Lama Surya Das in Laguna Beach January 30/31st

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 13:16:11 GMT

Dzogchen Center will be hosting Lama Surya Das for one of its special weekend retreats, in Laguna Beach, CA at the end of January. This is a delightful, rare and precious opportunity to receive guidance and inspiration from one of the foremost Western Buddhist meditation teachers and scholars and a pioneering interpreter of Tibetan Buddhism in the West.

He will offer an Evening Talk with Q&A on Friday, January 30th at 7.30 pm; followed by a One-Day Retreat on Saturday, January 31st from 10 am to 5 pm. His topic is "One Step Enlightenment: Coming Home"

Both events will be held at the beautiful Bridge Hall and Courtyard in the Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann's Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

Further details are available on the event page, and secure online registration for the events is now open.

Lojong Sundays at the Shala on Hiatus until Jan 18th

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 20:20:33 GMT

Teachers will be in retreat with Lama Surya Das during early January, and there will be no Sunday afternoon meetings on either January 4th or 11th. Regularly scheduled Sunday afternoons at the Shala will re-commence on January 18th, when we will be starting to review the series of maxims entitled "Commitments of Mind-Heart Training".

One Day Retreat: Entry via Gate 12

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 03:56:52 GMT

As shown on the event page and in the email sent to those registering to attend, access to this Saturday's one day retreat at Laguna Woods Village is at Gate 12.

Directions to Gate 12 were also provided in the same email. They are as follow:

Clubhouse 2 is accessed from Gate 12, on Moulton Parkway north of the El Toro Road intersection. Your name will be on the event registration list; for entry, you will need to give your name to the gate guard upon arrival. For map and directions, see here.

Going south on I-5, take the El Toro exit. Continue straight on Paseo de Valencia for 0.2 miles, then right on El Toro. Take El Toro west for 0.7 miles, then right on Moulton for 0.2 miles to Gate 12. The gate guard will have your name on a list for the meditation retreat.

Going north on I-5, take El Toro exit and turn left on El Toro. Then as above.

Southern California One-Day Retreat Saturday Nov 29th

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 00:31:31 GMT

Dzogchen Center Southern California will be holding its annual Fall One-Day Retreat on Saturday, November 29th, 2014, in Laguna Woods, CA from 9.30 am to 4 pm.

There will be guided meditation, chanting & prayers, teachings and plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

The title for the retreat is
Rainbow of Liberation: Longchenpa's Four-Themed Precious Garland

This is a short text by one of the tradition's most celebrated masters, and summarizes the entire path of awakening from a Dzogchen perspective.

Further details will be published shortly, and we look forward to seeing many of you there for this wonderful day of practice and community.

Sundays at the Shala resume October 12

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 23:10:41 GMT

Due to the hot summer weather and lack of airconditioning, Sunday afternoon teachings at Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala will not be held during September or early October. Regular Sunday afternoon meetings will resume there on Sunday, October 12th (note that this is one week later than originally planned, due to the continuing heatwave).

During this summer hiatus, the group will be practising the Mind Training Maxims already covered in Sunday meetings. A list of those can be found here.

Lama Surya Das at InsightLA Saturday, September 20th

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 00:18:25 GMT

Our dear teacher Lama Surya Das will be giving a one-day workshop hosted by InsightLA and open to all in Santa Monica, CA on Saturday, September 20th: Awakening Together and the Six Building Blocks to Creating Your Spiritual Life (please click here for further details).

This is a great opportunity to connect with our principal teacher, who is both a recognized Lineage Holder in the ancient wisdom tradition of Dzogchen and a masterful guide to modern spiritual life. We hope many of you will join us in supporting this event and receiving these rare and precious teachings.

Mind Training Texts for Sunday Workshops

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 21:48:26 GMT

Each Sunday afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm the group gathers in Dana Point at the beautiful Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala (by kind invitation of their Director, Diana Christinson) to focus on the renowned Mind-Training meditation tradition from India and Tibet ("Lojong"), with the guidance of teachers Daniela and Christopher.

These practices, which have been handed down in an unbroken lineage for more than 1,000 years, provide a skillful way to work with the difficulties of life, opening our hearts and revealing the innate wisdom and goodness within us all. This is the path of awakening in everyday life, every step of the way.

A three-stage approach to development is taken:

1. reading or listening to a teaching;

2. discussion; and

3. practice

There are many good texts available that deal with these practices. Feel free to choose whichever one (or more) appeal to you; that way we can discuss a variety of interpretations of each of the 59 maxims that form the heart of the mind-training tradition.

Suggested texts include:

Awakening the Buddha Within, by Lama Surya Das (Step Two: Right Intentions, pp 151-160 Lo-Jong)

Start Where You Are, by Pema Chodron

Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on Lojong, by Norman Fischer

Training the Mind, by Chogyam Trungpa

The Practice of Lojong, by Traleg Kyabgon

The Great Path of Awakening, by Jamgon Kongtrul (trans. Ken McLeod)

Buddhism with an Attitude, by Alan Wallace

Whichever book you choose to work with, it will be helpful (but not essential) to read the relevant part dealing with the next maxim or pith instruction, before each Sunday's discussion. Come as often as you can, but if you need to miss one or more sessions, you can simply keep your study and practice of Lojong going with the book until the next time you come.

Don't be afraid to join in mid-series: the teachings can be helpful no matter where you start on the path.

No Sunday at the Shala on July 13th

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 20:36:01 GMT

Since teachers will be in retreat with Lama Surya Das at the Dzogchen Center Summer Retreat on this date, the Sunday group meeting will not be held on July 13th, 2014. Regular Sunday afternoon meetings will resume on July 20th.

Planned Website Outage

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 13:15:00 GMT

Our website provider has informed us that this site will be offline and unavailable for 10 hours or so, starting on Friday night, June 20th, at 11 pm.

This is to enable a behind-the-scenes upgrade to the code which runs the site.

Accordingly it may not be possible to reach this site on Friday night until around 9 or 10 am on Saturday morning.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Sunday Series at the Shala: Meditation & Mind Training Teachings start June 15th

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 15 May 2014 18:16:18 GMT

Our popular Sunday afternoon sessions will resume on June 15th. We will meet each Sunday from 2pm to 4pm at Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point, by generous invitation of their Director, Diana Christinson.

This series will focus on the study, discussion and practice of Lojong, the 1,000-year-old mind training and attitude refinement practice from India and Tibet. Read this post for more about Lojong, and suggested reading materials.

This series open to all, newcomers are welcome at any time, and there is no charge. Further details are available in the Events section.

For more information about the initial meeting, as well as map and directions, click here.

Outdoor Natural Meditation - Just Say AH!

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 15:39:11 GMT

We're all looking forward to Sunday, April 27th when the group will be meeting at Alta Laguna for an outdoor meditation teaching and practice with glorious views in both directions: over the ocean out to Catalina, and over Orange County to the Santa Ana Mountains.

For more details on this wonderful event, click here.

Meditation will be followed by a community Pot Luck Picnic in Alta Laguna Park.

Check out the breathtaking pictures for the location here.

We hope you can join us for both (or either one) of these friendly gatherings!

Who's Who

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 18:47:51 GMT

We've posted a photo of the main Thangka and Altar at Dzogchen Osel Ling on Instagram.

The Thangka depicts:

Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), with Mandarava and Yeshe Tsogyal

Above Guru Rinpoche is Buddha Amitabha.

Below Guru Rinpoche are Dzogchen Masters Longchenpa and Jigme Lingpa.

On the Altar, surrounding Buddha Shakyamuni, are photos of (from left to right):

Back row:

HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

HH the 16th Karmapa

HH Dudjom Rinpoche

HE Kalu Rinpoche

Front row:

Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche

HH the 17th Karmapa

HH the 14th Dalai Lama

Nyoshul Khenpo Rinpoche

New on Lama Surya's Blog

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 13:42:53 GMT

Lama Surya regularly posts something new on his blog.

Recent additions include reflections on his visit with Ram Dass in Maui, and on Prayer.

They can be found here.

Stanford's CCARE shows Compassion is Catching

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 17:12:23 GMT

A recent study by the Center for Compassion, Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University shows that acts of kindness and pro-social behaviors cause "elevation" in those who witness them. Compassion is contagious.

Merely being in the presence of compassionate action between others is sufficient to cause a boost to the observer: lower levels of stress, anger and depression; higher levels of mindfulness, flourishing and compassion.

For more details, see this article in the Huffington Post.

Photos from Lama Surya's Weekend Retreat in CA

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 18:14:26 GMT

Follow DzogchenLA on Instagram for photos from the joyful and well-attended retreat led by Lama Surya Das in Costa Mesa, CA this past weekend, and other enlivening pictures. We'll be adding more regularly.

Lama Surya in OC This Weekend!

Lama Christopher Coriat — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 17:16:25 GMT

For full information about his Friday evening "Ask the Lama" presentation and Saturday One-Day Retreat (January 31st/February 1st) in Costa Mesa, CA please click this link:

Natural Meditation & the Practice of Presencing: Integrating Spirituality into Everyday Life

Students are welcome to attend FREE OF CHARGE, and generous scholarships are available for anyone else lacking funds to register for the event(s).

There is still space available: doors open at 6.45 pm on Friday, and 9.15 am on Saturday.
Registration at the door is by cash or check only (no credit cards).

We look forward to seeing you at the event!

Lama Surya Das is Coming Soon

Lama Christopher Coriat — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 18:31:46 GMT

New National Website

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 23:40:51 GMT

Check out the new Dzogchen Center national website at www.dzogchen.org

One Day Retreat This Saturday with Daniela & Christopher

Lama Christopher Coriat — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 21:43:01 GMT

Once or twice a year, we offer a day of meditation practice, chanting and community. Join us tomorrow (Saturday, November 16th) in Irvine for this popular free day of joy, sacred space, fellowship - and awakening.

All are welcome - the event is appropriate both for those new to spiritual exploration and for experienced practitioners, as well as those of any religious affiliation or none.

Rental of the venue has kindly been donated by a dear friend of the group. There is no charge (donations of any amount toward other costs welcome).

Space is still available; you can find out more details and register here to be sure of a place.

Teachings and practice will include natural meditation (guided and silent), opening directly to our innate wisdom and loving-kindness - as well as chanting and guidance in the psychologically-astute practice of Vajrasattva, the Buddha-archetype exemplifying purification, release of guilt and self-forgiveness.

We hope you may be able to join us for this uplifting day together!

Mind & Life Conference with HH Dalai Lama

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 16:58:21 GMT

Streaming Live and Free, in English:

Mind & Life XXVII Conference - Desire, Craving and Addiction

with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a panel of eminent scientists and practitioners
from Dharamsala, India on Mon October 28th through Friday, November 1st
at 8.30 pm Pacific Time each day: dalailama.com/live-english

Also available as recorded webcasts here, a day or two after each broadcast.

We Are All Equal

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 08:23:49 GMT

"We are all the same in wanting to be happy, and we’re all the same in not wanting to suffer. In this way we are equal."

~ His Holiness The XVII Karmapa

Registration Now Open for Lama Surya Das Event

Lama Daniela Coriat — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 18:13:02 GMT

Full details of Lama Surya's Southern California weekend in Orange County are now posted. Click on the links below for information regarding the events:

Friday Evening Presentation, January 31st

Saturday One-Day Retreat, February 1st

If you already know you would like to attend, you can go directly to secure online registration for the event on the Dzogchen Center national website.

We look forward to seeing many of you at this great gathering.

Registration is also open for the Day of Meditation Practice & Teachings with Daniela and Christopher in Irvine on Saturday, November 16th

Legendary Pot Luck Social & Meditation

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 17:01:46 GMT

Yes, it's that time of year again: when Dzogchen Center Orange County hosts its Spontaneous Pot Luck Social and Meditation evening. Bring yourself, bring friends, bring a dish (or bring emptiness, if you can find it!) - there will be lots to go round. Meet yourself, meet new friends, meet plentiful greets and diverse eats. Food and refreshments from 5.30 pm to 7 pm, meditation and awakening spirit from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Renowned for their openness and warmth - as well as their creative nourishments - the OC group welcomes newcomers of any or no religious, sexual or political inclination. There's room for everyone in the Natural Great Confection!

5.30 pm Tuesday September 24th at NCC: click here for further details and directions

and/or

See, download, print, post, ponder or paper the walls with the spontaneously unofficial flyer for this awestruck event.

Save the Date for Lama Surya Das!

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:23:17 GMT

Lama Surya Das will be in Orange County for:

an Evening Presentation at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 31st, 2014;

and a One-Day Retreat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m on Saturday, February 1st, 2014.

Both events will be at the Neighborhood Community Center, 1845 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.

Further details to follow shortly.

Dr Roger Walsh: Tuesday September 3rd at 7 pm

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 18:41:47 GMT

We are delighted that Dr. Roger Walsh will be returning to present at Dzogchen Center's Orange County group on Tuesday, September 3rd at 7pm at the Neighborhood Community Center in Costa Mesa.

His topic for the evening will be: Life's Highest Goal: The Bodhisattva Aspiration

As well as being a renowned dharma teacher and a prolific author, he is a professor of psychiatry, philosophy and anthropology, as well as a professor in the religious studies program, at UCI (University of California at Irvine).

See him in dialogue on YouTube: What is Spirituality and What is a Spiritual Life? and TLCs: Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes.

Dr. Walsh also teaches regularly with Lama Surya Das at Dzogchen Center retreats nationally.

Awakening the Buddha Within starts August 4th

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 17:07:50 GMT

Our regular Sunday afternoon Meditation and Book Study meetings will resume on Sunday, August 4th. We are starting a new book, Lama Surya Das's bestseller Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World (also subtitled Eight Steps to Enlightenment).

The first session in this series, on August 4th, will look at the initial chapter in Part One: WE ARE ALL BUDDHAS.

Whether or not you have the book or have read the chapter, all are welcome and there is no charge.

No Meetings Sunday 21 or 28 July

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 17:05:25 GMT

Due to Dzogchen Center's annual Summer Meditation Retreat in Garrison, NY, there will be no Sunday afternoon meetings on July 21st or 28th. Regular Sunday afternoon meetings will resume on August 4th.

Our Life is Vast (Karmapa)

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:55:38 GMT

"Our life is vast. It does not stop at the limits of what we personally experience. It is not something concrete or bounded. I do not think it is valid to view our life as limited to just ourselves--as if our human life extended only as far as our own body. Rather, we can see that a life extends out in all directions, like a net. We throw a net, and it expands outward. Just like that, our life extends to touch many other lives. Our life can reach out and become a pervasive part of everyone’s life."

~ HH 17th Karmapa

No Meeting Sunday 30th June

Lama Christopher Coriat — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:19:54 GMT

There will be no Sunday afternoon meeting on June 30th.

Weekly Sunday afternoon meetings will resume for July 7th and 14th.

There will also be no Sunday afternoon meetings July 21st or 28th due to the Dzogchen Center Annual Summer Meditation Retreat in Garrison, NY.

Regular weekly Tuesday evening meetings will continue throughout the period.

To know more about our meeting format, see the FAQ.

Mothers' Day - No Meeting

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:33:15 GMT

There will be no meeting in Newport Beach on Sunday, May 12th since many of the group have Mothers' Day commitments. Regular Sunday afternoon meetings will resume on Sunday, May 19th.

Sunday Meditation & Book Study Group in Newport Beach

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:07:04 GMT

The Dzogchen Center Orange County group now meets regularly from 2 pm to 4 pm on Sunday afternoons at Fit for One, on the peninsula in Newport Beach. Details can be found here.

Our popular Tuesday evening meetings also continue to be held at the Neighborhood Community Center in Costa Mesa.

Sunday Meditation & Book Study Group moves to Laguna Beach

Lama Christopher Coriat — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:00:19 GMT

On Sunday, February 17th, the Dzogchen Center Orange County group will be at the Universalist Unitarian Fellowship of Laguna Beach from 2 pm to 4 pm. We will be trying out this new venue (and time) before deciding on whether to continue meeting there on future Sundays.

Further details for this Sunday's group can be found here. We hope you can join us at this new location!

Regular Tuesday evening meetings will continue to be held at the Neighborhood Community Center in Costa Mesa.

Free One-Day Retreat in Irvine

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 23:01:30 GMT

Save the date - Saturday, March 5th - for another day of meditation practice and teachings in Irvine, CA.
Further details can be found on the event page and all are welcome, regardless of meditation experience or religious affiliation (if any).

What is Meditation?

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:55:49 GMT

"Meditation, simply defined, is a way of being aware. It is the happy marriage of doing and being. It lifts the fog of our ordinary lives to reveal what is hidden; it loosens the knot of self-centeredness and opens the heart; it moves us beyond mere concepts to allow for a direct experience of reality. Meditation embodies the way of awakening: both the path and its fruition. From one point of view, it is the means to awakening; from another, it is awakening itself."

~ Lama Surya Das, "The Heart-Essence of Buddhist Meditation"

For more information, see our FAQ

Tonight's OC Group Meeting in Harper Room

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 19:21:22 GMT

Please note that this evening's meeting with be in the HARPER Room at Neighborhood Community Center, Costa Mesa, CA (not the usual Fairview Room).

Lama Surya Das Live Interview on Spirit Seeker Radio Show

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 19:05:59 GMT

Lama Surya Das online live

Today Tuesday, September 25th

from 6:00 to 6:30 pm Pacific Time (9 pm to 9:30 pm Eastern)

LIVE interview on the Spirit Seeker Weekly Radio Show with host Cynde Meyer

To listen via phone and call in with questions call 347-884-9914

To listen via the internet go to www.blogtalkradio.com/cyndemeyer

Video: Lama Surya Das at Young Minds in Australia

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:05:46 GMT

Watch Lama Surya's guided meditation and presentation at the Young Minds Conference in Sydney, Australia at the end of June: "Awakening the Good Heart Together"

Schedule for Saturday's Free One-Day Retreat

Lama Christopher Coriat — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 19:10:54 GMT

View, download and/or print a copy of the schedule for the day.

Further details and free online registration

All are welcome, we hope to see you there!

One-Day Retreat in Irvine: Saturday 25 August

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:08:51 GMT

Dzogchen Center Southern California will be holding a day of meditation practice and teachings from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday 25 August in Irvine, CA.

See further details about this event and/or register to attend

All are welcome, whether newcomers to meditation or experienced practitioners. There is no charge: optional donations to support teachings and/or venue rental.

See further details about this event

Lama Surya Das Online Thursday Evening

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:59:00 GMT

Lama Surya Das is in Colorado this week. After teachings at packed-full venues in Durango last Saturday and Sunday, he will give a talk at the Integral Center in Boulder on Wednesday evening: Enlightened Leadership and the Bodhisattva Way.

On Thursday evening at 7:15 pm Mountain Time (9:15 pm Eastern, 6:15 pm Pacific), Lama Surya will deliver the keynote address at the second annual Buddhist Geeks Conference. His topic is "The Future of Buddhism, Which is Now: Does Buddhism Have to Die to Be Reborn in the West?". Lama Surya's keynote speech - and the entire Buddhist Geeks Conference - can be watched free via live video stream from Sounds True. This is a wonderful opportunity to catch Lama Surya "live and in concert"!

You can sign up here to watch this event.

An Evening with Dr. Roger Walsh: Tuesday July 31

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:23:33 GMT

Dzogchen Center Orange County is delighted to be hosting special guest teacher Dr. Roger Walsh for an evening of dharma teaching and guided meditation on Tuesday, July 31st at 7.00 pm.

There will be no charge for this event; optional donations in support of the teacher and/or the room rental.

Please see the event page for further details.

No Meeting for LA Group Sunday May 27

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:44:12 GMT

Due to the Memorial Day holiday weekend, there will be no meditation group meeting at the Village Church in Brentwood/Westwood the evening of Sunday, May 27th.

The group will resume meeting on Sunday June 3rd.

Lama Surya Interview with Adam Seward of Awakened Life

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:46:40 GMT

Adam Seward of Awakened Life interview with Lama Surya Das will air via streaming radio online at Adam Seward's Radio page.

Lama Surya Teleconference Tue Apr 17 - Buddhist Geeks

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:38:02 GMT

On Tuesday, April 17th, Buddhist Geeks will host a live teleconference with Lama Surya Das on:

The Future of Buddhism and Awakening: Is Wisdom an Endangered Natural Resource?

Further details and online registration are available by clicking here.

Registration is on a sliding scale from $10 to $30.
Anything above the base rate helps others to attend for less.

Lama Surya Das in San Francisco Monday April 2

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:53:15 GMT

Lama Surya Das will be giving an evening talk from 7 to 9 pm on Monday April 2nd at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco. Attendance is by donation, but registration in advance is required: click here for more information

Lama Surya at InsightLA (Venue Change)

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:51:01 GMT

Due to high response for Lama Surya's public teaching/workshop for InsightLA in Santa Monica this Saturday, the venue has been changed to First Presbyterian Church, 1220 Second Street, Santa Monica, CA.

A number of us from Dzogchen Center's Southern California groups will be attending.

To register or for more information, click here.

You can also read Rev. Danny Fisher's recent interview with Lama Surya in Buddhadharma Magazine, talking about the teachings he will be giving this weekend.

Wonder-ful Spring Break Retreat in Joshua Tree, CA

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:34:09 GMT

Dzogchen Center's annual Spring one-week meditation retreat will be held the last week in March (which is auspiciously also Spring Break for UC schools and many other colleges in Southern California!) at the wide open campus of the Institute for Mentalphysics in Joshua Tree, CA - only just over two hours from LA.

Space is still available for most kinds of accommodations, from camping to cottages and everything in between. Scholarships may be available to reduce the cost in case of need

Further details and links can be found on the event page.

To watch a trippy time-lapse video experience of the Joshua Tree area, click here

Eat - Greet - Meditate: Tuesday Feb 7th

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:26:58 GMT

POTLUCK DINNER and MEDITATION

Blossom new friendships, connections and support for meditation practice by joining in the fun, right before our regular weekly meditation group meeting on Tuesday, February 7th. Meet new people, get to know one another better and generally have a chance to practice the gift of gab - and EAT some delicious food! All are invited and always welcome, always free. If you can't bring a dish, no problem ... there is always plenty of food to go around.

Tuesday, February 7th:
Neighborhood Community Center (Fairview Room), 1845 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA.

Enquiries: oc@dzogchen.org

Space is still available for Lama Surya Das Events in So Cal this weekend

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:12:59 GMT

Space is still available ... register at the door.

Lama Surya Das has two teaching events scheduled in Costa Mesa this weekend:

His topic is "CATCHING YOURSELF BEFORE THINGS CATCH YOU: The Secrets of Tibetan Mindfulness".

For full details, please click on the following links:

Friday January 20th (evening presentation)

and

Saturday January 21st (one day retreat)

Secure online registration for these events is now closed.

Credit cards are only accepted via online registration. Registration on the day by cash or check only.

Students free with ID.
Scholarships available - nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Weekly Meditation Group Meetings Resume in LA

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:41:00 GMT

We are delighted to announce that the LA weekly meditation group will resume meeting on the West Side on Sunday 15th January 2012. Thanks to the efforts of one of Dzogchen Center Southern California's long-time supporters, the LA group has a new home at the Village Church in Westwood every Sunday evening from 7pm to 9pm.

This location is extremely convenient for the entire West Side, just off the 405 Freeway near the Montana Avenue exit (if coming from the South) or Sunset Boulevard exit (if coming from the North). It is less than a mile from UCLA, and no more than 10 or 15 minutes from Santa Monica.

Meetings will be listed in the Events section of this site.

Lama Surya Das among 100 Most Influential People in Health and Fitness 2011

Lama Christopher Coriat — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:28:33 GMT

Greatist.com, a New York City-based website covering health and fitness, has chosen Lama Surya Das as #32 among the 100 Most Influential People in Health and Fitness for 2011, for services to Happiness.

You can read the article here.

Online Registration for Lama Surya's January Event is Now Live!

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:35:44 GMT

Lama Surya Das has two teaching events scheduled in Orange County, California in the New Year.

His topic is "CATCHING YOURSELF BEFORE THINGS CATCH YOU: The Secrets of Tibetan Mindfulness".

For full details, please click on the following links:

Friday January 20th (evening presentation)

and

Saturday January 21st (one day retreat)

Secure online registration for these events is now live at this link (or follow links on event pages).

Topic Announced for Lama Surya's Teaching Visit

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:44:19 GMT

Lama Surya Das will offer an evening presentation at the Neighborhood Community Center in Costa Mesa on Friday, January 20th; and a one-day retreat at the same location on Saturday, January 21st.

The topic for both teachings will be
CATCHING YOURSELF BEFORE THINGS CATCH YOU:
The Secrets of Tibetan Mindfulness

Further notice will appear here as soon as online registration and additional details for the event are available.

Sunday Sky-Gazing Practice & Pot-Luck Picnic CANCELLED

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 16:46:53 GMT

Regrettably, this Sunday's outdoor meditation practice and group picnic/social has been cancelled and will not take place, due to adverse weather forecast: cloudy, showers and temperatures in the low 50s. We'll re-schedule when the weather warms up again. Meanwhile our regular Tuesday evening meetings will of course continue, as will special events from time to time.

By the way, don't forget that the clocks will fall back tonight, giving everyone that very welcome extra hour of rest!

Save the Date: Lama Surya in So Cal

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:42:29 GMT

Lama Surya will teach a Friday evening talk and Saturday one-day retreat on the weekend of January 20th and 21st in Orange County. Please save the dates and watch for detailed annoucements.

Lama Surya in Online Discussion at Tricycle

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:56:04 GMT

Tricycle Magazine's Book Club is hosting a discussion with Lama Surya of his new book, Buddha Standard Time. You can join the discussion here.

Tricycle has also posted a video introduction to this event recorded by Lama Surya.

Watch Lama Surya Das at Buddhafest

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:32:42 GMT

Lama Surya spoke at Buddhafest in Washington DC the weekend of 9/11.

You can watch part 1 of his talk here on Tricycle.

New Podcast from Lama Surya

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 03:15:23 GMT

Lama Surya has a new podcast available on the web -

Dzogchen 101: The Five Great Perfections

Live Interactive Video Teachings with Lama Surya

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:28:25 GMT

Sounds True are hosting a series of one-hour live interactive video teaching sessions with Lama Surya Das online, starting tomorrow: Thursday, July 21 at 5 pm Pacific Time.

Further sessions will be held on Thursday July 28th and Thursday August 4th, at 5 pm until 6 pm Pacific Time in each case.

This is a great opportunity to connect with Lama Surya online and to ask questions.

More information is available by clicking here.

Lama Surya's August Visit Postponed

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:25:29 GMT

With regard to the earlier announcement that Lama Surya might be teaching in Southern California in early August, this visit has now been postponed due to scheduling issues. As soon as further information is available regarding his next visit to the area, it will be posted here.

July Pasadena Meeting Changed

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:08:25 GMT

Due to the "Carmageddon" closure of I-405 the weekend of 16-17 July, the next meeting of the Pasadena group has been brought forward to this coming weekend.

The meeting will be in the morning at 10.30 am until 12.30 pm this coming Sunday 10 July.

Further details are available by clicking here.

Life in Buddha Standard Time

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:33:07 GMT

Lama Surya Das has a new article published today on Huffington Post, with helpful suggestions on how to manage the frenzied pace of life and make wiser choices in the moment: "Life in Buddha Standard Time".

Lama Surya here in Pasadena June 17th & 18th

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Click here to view, download and/or print the flyer

for Lama Surya's teachings in Pasadena this month.

Alternatively use these links for more information and/or to register:

Evening presentation on June 17th

One-day retreat on June 18th.

Be Part of the Team in Pasadena

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 04:22:49 GMT

We are very pleased that Lama Surya Das will be teaching in Pasadena on June 17th & 18th -- only a couple of weeks from now! The event will be held at the beautiful Neighborhood Universalist Unitarian Church, conveniently located in Pasadena just off the 210 Freeway. If you came to his event last year, you will recall that parking is ample and the location is a minimal commute from both LA, OC and San Diego areas. We hope that you will enjoy the teachings and take joy in bringing this dharma event to our local communities. Topic for the weekend is: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD: Awakening to the Infinite Possibilites of Now.

We are once again looking for a team of volunteers to help support this event. We need you! If you've helped in years past, you might remember how much fun it was to connect together and support Lama Surya Das and the teachings even more directly through your efforts. As before, we will be able to offer a volunteer discount of 50%, for those who would like to have a discount. We ask that volunteers be available for set-up and take-down (as well as throughout the day for light duties if volunteering on Saturday). If you've volunteered before, you'll recall that set-up/take-down flies by quickly with many hands involved. None of the work should involve missing any of the teachings.

We deeply appreciate your efforts and can only offer this teaching to our communities through your generosity of spirit and teamwork. Lama Surya teaches that selfless service is an essential part of a spiritual life: see his Six Building Blocks of a Spiritual Life.

If you would like to help out, please click here to go to the Events page, scroll down to find the right day, and click on the "Register" button for that day. Of course if you can help both days, please "Register" for both (you will need to do each one separately).

This process is only to sign up as a volunteer; and please do so as soon as possible so that we can compile a list of those committed. Further volunteer info will follow by email in another week or so, for those who have signed up!

Please note that you will still need to register to attend the event itself on the main Dzogchen Center website. However after you sign up as a volunteer, you will receive an e.mail acknowledgment containing a discount password to enable you to register to attend the event at the reduced rate.

May you be well and happy and we hope to see you very soon in Pasadena to receive these wonderful teachings offered by Lama Surya.

Meditation can improve your well-being: OC Register

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:26:42 GMT

Today's Orange County Register carries an article on meditation, including an interview with eminent psychiatrist and author Dr. Roger Walsh, who teaches at UCI and at Dzogchen Center national retreats.

Also appearing in today's paper along with the article is a list of meditation groups naming Dzogchen Center's Orange County (Costa Mesa) group, amongst others.

On Sale Now! Buddha Standard Time - Lama Surya's Timely New Book

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 24 May 2011 21:30:00 GMT

What if time did not control us?

The pace and pressure of today's world feels relentless. That is why, now more than ever, we need the ancient wisdom contained in Buddha Standard Time: Awakening to the Infinite Possibilities of Now (Harper Collins 2011). Far from being at the mercy of time's demands, we will finally realize that we have, in fact, all the time in the world.

"A wealth of inspiration and practical tips for enjoying the Kingdom of God, the Pure Land of the Buddha, now." ~ Nobel Peace Prize nominee and bestselling author Thich Nhat Hanh.

"Magnificent. If you want your future moments to sparkle with ecstatic awareness read this book." ~ Ram Dass.

This latest offering from national bestselling author Lama Surya Das is in bookstores everywhere now.

"One moment of total awareness is one moment of perfect freedom and enlightenment. Don't miss it."

New Telephone Number

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sun, 22 May 2011 17:20:25 GMT

The toll-free number for Dzogchen Center Southern California has changed. Please make a note of the new number, which is:

+1 (888) 837-7474

Pot-Luck on April 26th

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 05:53:45 GMT

Be sure to mark your diary for this joyful gathering of kindred spirits in Costa Mesa on Tuesday, April 26th at 6 pm! Click the link for more information.

No Meeting Tuesday 15 March

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:09:56 GMT

Due to the Dzogchen Center Spring Retreat in nearby Joshua Tree, CA the weekly Tuesday evening meditation group meeting will not take place on 15th March. Meetings will resume on Tuesday 22nd March.

March 1st Meeting Location

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 01:26:09 GMT

This evening's (Tuesday March 1st) scheduled meditation group meeting in Costa Mesa will be held in a room nearby at the Public Library, instead of in the Fairview Room we normally use. If attending, please come to the entrance hall for the Community Center as usual, and we will walk across from there.

You can always follow @DzogchenLA on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news from Dzogchen Center Southern California.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Lama Surya Das here in Tustin, CA January 28/29th

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:15:00 GMT

Click here to view, download and/or print the flyer

for Lama Surya's evening presentation on January 28th and one-day retreat on January 29th.

Dzogchen Center Spring Retreat in Joshua Tree, CA

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:59:44 GMT

Lama Surya Das will be leading his annual Spring Retreat at the Institute for Mentalphysics in Joshua Tree, CA from March 12th to 20th.

Read, download and/or print the Spring Retreat flyer

New Article by Lama Surya on Huffington Post

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:53:17 GMT

A new article by Lama Surya just appeared in the Huffington Post: The Dragon, The Elephant and Regulated Capitalism - Sober Reflections on the Awakening of the East in the New Millenium.

Convergence of Buddhism and Psychoanalysis

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:04:06 GMT

See the newly published article by Pilar Jennings PhD on Huffington Post "Ushering Wellness: the Convergence of Buddhism and Psychoanalysis"

Can Meditation Change Your Brain?

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 07:02:47 GMT

Contemplative neuroscientists believe it can. So says CNN, in this report on the ground-breaking research being done by Dr. Richard Davidson and others on the beneficial effects of meditation practice.

Follow Us on Twitter

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 21:27:41 GMT

You can now receive convenient updates and announcements from Dzogchen Center Southern California by signing up to follow us on Twitter. Changes to scheduled meetings and breaking news will usually be posted via Twitter as soon as they appear on the website here.

So "Catch our Tweets if you Can"!

Lama Surya/Huffington Post: Who Decides Who Decides?

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 19:14:02 GMT

Read Lama Surya's latest article here on the Huffington Post.

No Meeting Sunday 31 October

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 03:23:22 GMT

The regularly scheduled group in Orange County will not be meeting on Sunday 31st. October 2010, due to attendance at the Dzogchen Center Advanced Retreat in Texas. Regularly scheduled meetings will resume on Sunday 14th November.

Best wishes to all!

HH Gyalwang Drukpa awarded UN Prize

Lama Christopher Coriat — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 15:14:06 GMT

On 19th September 2010, His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche, founder of Live To Love, a new world-wide charity specializing in building the world's most advanced eco-friendly schools and teaching young women leadership skills, received the United Nations' Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Award today for those ongoing efforts.

Join the Discussions and Help to Build Community

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 06:48:28 GMT

We now offer forums for online discussion and dialogue about meditation, and about Dzogchen Center's Southern California activities. In order to participate, you will need to login at the top right corner of this (or any) page. If you are already receiving announcement e.mails from us but do not know your password, you can recover it by entering your e.mail address and clicking on "Forgot Password". Alternatively if you are not yet signed up as a free subscriber, you can do so here.

We hope that as many as possible will join the discussions, helping to grow community and provide kind, heartful support to other community members.

Tustin Event in January

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:27:34 GMT

Lama Surya has kindly agreed once again to teach a Friday evening presentation and a Saturday one-day retreat at Golden Circle Center for Spiritual Living on January 28th/29th. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with Lama Surya and his teachings, in our local area. Further details are available on the Events page.

Ask The Lama

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:43:31 GMT

Check out Lama Surya's new offering at Ask the Lama

No Meeting Sunday 25 July

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:45:01 GMT

The regularly scheduled group in Orange County will not be meeting on Sunday 25th. July 2009, due to attendance at the Dzogchen Center Summer Retreat in New York. Regularly scheduled meetings will resume on Sunday 8th August.

Best wishes to all!

Lama Surya/Huffington Post: Contentment is True Wealth

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:37:42 GMT

Lama Surya's latest article is available here.

Lama Surya/Huffington Post: 5 Secrets for Healing the Spirit

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:16:25 GMT

You can read Lama Surya's latest article here on the Huffington Post.

Lama Surya in OC This Weekend

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:21:23 GMT

Lama Surya Das will be in Santa Ana (Tustin side) this coming weekend, Friday 21 May and Saturday 22 May, to give an evening talk at 7 pm on Friday, and a one-day retreat from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday. Further details are available here, and you can register securely online here. This is a terrific opportunity to connect with our teacher and experience his lively, transformative style of engaging an audience. Students can attend free, and do not need to register. Scholarships are still available should cost be an obstacle for non-students, and nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. Further enquiries can be sent to oc@dzogchen.org or telephone 1-(888) 266-2305.

Lama Surya in Huffington Post "Wisdom: an Endangered Natural Resource"

Lama Christopher Coriat — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:30:21 GMT

Read Lama Surya's newly published article "Wisdom: an Endangered Natural Resource" which appeared yesterday in the Huffington Post and makes reference one of his new projects, metaWisdom (with Southern California's Kevin and Janet Buck of Emergent Success).

No Meetings Easter Sunday, 4 April

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:59:46 GMT

The regularly scheduled groups in Orange County and Encinitas will not be meeting on Sunday 4th. April 2009, due to Easter Sunday. Regularly scheduled meetings will resume on Sunday 18th April.

No Meetings 21 March

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:51:03 GMT

The regularly scheduled groups in Orange County and Encinitas will not be meeting on Sunday 21st March 2009, due to the Dzogchen Center Spring Retreat which will be in progress at that time in Joshua Tree, CA.

Photos of HH Dalai Lama in LA and DC

Lama Christopher Coriat — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:54:05 GMT

More photos of His Holiness can be found in his Photo Gallery.

HH Dalai Lama on Larry King Live Tonight

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:39:03 GMT

His Holiness will appear on Larry King Live at 6 pm this evening (9 pm Eastern) on CNN.

Dalai Lama Visit to LA - February 20-21

Lama Christopher Coriat — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:57:52 GMT

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give a public address at Gibson Amphitheater on Sunday February 21st at 1.30 pm, at the invitation of Whole Child International. The topic will be: "Cultivating Compassion and the Needs of Vulnerable Children". Further details are available here.

Tibet/China Talks Resume

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:29:16 GMT

The Office of Tibet announced today that representatives of the Dalai Lama will will arrive in China tomorrow (26 January) for discussions with representatives of the Chinese leadership. This is the ninth round of dialogue and the first visit for 15 months in the process that began in 2002.

Lama Surya's New Year Greeting for 2010

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:03:58 GMT

To view and listen to Lama Surya's New Year Message, click on "Read More" below and the video will appear further down the page.

For more Lama Surya videos, click here.

Lama Surya Article on Huffington Post

Lama Christopher Coriat — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:02:32 GMT

Lama Surya recently published an interesting short piece on Jung's Secret Red Book.