Margha Program

Contact margha@naturaldharma.org to add your name to the 2010 Margha program list.

Margha Program 2010

The Margha Program for 2010 (open to all) is focused on the topic of Bodhicitta, Buddhist practices that nurture love, compassion, empathy, and wisdom as taught by Lama Willa and Lama John Makransky. The Margha Program this year will focus on deepening self compassion as a doorway to developing love and compassion for others. We will also explore, in depth, the relationship between love and wisdom, the integration of loving kindness into everyday relationships, and how to take adversity as a path. The program includes the meditation practices of Love and Wisdom as adapted by Lama John Makransky, the meditation practices of Radical Empathy as adapted by Lama Willa and teachings from the mind-training tradition of Atisha.

Margha Program 2010 Calendar

  • Bodhicitta I - The Power of Original Goodness, January 1-7
  • Bodhicitta II - Unleashing the Power of Innate Compassion & Wisdom, Friday, March 26 and Saturday, March 27
  • Bodhicitta III - Radical Empathy, Friday, May 28 - Sunday, May 30
  • Bodhicitta IV - Embodied Empathy, Saturday, July 10
  • Bodhicitta V - Refuge and Bodhicitta, Saturday, August 21 - Saturday, September 4
  • Bodhicitta VI - Margha Graduation, Saturday, October 30, Details to be determined

Margha Program Overview

Margha means "path" in Sanskrit, and it refers to the path to enlightenment envisioned as a process of deep, gradual and individualized development. The Margha Program—in the spirit of its name—is a path-based curriculum that will provide an opportunity for students to train thoroughly and deeply in a variety of meditative practices, in a way that is flexible and recognizes the uniqueness of individual students.

The nonsectarian Margha Program is modeled after the traditional Tibetan Buddhist curriculum. Lama Willa, who is trained in the Kagyu, Shangpa and Nyingma lineages, continues to work closely with a number of students to adapt these practices for Americans.

Registration in the program is renewable yearly, and will include participation in annual retreats, practice groups and extended retreats, as well as access to mentorship with associate teachers and practice-leaders, and seasonal interviews with Lama Willa. Full completion of any one annual segment of the Margha Program results in a Certificate of Completion, and fulfills prerequisites for upcoming programs, retreats and practice-leader training.

For more information about the program and how to participate, please contact margha@naturaldharma.org.

Current Margha program participants: