The School for Awakening 2008
"Enlightenment is your birthright; it's up to you
to claim it."
Now that so many people have embarked on the quest for
spiritual awakening, the time has come for an extended program
of self-exploration and peaceful abiding designed to invite
the full realization of your timeless spiritual nature.
The School for Awakening is an eight-month “enlightenment
intensive” sponsored by the International University
of Professional Studies. The intention is to create a small-group
environment led by an awakened teacher in which the direct
experience of true nature or unconditioned mind can be nurtured
and deepened. In addition to group sessions, participants
will be supported in exploring silent sitting and self-inquiry
on their own. (Participants have the option of crediting
their involvement toward an advanced degree at the University.)
The format, consisting of three intensive periods of participation
linked by regular group phone sessions and individual mentoring,
invites people from around the world who might not otherwise
have regular access to a teacher to gather and share in
the process of investigating and realizing the truth together.
The teacher, Stephan Bodian, has been practicing and teaching
the path of awakening for more than 35 years, including
a decade as a Zen Buddhist monk. After studying Asian language,
religion, and culture at Columbia and Stanford, Stephan
trained with Shunryu Suzuki Roshi (author of Zen Mind,
Beginner's Mind) and several other Zen teachers, directed
the training program at the Zen Center of Los Angeles, studied
Dzogchen with Tsoknyi Rinpoche, and spent 10 years as a
student of Advaita master Jean Klein. (For a more complete biography, click here.)
In 2001 Adyashanti gave Stephan Dharma transmission (authorization
to teach) and invited him to share the truth with others.
His life is devoted to making authentic spiritual awakening
accessible to a wider audience. He's the author of the popular
guidebook Meditation for Dummies and coauthor of
Buddhism for Dummies. His new book on spiritual awakening, Wake Up Now: A Guide to the Journey of Spiritual Awakening, was published this year by McGraw-Hill. (To order, click on the book to the left.)
Format
The year-long program is structured around three intensives, 12 regular group satsangs by phone,
and 6 hour-long (or 12 half-hour) individual counseling sessions. Participation
in each module is limited to 12 people.
The program begins in late June with a residential three-day intensive,
consisting of satsangs, dialogues, guided meditations, and
silent sitting, in a relaxing, supportive environment. Each day Stephan offers two
satsangs, beginning with a Dharma talk followed by ample
time for intimate, in-depth exploration of the nature of
nondual reality. The living words spoken in satsang are
not abstract concepts but direct pointers that invite an
immediate glimpse of our timeless true nature. Participants also have an opportunity to
get to know one another and bond as a sangha.
In early October, after four months of regular goup meetings and individual counseling sessions, and then again in January, seven months into the program, participants join for a three-day nonresidential
intensive to deepen their inquiry. (Most participants fly in and stay off-site.)
Throughout the eight months, participants meet regularly by phone to sit quietly together, listen to brief Dharma talks, ask questions, engage
in guided meditations and various forms of self-inquiry,
share experiences and insights, and maintain their connection
with the teacher and one another. Each session explores
a particular theme or aspect of truth and provides a
vital, ongoing invitation to awaken from the dream this
very moment.
To deepen their individual inquiry, participants also
have 6 hour-long (or 12 half-hour) phone counseling sessions
with Stephan.
Location and Fees
The first intensive will be held June 27-29 at The Crossings in Austin, Texas, a spiritual retreat center and wellness spa in the beautiful Texas hill country.
(An additional day for School participants will be held through noon on the 30th at Casa del Luz, a local workshop facility.) The second intensive (October 3-5) and the third intensive (dates TBA) will be held at Casa de Luz. (Austin is centrally located just a few hours by plane from California, the East Coast, and the Midwest.)
The estimated cost of the eight-month program, including shared double accommodations
and meals at The Crossings and all satsangs and counseling sessions,
is $2,750. (Plane fares and all other meals and accommodations are up to participants.) Payments received 45 days in advance will receive a 5% discount.
If you would like to schedule a free phone conversation to ask questions about the school, or to register for the program, please feel free to email
us at stephanbodian@hotmail.com or call 415-451-7133.
