Study Group – Introduction to Vajrayana, Mahamudra & Dzogchen
Online Study Group
This Module is part of The Buddha’s Path (our foundational study programme).
In our study programme so far, we have explored the foundational aspects of Buddhism: the four noble truths, dependent origination, karma, shamatha and vipashyana, the bodhisattva path including the three higher trainings, the six perfections, lojong, emptiness and Buddha nature.
Our next short course is designed to explore the natural next question:
What are Vajrayana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen – and where do they fit in the context of practice?
In Tibetan Buddhism, Vajrayana (often called Tantric or Mantrayāna Buddhism) is known for practices involving mantra, ritual, and deity meditation. It is presented as a set of methods that build on the Mahayana foundations of compassion and wisdom, and emphasises the concepts of emptiness and Buddha-nature.
Within Tibetan Buddhism, you’ll also find the approaches of Mahamudra and Dzogchen – traditions that emphasise a kind of direct, unelaborated path to recognising the actual nature of mind and the realisation of our innate luminous awareness, Buddha nature.
This short, three-week series is designed to provide an introduction to these three – Vajrayana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen – clarifying doubts and laying a foundation for further exploration. We’ll focus on the essence of these systems of practice, how these teachings relate to suffering and freedom, and how strong foundations in ethics, compassion, shamatha, and emptiness make these practices meaningful.
Who it’s for
- People who’ve been following our study programme or are familiar with the foundations of Buddhist practice.
- Those curious about Tibetan Buddhism who want a practical introduction to these more advanced practices.
What this course is / isn’t
- ✅ An overview + introduction to view, practice, and common misunderstandings.
- ✅ Guided meditations that provide a taste of these approaches.
- ✅ Space for Q&A and discussion
- ❌ Not a Vajrayana empowerment or an initiation into tantric commitments.
- ❌ Not a replacement for receiving advanced training from a qualified lineage teacher.
“For authentic Mahamudra practice… one first trains in the fundamental teachings of the Four Noble Truths, including the practices of ethics, mental balance, and wisdom. Then one ventures into the Mahayana teachings, especially those on the Bodhisattva ideal, the “Perfection of Wisdom” explanations of emptiness and dependent origination, and the Buddha-nature.
On that basis, one may be initiated into Vajrayana Buddhism, with its own unique practices for transmuting one’s body, speech, and mind into the body, speech, and mind of a buddha.One may also be trained in the specific view, meditation, and way of life of the Mahamudra tradition. The meditation entails a kind of radical “not-doing,” in which one rests in unstructured awareness, releasing grasping onto all kinds of sensory appearances, memories, and thoughts. As a result of such practice, all experiences gradually arise as aids to one’s spiritual awakening, and finally, all phenomena are perceived as pure expressions of primordial consciousness, or Buddha-nature. The first phase of Dzogchen meditation, known as the “breakthrough,” is very similar to Mahamudra.”
– Lama B. Alan Wallace
About the Study Group Leader
Our Study Group is led by David Oromith. David is a Buddhist contemplative, meditation guide and retreat leader. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and author of the book A Practical Guide to Mindful Living. He has received non-monastic ordination in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and teaches workshops internationally, leads retreats across the UK and runs classes locally.
David is a follower of the rimé (non-sectarian) approach, recognising the value and benefit of multiple points-of-view, with teachers in all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. His primary teacher is Lama Alan Wallace, who is also rooted in a non-sectarian approach, with particular close affiliation with the Gelug and Nyingma schools and the Dudjom lineage.
Dates & Format:
Our Study Group takes place on Tuesdays, 7.00pm-8.30pm (UK time – check your timezone here). There are occasional breaks when David is away hosting retreats and for term holidays. Upcoming dates can be seen when booking below. Recordings are made available to participants who would like to follow along at their own pace.
Sessions consist of a meditation, teachings on our course material, and group discussions of our experience and questions.
Participants can join the Study Group at any time and at any point in the series. There’s no need to wait until you’re caught up to join a live session, though you’re welcome to watch the recordings at your leisure.
Other Timezones: CET: 8-9.30pm
Americas 11am PST, 12pm MST, 1pm CST, 2pm EST
Australia Wednesdays 5am AEST • NZ Wednesdays 8am NZDT
Correct as of February 2025 – please click here to check the time in your region.
Booking & Donation:
This Online Study Group relies entirely on donations. Only through your honest generosity will we be able to continue offering these sessions for the benefit of all. You can make a donation using one of the options at the checkout, or by visiting this page.
We suggest a donation of £20 for this course, but you’re able to offer within your means.
It is customary to offer dana (a donation) to support the teacher and the activities of the dhama organisation. No one is excluded from participating for lack of funds, but if you’re able to, as is tradition, please consider making an offering. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and all money raised goes directly into supporting our activities and fundraising for the Samadhi Eco Retreat Centre.
By booking with us, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions, which can be viewed here.
Speakers
Speaker
David OromithBuddhist Contemplative, Author and Meditation GuideDavid is a Buddhist contemplative, author, meditation guide and retreat leader. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi, an organisation based in the UK and a member of the UK’s Network of Buddhist Organisations. He teaches workshops internationally and online and leads retreats across the UK. Through his clear and practical teaching style and warm and humorous approach, David inspires people to take back control of their thoughts and feelings and discover genuine wellbeing within.
