The Great Seal

The Great Seal or Mahamudra [Skr.] is considered to be the crown jewel of Buddha's teachings. When one rests in the totality of the experiencer, what is experienced, and the act of experiencing at all times, then the goal, Mahamudra, is reached. This state, also called Enlightenment, brings forth unconditioned fearlessness, joy and active compassion. One, then, acts spontaneously and effortlessly for the benefit of all.

During Mahamudra courses, Lama Ole Nydahl describes the progressive stages that lead to this state and guides his students in various Diamond Way meditations, as transmitted to him by his teachers, primarily H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. There are only a few schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Zen that have succeeded in keeping the transmission of these teachings alive until today.

Preparation

In preparation for the course it is useful to read The Great Seal: Limitless Space & Joy, a commentary on the 3rd Karmapa's Mahamudra Wishes by Lama Ole Nydahl.