Mantra as Path: Opening to the Power of Sacred Sound

Vajrayana Buddhism is often called Mantrayana, meaning “Mantra Vehicle,” and emphasizes the transformative power of mantra recitation in awakening the enlightened mind. Likewise, in the tantric Hindu tradition, known as the Mantramarga or “Path of Mantra,” mantra practice holds a place of unparalleled importance. It’s said that for every Hatha yogin, there are 100 mantra yogins—a testament to the pivotal role mantra meditation plays in refining the mind and illuminating the inner light of awareness.

In this class with Michael Taft and Chandra Easton, we will explore the ways we can benefit from mantra recitation and devotional chanting, exploring how to immerse ourselves in mantra as an essential vehicle on the path. Michael and Chandra share a long history of mantra meditation in Hindu and Buddhist tantric traditions. They will share mantras and prayers from their various teachers who have enriched their path of devotion over their many years of study and chanting.

In this daylong workshop you will learn:

• What are mantras and bijas (seed syllables)?
• How to recite mantras: aloud, in a whisper, and silently
• Beautiful traditional melodies for mantras and short invocations
• How to use a mala, what numbers of mantra repetitions are important
• Why mantra practice is uniquely powerful
• How to do mantra practice throughout the day
• Enjoying the bliss of mantra recitation
• And much more

This event is in-person only.

Michael W. Taft is a meditation teacher, author, and podcaster. Michael teaches meditation courses, retreats, and individuals worldwide, and is the author of several books, including the bestselling The Mindful Geek. He is the founder and host of the Deconstructing Yourself podcast.

From Zen temples in Japan to yogi caves in India, Michael has been meditating for over thirty five years and has extensive experience in both Buddhist and Hindu Tantric practice. Michael is the co-founder of the groundbreaking Alembic center in Berkeley. He was previously editor-in-chief of Being Human, and was the long-time editorial director of Sounds True. Michael lives with his family in the Bay Area.
Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton is a teacher, author, and translator of Tibetan Buddhist texts. She has taught Buddhism and Hatha Yoga since 2001 and co-translated Sublime Dharma: A Compilation of Two Texts on the Great Perfection, published in 2012.

While her training is rooted in Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana and Vajrayana) and the Great Perfection (Ati Yoga; Dzogchen), her primary interest is making these traditional teachings relevant and accessible for our modern experience.

She is a Vajra teacher, Dorje Lopön, at Tara Mandala Retreat Center, founded by Lama Tsultrim Allione, where she serves on the Upaya Council, Prajna Council, and the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Council, which address the underrepresentation of people from different cultural, racial, sexual orientation, and social backgrounds in the Dharma. She is the author of Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom (Shambhala Publications, 2023). To learn more about her teaching schedule, writings, and music, visit www.chandraeaston.com.

Host or Publisher The Berkeley Alembic Foundation