Rigdzin Shikpo
Lion's Roar - FAQs
What is the structure of a typical Lion's Roar weekend?
Each weekend will include periods of formless meditation, talks by the teacher outlining the View, Meditation and Action associated with that Gate and time for questions and discussion.
What sort of meditation do you teach on the Lion's Roar?
The Lion's Roar focuses on formless meditation. This is a simple, direct and very profound meditation, which could be said to include in its essence all meditations one might be introduced at later stages of the path. As such it is both an introduction, a foundation for any later training, and a connection with the highest level of meditation and realisation (Dzogchen / Maha-Ati - 'The Great Perfection') at the end of the path.
Each Gate introduces a different view and practice associated with formless meditation covering the essence of Mahayana and Dzogchen views. The nine Gates of the Lion's Roar are thus an introduction, through the practice of formless meditation, to all stages of Buddhist training.
How long does it usually take to complete the Lion's Roar?
It typically takes most people around three years to complete, doing three Gates each year. For some people it may take longer as they may wish to pause, repeat a year of the programme or take breaks for a variety of reasons. This can all be discussed with your meditation instructor - who will certainly remind you that it is not a race and that genuine engagement and regular practice is more important than speeding through!
Can I do it quicker than three years?
No. While the gap between each Gate can be longer than three months it is never less than that. There is a strong emphasis in the Lion's Roar programme on developing a regular practice of meditation (ideally an hour every day) and really trying out and deepening your experience of the meditations introduced at each stage. Each Gate follows and deepens the practice introduced at each previous Gate so it doesn't work to try to rush through weekends without practising the associated meditations.
What support do you offer between each Gate?
Everyone attending a Gate 2 weekend is paired with a meditation teacher and encouraged to make contact with them immediately after the Gate. Usually the meditation teacher is chosen on the basis of geography - someone you can easily meet up with for occasional interviews, but if you have a strong sense of who you would like to be your meditation teacher we try to accommodate that if possible. All meditation teachers have been authorised by Rigdzin Shikpo.
We suggest that you arrange a meditation interview between each Gate (so three times a year or so) to meet up, and talk about how you have been getting on with the meditations. The opportunity to meet one to one on a regular basis to discuss your personal experience of meditation and how your practice is developing is one important and helpful aspect of meditation training.
What happens if I have questions after an introductory Gate 1, but don't yet have a meditation teacher?
We are always happy to respond to questions you may have following any Longchen event you attend. If you don't yet have a meditation teacher then contact the organiser of the event you attended who will put you in touch with someone you can talk with.
Do I have to commit to completing all nine Gates from the beginning?
No. The programme is structured so that there are two main points where you can decide whether or not to continue onto further Gates.
Gate 1 - This is an open, foundation weekend. As well as being introduced to formless meditation and the basic view of the whole programme, we also offer an overview of all nine Gates of the programme and outline in more detail how the training works as a whole.
End of Year 1 - (After gate 3) If you wish to go on from Gate 1, you can complete gates 2 & 3 at your own pace. The end of the first year is a good time to reflect and discuss with your meditation teacher how you are getting on and how you feel about committing to completing years 2 and 3 of the programme. Some people choose to continue straight on at this point, some people take a pause and some decide to repeat the first three Gates before going deeper. Year 2 begins with a special celebration (Ganacakra) and also a short and simple ceremony where you commit to completing the remainder of the programme.
I still have some questions who can I contact?
Please contact us with any questions
Or contact one of our local groups
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