Photo by Sabina Ragaini
Over the beautiful weekend of 23-25 October, the Community of Gyamtsholing had the great opportunity to host the Green Tara retreat of explanation and practice held by Costantino Albini in the splendid hall of the Palazzo Pisani in Venice, Italy. During the two-day retreat Costantino “illustrated” the most important aspects of the practice with depth and clarity, and in the hours devoted to the commentary, covered its more specific features along with the basic principles of Dzogchen, making the full sense of the practice clear.
photo Sabina Ragaini
The explanation also touched on various topics according to students’ needs in order to dispel doubts and uncertainties. Costantino’s words were precious and intense as he spoke about the meaning and use of mantra in the practice – mantra as an aggregation of energy or as an offering of sound; on the stages of generation and accomplishment with integration into everyday life – but especially with the attainment of the state of contemplation; on presence; on the value of the Community in which every Dzogchen practitioner is a center of dharma. Those present also enjoyed his thorough explanation of the “relationship” of the practitioner with the demons.
Photo Libero Carniel
Over the weekend, participants could also practice studying the correct melody of the practice under the direction of Costantino, concluding each session of the retreat with a thun of Green Tara practice.
Sabina Ragaini
