The weekend of November 3rd, 2006, Patrick Sweeney was graciously hosted by the Shambhala Center of San Francisco. He taught on the text Space, Time and Energy by the Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin. This was the first time that Mr. Sweeney had been formally invited to teach at a Shambhala Center, and everyone involved felt the openness, warmth and generosity that pervaded the teaching environment.

Over 30 people were in attendance, both senior students within the Shambhala Mandala and students new to the lineage of the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Mr. Sweeney emphasized the first chapter of the text, Space, which focuses on shamatha meditation from the mahamudra perspective. Mr. Sweeney’s talks delved into the details of shamatha practice, both the mechanics of mindfulness and the distinct difference between the control model and the release model of mindfulness meditation. Meditation periods were short and powerful, and the guided meditations were designed to instruct students of all levels how to refine their practice of shamatha. Short periods of physical movement were incorporated to support and invigorate the shamatha practice. The weekend concluded with a Sadhana of Mahamudra feast, which included readings, toasts, and a little dancing to Joe Cocker. More than a taste of the lineage transmission was available for those who were open to it.

San Francisco is a powerful location for Mr. Sweeney, being not only the first place where he immersed himself in dharma practice, but also the location where the Vajra Regent lived his last days and finally died. During the introductory talk, Mr. Sweeney, with great humor and humility, recalled his initial arrival in San Francisco at the beginning of his dharma path and his adventures at the San Francisco Zen Center. He also reflected on the final days of the Vajra Regent’s life, and the time immediately after his death when he rested for three days in samadhi at the San Francisco Dharmadhatu.

Several members of the Satdharma community were in attendance at the teachings. It was a joyous occasion for old dharma friends to reconnect and for newer students who live in Ojai to feel the embrace of a much larger and inclusive dharma family. Much credit must go to Seth Bregman and Amy Conway for creating an environment where the brilliance and immediacy of the Vidyadhara’s efforts to transplant the genuine dharma in the West could be experienced directly and without obstacles.