The Buddhist Tarot: Archetypes and Art in the Namgyal Lineage

 A meditative and creative vacation-retreat in a Mexican UNESCO biosphere reserve

February 1 - 8, 2025

The Tarot represents a system of complete liberation for Westerners.” 

-Namgyal Rinpoche  

Through meditation, art and play we will explore universal symbols or themes that represent fundamental human experiences and emotions.  Using Tarot archetypes to inspire storytelling and character development, we will connect with our inner archetypes and personal narratives guiding us toward our highest potential. As archetypes and meditations, the symbolism of the Tarot is incredibly transformative. The Tarot offers a powerful, concise path of liberation drawing on universal life experiences to invite us into a deeper understanding of mystical life.  

Western archetypes are a powerful resource for spiritual awakening. They reveal and help us cultivate dormant aspects in ourselves. The Tarot has offered a profound path for spiritual awakening for hundreds of years. In fact, the Western Mysteries was the path by which Namgyal Rinpoche awakened.

Meet the Instructor

  • Lisa Cowen

    Lisa studied with Namgyal Rinpoche as a child and young adult and has continued studying with other great Dharma teachers. She has undertaken meditation retreats and intensive courses of study for about 25 years ranging broadly from Abhidharma to Vajrayana Yidam practices, and from Tarot to Dzogchen.

    In addition to a passion for awakening, Lisa specialized in Art and studied Psychotherapy.  She is the mother of a son who loves Lego and Minecraft, the custodian of an epic and rather wild vegetable garden, a working artist in the film industry, and a core founder of the Virtual Dharma Temple. She lives in Hamilton, Ontario.

    Lisa has offered courses at the DCC such as Intro to Mindfulness, and Intro to Silent Retreat Practice. Her teaching is an accessible blend of the “transcendental” and the “ordinary”. 

     

Accommodations & Rates

Our retreats are available at a sliding scale. We invite you to practice economic solidarity with your community and choose the ticket tier that makes the most sense with your financial situation. Explanations of the pricing tiers can be seen on our reservations page. All prices are in USD.

General - $1060

Sustainable - $910

Solidarity - $760

The retreat cost includes the following:

  • 7 nights accommodation based on double occupancy

  • All Meals at Xo Ki’in Retreat Center

  • This retreat fee does not include Dana

  • For further information and payment please send an email to info@xokiin.com

What is Dana?

Dana is a Sanskrit word that means “donation” or “yoga of generosity”. In the Buddhist tradition, teachings are given freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue.

Each person receiving teachings determines the amount of Dana according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly.