Kapala Training is a four level training program in order to learn more about the feeding your demons process and become certified to help others.

Kapala Training Level One is the first of a four-level training offering an in-depth exploration of the practice lineage of eleventh-century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön and the related Mahayana teachings of Prajña Paramita, the Great Mother, our own true nature. The Training is designed both for professionals who can apply these practices to their healing work and for individuals wishing to work deeply with their own 'demons' through contemplative practice.

You will learn a five-step practice based on the principles of feeding the demons rather than fighting them, so as to move beyond dualistic struggle.  This process, Feeding Your Demons, which is outlined in Tsultrim's book Feeding Your Demons: Ancient Wisdom for Resolving Inner Conflict is explored here in greater depth.  Compassionate nurturing rather than battling outer and inner challenges develops the potential for deep healing and helps us move from polarization to integration.

Chöd, the ancient Tibetan practice that the process of Feeding Your Demons is based upon, is widely used as a spiritual path with secondary applications to heal illnesses, stop epidemics, and address obstacles, spiritual emergencies and critical eruptions. Drawing on Mahayana teachings of the Prajna Paramita, Machig's teachings also include insight on the nature of mind. These later developed into Maha Mudra and into some lineages of Dzog Chen.

Kapala Training Level One is an introduction to the nature of the four demons as taught by Machig and how it applies to addictions, illness, fears, relationship challenges, self-hatred, and other personal and collective demons. Its main practice is an open-eyed sky-gazing Prajña Paramita practice mixing awareness with space. We will also explore the five steps of Feeding Your Demons through drawing and clay work.

Kapala Training Level Two is for those who have completed Level I and the interim assignments.  In this retreat we will deepen our Prajna Paramita practice and be introduced to Jamgon Kongtrul's text Transmitting the Meaning of the Mother, a practice on looking at the sky-like nature of mind, Prajna Paramita. We will also practice Machig's sound method for cutting through discursive thoughts. We will continue our work with "Feeding Your Demons" in small groups, dyads and alone, as well as guiding others. We will also work on a 'demon' map of family and relationships. There will be ample time during the retreat for discussion and creative time alone working with clay and painting. Completion of Level II allows you to apply for certification to use this method to help others.  At the end of the retreat work groups will be formed for meeting between sessions in person or by phone. Licensed healing professionals will learn to apply this work to their professional therapeutic settings.

Levels Three and Four go deeper into the lineage of Machig Labdrön requiring further retreats and practices.  The requirements for Kapala Training Level Three are the completion of Levels One and Two and interim assignments, as well as completing the Chöd retreat and the Three Yana retreat taught by Tsultrim Allione.