The following is from a talk by Mark Griffin:

"The Intensive is held as the expression of the idea of awakening and enlightenment.  The Intensive arises in a series of stages where different dynamics of the awakening process are generated and demonstrated and transmitted. The stages have the arc of initiation, generation, development and completion. 

The entire Intensive is an instrument to generate Shaktipat, the awakening impulse, which is transmitted through exposure to the supraconscious energies that are inherent within every person.  It is very much a simple idea of demonstration and most essentially, contact or touch.

It is, as we all know, easiest to learn something by being in contact with someone who has an idea of the subject, to watch them express and demonstrate.  The fastest way to learn to play the piano is to be in a room with somebody that knows how to play the piano, and listen to them and watch them. You learn a thousand things that are not necessarily expressed in words.  This is the principle at work in the Intensive, as Shaktipat is being expressed in each of the stages - initiation, generation, and completion. 

It is like a conversation about the process and dynamic of awakening.  Coming in direct contact with the supraconscious forms a connection to it.  This is the idea of touch. So in the completion stage I'll be coming around and touching each of you to seal the Shaktipat transmission."

During an Intensive, Mark usually gives a talk with a particular teaching in between the meditation sessions (click to see some examples of these teachings).  Mark leads the group in a series of specific meditations: three long and one short. During the short meditation,  transmisison of Shaktipat occurs, and Mark might briefly touch you on the forehead.  This is an experience people find quite enjoyable and memorable.  There are frequent breaks between sessions and a meal and snacks are served. (In fact, if you'd like to bring some yummy offerings - potluck-style - everyone would be delighted.)

For a schedule of upcoming Intensives, please see our calendar.

First Intensive with Mark? Then you'll enjoy listening to these four great talks about sadhana, the Intensive and Shaktipat which you may download free here: (These are also included in the Guru Radio Podcasts, so if you have subscribed to those, you may already have these talks. If not - this makes it easy for you to have these. )

Special offer: use the online sign-up feature, and receive the mp3 of the great teaching on Shaktipat, the SO HAM and the Prana given by Mark in San Francisco June 7, 2008.
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