Phil Karl

The classic text, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, surveys the landscape of the entire Buddhist path and opens the can of worms of hope, fear and ambition of the spiritual practitioner. First published in 1973 and based on a series of talks given in Boulder in 1970 and 1971, this book—the single text for the course—presents Buddhism in both a profound and accessible way. With eloquence Trungpa describes the principles and warnings about turning spiritual attainment into a self-centered project and a personal credential. These fundamental principles apply to the spirituality of any tradition. Simply put, this is an extremely valuable book for any serious student to study. This eight week course is intended for both beginning and experienced practitioners of any spiritual path.

Phil Karl is a Lama in the Karma Kagyu tradition, having completed the traditional Tibetan Buddhist three-year meditation retreat at Sopa Choling Retreat Center, Gampo Abbey, in Nova Scotia in 2003. He has been a student of Chogyam Trungpa since 1977. Phil has taught many university and public courses in Buddhism, guided meditation intensives for twenty-five years, and is an ordained Buddhist Minister. He has instructed at the Shambhala International Seminary, and is Core Faculty Member and Education Director of the Ngedon School’s online dharma study program. Phil’s graduate study was completed at the Naropa University in Buddhist and Western Psychology in 1979, and he is presently an Adjunct Faculty member at the University. He has worked for many years as a consulting corporate trainer and coach.