Buddhist Wisdom for Turbulent Times: Navigating groundless states in meditation, psychedelics & life

We’re so grateful to welcome Will Duncan for this special talk on navigating disorienting experiences, such as may come up during psychedelic experiences, deep meditation and the turbulence of life. Will draws on 40 years of study and meditation in the Buddhist tradition, including a 3 year silent retreat in the Tibetan Gelugpa tradition.

Rich or poor, none escape the ever-changing turbulence of life. Illness, loss, societal upheaval and the death of loved ones are part of the fabric of existence. 

With its insight into impermanence, the Buddhist tradition has developed many  useful ways to navigate this reality, not by trying to control circumstances, but by cultivating deep insight into their nature. 

In this talk, Will introduces some practices and perspectives can be a great resource both in daily life, or when tasting groundless states of deep meditation or psychedelics. 

•⁠  ⁠Techniques for working with groundless states
•⁠  ⁠An exploration of the idea of avidya which lies at the heart of almost all the wisdom traditions that have come out of India
•⁠  ⁠⁠How Indic-soteriology can give us a framework for understanding the integration of psychedelic insight
•⁠  ⁠⁠Understanding “side-ways approaches”
•⁠  ⁠⁠Competence addiction and working with liminal states
•⁠  ⁠⁠Insights from three-years of silence

Will has a unique gift for making deep spiritual wisdom accessible and practical. Together we will explore the relevance of Eastern soteriology and consider a secular notion of Buddhist refuge.

Come with an open heart and mind as we bridge ancient wisdom with modern experience.

About Will Duncun

Will Duncan is a Buddhist teacher whose work focuses on integrating traditional Buddhist practices with contemporary life. He has trained extensively in Tibetan Buddhism (Gelugpa lineage) as well as Zen (under Daido Roshi) and in a number of Theravadin lineages (Goenka, Mahasi, Insight). 

His approach blends these traditional teachings with insights from Christian and Yogic traditions, creating a unique and inclusive path. He has taught throughout the world including Asia, Europe, Eastern Europe, South America and throughout the United States.  He has worked as a hospice chaplain and presently is a lecturer, meditation teacher, consultant, and lavender farmer. 

Will completed the traditional three year Great Retreat of Tibetan Buddhism, having spent four accumulative years in silent and solitary meditation retreat since he began his practice 40 years ago. 

Known for his non-dogmatic, down-to-earth, humour and ease, Will teaches by way of inquiry and lively discussion pushing students to think clearly for themselves and to uncover their own insights.
 

Testimonials

​
"Will is a dynamic and gifted teacher who has the power to transform lives.  A truly original thinker Will brings a much needed grounded authenticity and humor to the spiritual path. 
Matt Immergut PhD,  Associate Professor S.U.N.Y. Purchase


Will Duncan is a Buddhist Badass. He delivers two things simultaneously: entertainment and the possibility of true aim-attainment. If you are looking to make and sustain an inner shift, GO hear him!
Darren Rhodes, Author, Director of YogaOasis, in Tucson, AZ and Founder of YogaHour.


Will Duncan takes on the goal of opening eyes and opening hearts in talks, discussions and teachings on Dharma. He has studied many traditional practices and uses each one to go deeper on the path of awakening.  His charm, character and devotion are his tools and consciousness his field. In the end what he reveals is the exquisite beauty of human beings.
Lisa Schrempp, Authorized Level 2 Ashtanga Teacher, Founder of Ashtanga Yoga Tucson

 
“Will Duncan leaves such a deep impression on my university students. He taps into spiritual essentials in ways that resonate with them regardless of their religious background. At the end of every semester in which he has guest lectured the students course evaluations come back saying that the class he taught was their favorite! "
Karen Borek, PhD, Department of Religious Studies and Classics, University of Arizona


“Thus far, the ultimate highlight was listening to Will Duncan speak. His talk with us made me think of religion as a whole in a way that I had never considered before: that each religion is just trying to get you to wake up to a life filled with joy on a much deeper level than just immediate, sensory pleasing joy. I really enjoyed that it included an approach in consideration of all religions, not just Christianity or Buddhism or any other religion, as it seemed to put an equalizing twist on all religions, as opposed to making any one seem more focused on the aspect of awakening and enlightenment. For me personally, Will’s talk made me think about how I view my own personal spiritual journey as well as how I view the perspective of people who consider themselves to not be on any sort of spiritual journey.” 
University of Arizona college student


A true master at mixing charitable laughter and gracious humility, Will Duncan makes the long road of awakening fun and accessible. His deep knowledge of wisdom teachings is matched by the compassion of his wit and candor. Learning with Will is a chance to polish one's suffering with good-hearted humor. 
Jay Ruby, Director, The Carpetbag Brigade Physical Theater Company
 

​ “Saturday night after Buddhist teacher, Will Duncan’s, talk, I was awake for hours…He was amazing!  As he imparts wisdom, Will already exudes that wonderful combination of mental discipline and humorous lightheartedness that I have come to associate with the very best Tibetan teachers.” 
Cecily Stranahan – Pastoral Counselor

REFUNDS: Please note that we do not arrange refunds or exchanges. We welcome swapping or reselling your tickets with people you know.