Awareness is not something we have to create—it’s something we return to. In the Tergar Schools model and the teachings of Mingyur Rinpoche, awareness is described as an innate, spacious quality of mind that is always present, even when we feel distracted, anxious, or overwhelmed. When we connect with awareness, we tap into our basic goodness—our natural clarity, warmth, and presence.

In this guided contemplation, Karma Shenden will gently lead participants through a practice of settling the mind and resting in open awareness. Through simple instructions and moments of silence, this session offers a taste of what it means to be fully present: not by pushing thoughts away, but by recognizing the awareness in which they unfold.

Whether you're new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, this session invites you to experience awareness not as a technique, but as a return—to yourself, to your body, and to the wholeness already within you.

Karma Shenden, originally from eastern Bhutan, became a monk at Tergar Monastery in Bodhgaya, India, and later pursued deeper monastic studies in Nepal. With Mingyur Rinpoche’s encouragement, he began a secular education in 2020 to help realize a modern expression of Buddhist-inspired learning. He now serves as a Learning Leader at Tergar School Kathmandu. There, he supports staff and students in integrating wisdom and compassion into daily education.

This session is part of the FREE Contemplation by Design Summit, Oct. 15-27, 2025.

The full summit schedule is posted at: https://med.stanford.edu/contemplation/summit.html.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stanford-contemplation-by-design-summit-2025-online-oct-15-27-registration-1520413249959