(Archive) Seminar: Mahamudra & Green Tara
Please note that this event has already taken place.
(Information in Swedish) Date: June 6:th - 7:th, 2012
Time: 9:00 - 12:30 both days
Location: Alviks Medborgarhus, Brommasalen, Gustavslundsvägen 168, (T) Alvik, Stockholm
Biljetter: ON-LINE PURCHASE OF TICKETS IS CLOSED!
Mahamudra
During two half days, we will investigate the nature of our own minds. Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche teaches on mahamudra and gives instructions on the nature of mind based on his own experience and a few concise texts with pithy instructions by Milarepa, Gampopa and the 3rd Karmapa.
This is a unique opportunity to meet and receive teachings from a master of both the mahamudra and the dzogchen traditions. It is Rinpoche's speciality, without holding anything back, to clarify the nature of our minds.
Erik Pema Kunsang writes in the preface to the book Skillful Grace, which contains the root text to the Triple Excellence and commentaries to it:
The Essential Instruction on the Threefold Excellence contains three distinct views: Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana. The special approach it takes is to combine or interweave all three into a seamless single path that one person can follow. This small text begins in a simple way, with how to deal with life as a human being and goes all the way to how to attain true and complete enlightenment in a single lifetime.
The first level of the teachings here deals with being human. This means understanding that we have a precious opportunity right now in this life, and that it does matter how we behave: there are consequences to our actions. We are shown how to find the true spiritual path that leads us in the right direction.
The second level of teachings provides methods for reducing and dissolving our selfishness. It offers advice on how to genuinely work for others and gain mental stability and insight. In this teaching, insight is the core of Tara practice. Here it is called ‘the ultimate Tara of transcendent knowledge.’
Once we have stability and insight—often called shamatha and vipashyana—we as practitioners can then embrace Vajrayana, the third level, with skillful means that quickly dissolve habitual tendencies and delusions. Practitioners can awaken to buddhahood through sadhana practice based on Tara.
In addition to the seminar, Rinpoche will also give a lecture on the subject "Common Sense, Philosophy and Realization" on the evening og June 6th 2012 (Swedens National Day).
Practical information
The Mahamudra-teachings and the Tara empowerment will be during two half days. The individual schedule for those days is nt set, and it is not decided which day the empowerment will take place.
The teachings will be translated to English by Rinpoches translator, and a simultaneous translation to Swedish will be provided via FM radio. Bring your own FM-radi with headphoes if you wish to listen to the Swedish translation.
Rinpoche has asked us to prepare the following texts for the teaching:
- The Illuminating Wisdom by Milarepa
- the All-Including Path by Gampopa
- Heart Advice in a Single Word by Karmapa Rangjung Dorje
Green Tara
During the last year, Rinpoche has together with some of his students developed a gradual program for study and practice according to the three levels of training according to Tibetan Buddhism, theravada, mahayana and vajrayana. The program, which is based in The Triple Excellence, is available for self-study on-line. Many people following the program have testified to the positive effect it has had on their minds, and how their loving kindness and compassion has developed and increased.
As an inspiration for those following the program, and those considering to follow the program, and of course everyone else, Rinpoche will give an empowerment to Green Tara - Zabtik Drolma (The Profound Essence Of Tara). For those who want to follow the vajrayana section, the third section of the program, the empowerment is necessary.
