Filtering by: Event
General Presentation of the Tantra Sets
Apr
6
to Apr 12

General Presentation of the Tantra Sets

  • Dhagpo Kundreul Ling France (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Sonam Tsemo’s ‘General Presentation of the Tantra Sets’ is one of the most important Sakya teachings about Vajrayana. Composed by the second of the five great Sakya Masters, Sonam Tsemo, this work is an extensive explanation of the nature and characteristics of the different categories of tantra as well as of the relationship between the tantras and the sutras. As such it is an encyclopaedic resource for the study of the tantric system. The text constitutes one of the major works studied in the Sakya shedra (college of studies).

For details please contact the centre.

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The Initiation of Amitabha and reading transmission for the practice cycle 
Apr
27
1:30 PM13:30

The Initiation of Amitabha and reading transmission for the practice cycle 

Following on from his teaching on The Union of Mahamudra and Dzok Chen, this year in Yorkshire, Lama Jampa will extend this by bestowing the initiation of Buddha Amitabha on April 27th and the related transmission of Phowa (Transference) on September 14th.

Both of these form part of the famed cycle known as 'Sky Dharma' and are extraordinary skilful practices focussed upon rebirth in Amitabha's pure spiritual environment known as Sukhavati ( 'The Blissful') the radiant light of the undying buddha-nature. 

The Initiation of Amitabha and reading transmission for the practice cycle* 

1:30 - 5:30pm

Lama Jampa will bestow the initiation of Amitabha from the lineage of the great treasure-revealer, Mingyur Dorje.

*Please note that in order to attend this teaching you need to have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through the act of taking refuge.

See the local website for further details.

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Discriminating the Three Vows and Initiation of Lion Speech Manjushri
May
3
to May 5

Discriminating the Three Vows and Initiation of Lion Speech Manjushri

Discriminating the Three Vows by Sakya Pandita

Friday 3 May, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Saturday 4 May, 10:30 am - 12:30 am and 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Lama Jampa will continue with his teaching of Discriminating the Three Vows. Sakya Pandita’s masterpiece offers a brilliant examination of the spiritual disciplines found in the three vehicles. Topics dealt with in this work include the reality of the Buddha nature, the ethics of a bodhisattva and the correct practice of vajrayana.

Initiation of Lion Speech Manjushri*

Sunday 5 May, 11am - 1pm

Manjushri is the supreme embodiment of enlightened wisdom. Meditation on this deity is undertaken by those who seek to develop a profound understanding of the teachings.

For further details, see the local website.

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The Friendly Letter and Initiation of Simhamukha
May
18
10:30 AM10:30

The Friendly Letter and Initiation of Simhamukha

The Friendly Letter

10:30am - 1:00pm

Composed by the great philosopher Nagarjuna, The Friendly Letter is a supremely clear account of how we can practise the threefold path of morality, meditation and wisdom. To elucidate the text Lama Jampa will teach according to the detailed commentary The Telescope of Wisdom by Karma Thinley Rinpoche.

Initiation of Simhamukha

2:30pm - 5:00pm

The dakini Simhamukha is a deity relied upon for protection against various obstacles to spiritual practice and well-being.  Lama Jampa will give the initiation according to the teaching of Bari Lotsawa, which has been preserved in the Sakya tradition down to the present day.

*Please note that in order to attend this teaching one must have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through the act of Taking Refuge.

For further details see the local website.

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Accessing Wisdom - the life and teachings of Sakya Pandita, and intiation of Sakya Pandita
May
25
10:30 AM10:30

Accessing Wisdom - the life and teachings of Sakya Pandita, and intiation of Sakya Pandita

Accessing Wisdom - the life and teachings of Sakya Pandita

10:30am - 1:00pm

Sakya Pandita was the fourth of the five founders of the Sakya Order and became one of the greatest scholars and meditators to take birth in Tibet. He mastered all the texts and tantras, plus many philosophical teachings such as Indian logic and secular studies such as poetry and arts.

Initiation of Sakya Pandita*

2:30pm - 5:00pm

Folloiwng the morning’s teaching, Lama Jampa will give the vajrayana initiation of Sakya Pandita.

*Please note that in order to attend this teaching one must have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through the act of Taking Refuge.

For further details see the local website.

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 Initiation of Green Tara
May
30
2:30 PM14:30

Initiation of Green Tara

Initiation of Green Tara

2:30pm - 5:00pm

Lama Jampa Thaye will bestow the initiation of Green Tara from the lineage of Shakya Shribhadra. Meditation on Green Tara is one of the most widely practised in Tibetan Buddhism. The goddess herself is the embodiment of the liberating activity of all the buddhas. As such her initiation and meditation are especially effective means of awakening one’s innate capacity for enlightened compassion.

*Please note that in order to attend this teaching one must have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through the act of Taking Refuge.

For further details see the local website.

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The Friendly Letter and Initiation of Yellow Dzambhala
Jun
1
10:30 AM10:30

The Friendly Letter and Initiation of Yellow Dzambhala

The Friendly Letter

10:30am - 1:00pm

Composed by the great philosopher Nagarjuna, The Friendly Letter is a supremely clear account of how we can practise the threefold path of morality, meditation and wisdom. To elucidate the text Lama Jampa will teach according to the detailed commentary The Telescope of Wisdom by Karma Thinley Rinpoche.

Initiation of Yellow Dzambhala

2:30pm - 5:00pm

This initiation bestows the authority to meditate on Yellow Dzambhala from the collection of Bari Lotsawa. Dzambhala is one of the most important Vajrayana deities associated with the increase of prosperity and positive conditions for spiritual practice.

*Please note that in order to attend this teaching one must have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through the act of Taking Refuge.

For further details see the local website.

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Discriminating the Three Vows and Initiation of Green Tara
Jun
8
10:00 AM10:00

Discriminating the Three Vows and Initiation of Green Tara

Discriminating the Three Vows by Sakya Pandita

10:30am - 1:00pm

Sakya Pandita’s masterpiece offers a brilliant examination of the spiritual disciplines found in the three vehicles. Topics dealt with in this work include the reality of the Buddha nature, the ethics of a bodhisattva and the correct practice of vajrayana.

Initiation of Green Tara

2:30 - 5:00pm

The goddess Tara is revered in all traditions of vajrayana Buddhism as the embodiment of the liberating activity of all buddhas. As such her initiation and meditation are an especially effective means of awakening one’s innate capacity for enlightened compassion. 

For full details see the local website.

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The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva by Tokme Zangpo
Jun
14
to Jun 16

The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva by Tokme Zangpo

The way to enlightenment in Mahayana Buddhism proceeds through a step by step development of compassion and insight. In this guide the great master, Tokme Zangpo, provides us with an indispensable set of instructions for this gradual path. The 37 Bodhisattva Practices is a practical guide to cultivating the awakening mind and generating the qualities of love, compassion, generosity, and patience. 

This text, which is presented in the form of personal meditations in verse, has been studied and practised continuously for centuries and describes the path of the bodhisattva, one who has made the commitment to achieve awakening for the benefit of all beings.

Schedule - tbc

For further details please see the local website.

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Aspiration Prayer of Mahamudra and Vajrayana Initiation (TBA)
Jun
29
to Jun 30

Aspiration Prayer of Mahamudra and Vajrayana Initiation (TBA)

Situ Dharmakara's  Commentary on the Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer

Saturday 29 June 10:30am - 12:30pm and 2:30 - 4:30pm

Sunday 30 June 10:30am - 12:30pm

Situ Dharmakara's  celebrated work is a guide to the Aspiration Prayer composed by the 3rd Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje. In elucidating the prayer, the commentary provides an extraordinarily profound explanation of Mahamudra meditation and a defence of the special precepts preserved in the Kagyu tradition.

Initiation (TBA)*

Sunday 30 June 2:30 - 4:30pm

*Please note that in order to attend this teaching you need to have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through the act of taking refuge.

For full details see the local website.

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Dispelling the Darkness of Suffering
Aug
18
to Aug 23

Dispelling the Darkness of Suffering

  • Dechen Europe, Sakya Changlochen Ling (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Dispelling the Darkness of Suffering

 Sunday 18th August to  Friday 23rd August

Lama Jampa Thaye will teach Dispelling the Darkness of Suffering, composed by Karma Thinley Rinpoche, a clear and authoritative, line by line commentary on The Seven Points of Mind Training written by Geshe Chekhawa. This classic twelfth century text on lojong (‘mind training’) is in the form of pith instructions that show the methods to transform everyday life into the path to enlightenment, by developing bodhichitta (‘enlightenment-mind’, the resolve to attain buddhahood for the benefit of others) on the basis of loving-kindness and compassion. Rinpoche brilliantly illuminates these pith instructions, enabling us to apply them to whatever situations we encounter.

For full details see the local website

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The Sweet Drops of the Blooming Lotus of Great Bliss
Aug
25
to Aug 30

The Sweet Drops of the Blooming Lotus of Great Bliss

  • Dechen Europe, Sakya Changlochen Ling (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Sweet Drops of the Blooming Lotus of Great Bliss

 Sunday 25th August to  Friday 30th August

Lama Jampa will teach the extensive notes on the practice of the Uncommon Sadhana of the Goddess Vajra Yogini Naro Kachoma, one of the most important systems of practice. This text was composed in recent years by Karma Thinley Rinpoche and so this course represents its first transmission in the West.

*The prerequisites for attending this course are to have received a major (two-day) initiation of Chakrasamvara or Hevajra from a lama belonging to the Khon family of Sakya, and in addition, the blessing initiation of Naro Kachoma.

It is required that all those who receive this teaching must maintain observance of the Three Vows. Furthermore those who also choose to receive the optional teaching of the body mandala must make a commitment to maintain the unbroken daily practice of the full uncommon sadhana and the accomplishment of the basic retreat, during which there are four hundred thousand repetitions of the mantra to be completed.

For full details see the local website

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The transmission of Phowa and Karma Chakme's Guide to Phowa Practice
Sep
14
1:30 PM13:30

The transmission of Phowa and Karma Chakme's Guide to Phowa Practice

Following on from his teaching on The Union of Mahamudra and Dzok Chen, this year in Yorkshire, Lama Jampa will extend this by bestowing the initiation of Buddha Amitabha on April 27th and the related transmission of Phowa ( Transference ) on September 14th.

Both of these form part of the famed cycle known as 'Sky Dharma' and are extraordinary skilful practices focussed upon rebirth in Amitabha's pure spiritual environment known as Sukhavati ( 'The Blissful') the radiant light of the undying buddha-nature. 

The transmission of Phowa and Karma Chakme's Guide to Phowa Practice

1:30 - 4:30pm

Phowa (‘transference’) is one of the most cherished practices of Vajrayana. Amongst the various cycles of Phowa, that of Amitabha is the most widespread since it provides the means for achieving rebirth in the realm of great bliss at the time of death. 

See the local website for further details.

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Discriminating Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom by Karmapa Rangjung Dorje
Sep
20
to Sep 22

Discriminating Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom by Karmapa Rangjung Dorje

  • Bodhi Path Renchen Ulm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Shastra Distinguishing Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom (Tib: Namshe Yeshe) is an important work of Buddhist philosophy and practice written by the renowned Buddhist master Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339).  It is one of the core texts of the Kagyu Tradition. The text is explained following Karma Thinley Rinpoche's commentary on it: 'The Lamp that dispels Darkness’.

For full details see the local website.

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Discriminating the Three Vows and initiation of Yellow Dzambala
Mar
16
10:30 AM10:30

Discriminating the Three Vows and initiation of Yellow Dzambala

Discriminating the Three Vows by Sakya Pandita

10:30am - 1:00pm

Sakya Pandita’s masterpiece offers a brilliant examination of the spiritual disciplines found in the Three Vehicles. Topics dealt with in this work include the reality of the Buddha nature, the ethics of a bodhisattva and the correct practice of Vajrayana.

Initiation of Yellow Dzambala

2:30pm - 5:00pm

This initiation bestows the authority to meditate on Yellow Dzambala from the collection of Bari Lotsawa. Dzambala is one of the most important Vajrayana deities associated with the increase of prosperity and positive conditions for spiritual practice.

For full details see the local website.

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Rays of the Stainless Vajra Moon
Mar
6
to Mar 13

Rays of the Stainless Vajra Moon

  • Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Lama Jampa will give teachings on the Buddhist view of the ultimate nature of reality using this famous guide to the Great Madhyamaka composed by the nineteenth century master of the Rime movement, Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye. This essential text by the Master Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye (19th century) sheds light on the perspective of the Kagyü tradition's most influential Zhentong Middle Way philosophy (Madhyamaka).  In it, the author does not impart a merely theoretical approach, but offers a real manual with practical instructions for meditation in the context of this special perspective of the "Empty of Other" perspective (Zhentong), which represents the interface between the Sutra transmission and the Vajrayana. These are the precious instructions that directly connect the mahamudra teachings with the teachings of the Buddha-nature.

For full details please see the KIBI website.

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Discriminating Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom
Feb
23
to Feb 25

Discriminating Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom

The Shastra Distinguishing Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom (Tib: Namshe Yeshe) is an important work of Buddhist philosophy and practice written by the renowned Buddhist master Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339).  It is one of the core texts of the Kagyu Tradition. The text is explained following Karma Thinley Rinpoche's commentary on it: 'The Lamp that dispels Darkness’.

For full details see the local website.

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Rays of the Stainless Vajra Moon
Feb
16
to Feb 18

Rays of the Stainless Vajra Moon

  • Karma Samphel Ling Vienna (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Lama Jampa will give teachings on the Buddhist view of the ultimate nature of reality using this famous guide to the Great Madhyamaka composed by the nineteenth century master of the Rime movement, Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye. This essential text by the Master Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye (19th century) sheds light on the perspective of the Kagyü tradition's most influential Zhentong Middle Way philosophy (Madhyamaka).  In it, the author does not impart a merely theoretical approach, but offers a real manual with practical instructions for meditation in the context of this special perspective of the "Empty of Other" perspective (Zhentong), which represents the interface between the Sutra transmission and the Vajrayana. These are the precious instructions that directly connect the mahamudra teachings with the teachings of the Buddha-nature.

For full details see the local website.

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Aspiration Prayer of Mahamudra and Initiation of Green Tara
Feb
3
to Feb 4

Aspiration Prayer of Mahamudra and Initiation of Green Tara

Situ Dharmakara's  Commentary on the Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer

Saturday 3 February 10:30am - 12:30pm and 2:30 - 4:30pm

Sunday 4 February 10:30am - 12:30pm

Situ Dharmakara's  celebrated work is a guide to the Aspiration Prayer composed by the 3rd Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje. In elucidating the prayer, the commentary provides an extraordinarily profound explanation of Mahamudra meditation and a defence of the special precepts preserved in the Kagyu tradition.

Initiation of Green Tara

Sunday 4 February 2:30 - 4:30pm

The goddess Tara is revered in all traditions of Vajrayana Buddhism as the embodiment of the liberating activity of all buddhas. As such her initiation and meditation are especially effective means of awakening one’s innate capacity for enlightened compassion. 

For full details see the local website.

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Initiation of Green Tara
Jan
30
7:00 PM19:00

Initiation of Green Tara

7:30pm

Lama Jampa will bestow the initiation of Green Tara, The Essential Daily Sadhana of Arya Tara in Connection with the Four Classes of Tantras, composed by Khyentse Wangpo
The basis of Arya Tara is the dharmakaya, without beginning, without end, beyond all extremes of existence and non-existence and beyond all attempts at conceptual explanation - it is the ultimate nature of all Buddhas and all appearances.

For further details visit the local website.

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The Heart Sutra (Sanskrit: Bhagavatiprajnaparamitahridaya)
Jan
29
7:00 PM19:00

The Heart Sutra (Sanskrit: Bhagavatiprajnaparamitahridaya)

7:30pm

The Heart Sutra or Sutra of Supreme Wisdom is one of the most famous Buddhist Mahayana sutras. Within the collection of Prajnaparamita texts, the Heart Sutra is the shortest and is considered to be its essence. Lama Jampa's explanations reveal the meaning and significance of this important text.

For further details visit the local website.

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Discriminating Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom by Karmapa Rangjung Dorje
Jan
26
to Jan 28

Discriminating Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom by Karmapa Rangjung Dorje

The Shastra Distinguishing Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom (Tib: Namshe Yeshe) is an important work of Buddhist philosophy and practice written by the renowned Buddhist master Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339).  It is one of the core texts of the Kagyu Tradition. The text is explained following Karma Thinley Rinpoche's commentary on it: 'The Lamp that dispels Darkness’.

For full details see the local website.

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Discriminating the Three Vows and Initiation of Chenrezik Mahamudra
Jan
13
10:00 AM10:00

Discriminating the Three Vows and Initiation of Chenrezik Mahamudra

Discriminating the Three Vows by Sakya Pandita

10:30am - 1:00pm

Sakya Pandita’s masterpiece offers a brilliant examination of the spiritual disciplines found in the Three Vehicles. Topics dealt with in this work include the reality of the Buddha nature, the ethics of a bodhisattva and the correct practice of Vajrayana.

Initiation of Chenrezik Mahamudra (Unification of Compassion and the Great Seal)

2:30 - 5:00pm

This initiation bestows the authority to meditate on Chenrezik, the embodiment of compassionate energy, and on mahamudra - the great seal - which is the true nature of mind. It is one of the most widespread meditation practices in Vajrayana Buddhism. This initiation is connected with the famous sadhana composed by the great Sakyapa master Ngorchen Konchog Lhundrup.

For full details see the local website.

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Commentary on the Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer (Part 3) and Initiation of Vajrakilaya
Dec
9
to Dec 10

Commentary on the Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer (Part 3) and Initiation of Vajrakilaya

Situ Dharmakara's  Commentary on the Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer

Saturday 9 December 10:30am - 12:30pm and 2:30 - 4:30pm

Situ Dharmakara's  celebrated work is a guide to the Aspiration Prayer composed by the 3rd Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje. In elucidating the prayer, the commentary provides an extraordinarily profound explanation of Mahamudra meditation and a defence of the special precepts preserved in the Kagyu tradition.

Dechen International Conference

Sunday 10 December 10:30am - 12:30pm

Lama Jampa will preside over the closing session of this year’s Dechen International conference. Everyone is welcome to attend and learn more about Dechen centres activities and aspirations for the year ahead.

Initiation of Vajrakilaya

Sunday 10 December 2:30 - 4:30pm

Vajrakilaya embodies the indestructible compassion of enlightened mind which transcends all negative emotions. This initiation is from the terma lineage of Chogyur Lingpa.

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Intention and Motivation in Buddhist Practice
Nov
27
6:30 PM18:30

Intention and Motivation in Buddhist Practice

  • Centre for the Study of Tibetan Buddhism in Geneva (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Monday 27 November 6.30 - 8.30pm

According to the Buddha's teaching, the mindset and intention with which we do things are just as important as the actions themselves. Intention is the source of all our actions: if it is pure and altruistic, it is considered very beneficial for our own good and that of others.

Motivation is the inner force that pushes us to act in accordance with our intentions. Positive and right intention and motivation can help transform our minds and achieve a state of peace on the path to enlightenment.

Teaching will be given in English and simultaneously translated into French.

https://cebt-geneve.ch/evenement/enseignement-lama-jampa-thaye/

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Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen (the Great Perfection)
Nov
25
to Nov 26

Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen (the Great Perfection)

  • The Tibetan Studies Center of Montchardon, Karma Migyur Ling (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen (the Great Perfection) in relation to the practice of Chenrezik

Saturday November 25 at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday November 26, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

This major teaching comes in the form of a series of eight songs composed by the realized master Karma Chakme. Characterised by its frankness and clarity, this text is one of the most famous sets of meditation instructions in the Kagyu tradition, called in Tibetan " Mar Tri ".

Karma Chakme guides us through the common and uncommon preliminary practices of Vajrayana, then, focusing on Chenrezik meditation, he teaches the methods of deity yoga. He then introduces the combined practice of Mahamudra and Dzogchen – the latter also called the Great Perfection.

See the local website for further details.

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Discriminating the Three Vows  (Part 6) and Initiation of Marichi
Nov
18
10:00 AM10:00

Discriminating the Three Vows (Part 6) and Initiation of Marichi

Discriminating the Three Vows by Sakya Pandita (Part 6)

10:30am - 1:00pm

Sakya Pandita’s masterpiece offers a brilliant examination of the spiritual disciplines found in the Three Vehicles. Topics dealt with in this work include the reality of the Buddha nature, the ethics of a bodhisattva and the correct practice of Vajrayana.

Initiation of Marichi*

2:30 - 4:30pm

In Vajrayana the deity Marichi (Ozer Chenma ) is a very powerful protective goddess guarding the practitioner from harms caused by obstructive and negative forces. Symbolically she is regarded as the goddess of dawn, signifying the illumination that she bestows. This particular initiation is drawn from the collection known as The One Hundred Initiations of Bari Lotsawa.

*Please note that in order to attend this initiation one must have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through ‘Taking Refuge‘. If you would like to request to take refuge prior to the initiation please contact the organising centre.

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The Friendly Letter and Initiation of Green Tara
Nov
11
10:30 AM10:30

The Friendly Letter and Initiation of Green Tara

The Friendly Letter by Nagarjuna

10.30am - 12.30pm

Composed by the great philosopher Nagarjuna, The Friendly Letter is a supremely clear account of how we can practise the threefold path of morality, meditation and wisdom. To elucidate the text Lama Jampa will teach according to the detailed commentary The Telescope of Wisdom by Karma Thinley Rinpoche.

Initiation of Green Tara*

2.30 - 4.30pm

The goddess Tara is revered in all traditions of Vajrayana Buddhism as the embodiment of the liberating activity of all buddhas. As such her initiation and meditation are especially effective means of awakening one’s innate capacity for enlightened compassion. 

*Please note that in order to receive this initiation one must have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through the act of taking refuge. If you would like to take refuge before the event please contact the local centre.

For full details please see the local website.

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Teachings on Mind Training
Nov
4
to Nov 5

Teachings on Mind Training

  • Bodhi Path Santa Barbara (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The only qualification we need to practise the lojong teaching is, as Lama Jampa Thaye has said, ‘our ordinary, confused mind, full of disturbing emotions, full of self-clinging and self-cherishing.’ With an unparalleled directness, they allow us to transform all situations, positive and negative, into the path of awakening.

The Eight Verses of Mind Training by Geshe Langri Tangpa

Saturday 4 November

The system of meditation practice known as mind training (lojong in Tibetan) is one of the most popular and widely-practised in Buddhism. Geshe Langri Thangpa’s work is one of the most celebrated spiritual teachings in Tibetan Buddhism. It offers us a method of transforming adverse circumstances into positive aspects of the path of awakening compassion.

Mind Training in One Session by Chim Namkha Drak

Sunday 5 November

This text was composed in the thirteenth century by Chim Namkha Drak, the great abbot of the Kadampa monastery of Narthang in Tibet. It comes from the mind training (lojong) collection of teachings of which there are two main streams. Inspired by Atisha, this stream encapsulates the essential steps of the Mahayana, presenting them in a way that we can apply directly to our own personal situation – like all lojong teachings.

For further information see the local website.

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The Friendly Letter and Initiation of Chenrezik Mahamudra
Oct
28
10:30 AM10:30

The Friendly Letter and Initiation of Chenrezik Mahamudra

The Friendly Letter by Nagarjuna

10.30am - 12.30pm

Composed by the great philosopher Nagarjuna, The Friendly Letter is a supremely clear account of how we can practise the threefold path of morality, meditation and wisdom. To elucidate the text Lama Jampa will teach according to the detailed commentary The Telescope of Wisdom by Karma Thinley Rinpoche.

Initiation of Chenrezik Mahamudra*

2.30 - 4.30pm

This initiation bestows the authority to meditate on Chenrezik, the embodiment of compassionate energy, and on mahamudra - the great seal - which is the true nature of mind. It is one of the most widespread meditation practices in Vajrayana Buddhism. This initiation is connected with the famous sadhana composed by the great Sakyapa master Ngorchen Konchog Lhundrup.

*Please note that in order to receive this initiation one must have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through the act of taking refuge. If you would like to take refuge before the event please contact the local centre.

For full details please see the local website.

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Dispelling the Darkness of Suffering and Initiation of Green Tara
Oct
21
to Oct 22

Dispelling the Darkness of Suffering and Initiation of Green Tara

Dispelling the Darkness of Suffering

Saturday 21 October, 10.00am

Sunday 22 October, 10.00am and 3.00pm

Lama Jampa will teach this commentary on The Seven Points of Mind Training by Karma Thinley Rinpoche.

Dispelling the Darkness of Suffering is a clear and authoritative, line by line commentary upon The Seven Points of Mind Training written by Geshe Chekhawa. This classic twelfth century text on lojong (‘mind training’) is in the form of pith instructions that show the methods to transform everyday life into the path to enlightenment, by developing bodhichitta (‘enlightenment-mind’, the resolve to attain buddhahood for the benefit of others) on the basis of loving-kindness and compassion. Rinpoche brilliantly illuminates these pith instructions, enabling us to apply them to whatever situations we encounter.

For further details please see the local website.

Initiation of Green Tara

Sunday 22 October, 3.00pm

The goddess Tara is revered in all traditions of Vajrayana Buddhism as the embodiment of the liberating activity of all buddhas. As such her initiation and meditation are especially effective means of awakening one’s innate capacity for enlightened compassion. 

View Event →
The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva by Tokme Zangpo
Oct
14
to Oct 15

The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva by Tokme Zangpo

  • Bodhi Path, Natural Bridge (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The way to enlightenment in Mahayana Buddhism proceeds through a step by step development of compassion and insight. In this guide the great master, Tokme Zangpo, provides us with an indispensable set of instructions for this gradual path. The 37 Bodhisattva Practices is a practical guide to cultivating the awakening mind and generating the qualities of love, compassion, generosity, and patience. 

This text, which is presented in the form of personal meditations in verse, has been studied and practised continuously for centuries and describes the path of the bodhisattva, one who has made the commitment to achieve awakening for the benefit of all beings.

Schedule - tbc

For further details please see the local website.

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Distinguishing the Three Vows  (Part 5) and Initiation of Mahachakra Vajrapani
Sep
30
9:00 AM09:00

Distinguishing the Three Vows (Part 5) and Initiation of Mahachakra Vajrapani

Distinguishing the Three Vows by Sakya Pandita (Part 4)

10:30am - 1:00pm

Sakya Pandita’s masterpiece offers a brilliant examination of the spiritual disciplines found in the Three Vehicles. Topics dealt with in this work include the reality of the Buddha nature, the ethics of a bodhisattva and the correct practice of Vajrayana.

Initiation of Mahachakra Vajrapani*

2:30 - 4:30pm

Vajrapani is one of the Lords of the Three Families and is revered in all traditions of vajrayana Buddhism as the embodiment of the power of all buddhas.

*Please note that in order to attend this initiation one must have made a formal commitment tot he Buddhist path through ‘Taking Refuge‘. If you would like to request to take refuge prior to the initiation please contact the organising centre.

For details see the local website

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Distinguishing Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom
Sep
22
to Sep 24

Distinguishing Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom

Distinguishing Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom by Karmapa Rangjung Dorje

The Namshe Yeshe is an important work of Buddhist philosophy and practice written by the renowned Buddhist master, the 3rd Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339). It is one of the core texts of the Kagyu Tradition.

Friday 6 October, 8.00 - 9.00pm

Saturday 7 October, 10.00 - 11.30am and 3.00 - 4.30pm

Sunday 8 October, 10.00 - 11.30am

For full details see the local website.

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Diamond Sky - Preparation for the Vajrayana
Sep
19
7:00 PM19:00

Diamond Sky - Preparation for the Vajrayana

Diamond Sky - Preparation for the Vajrayana

7:00 - 8:30pm

Lama Jampa Thaye will teach on the Buddhist path with reference to his text Diamond Sky - Preparing for Vajrayana. The evening will include a brief outline of the history of Buddhism from its beginnings to the present day, a presentation of the basic teachings of taking refuge in the Three Jewels - the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha - and the Four Thoughts that turn the Mind to Dharma, which together lay the foundation for the Buddhist path to liberation from suffering.

Following this there will be an introduction to the mahayana meditations through which we can develop loving kindness and compassion: bodhichitta, the altruistic attitude to attain the state of Buddha for the benefit of beings.

The evening will conclude with an explanation of the vayrayana, the tantric teachings of the Buddha.

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Distinguishing the Three Vows and Initiation of White Dzambhala
Sep
16
to Sep 17

Distinguishing the Three Vows and Initiation of White Dzambhala

Distinguishing the Three Vows by Sakya Pandita

Saturday 16 September, 10.30am - 12.30pm and 2.30 - 4.30pm

Sunday 17 September, 10.30am -12.30pm

Lama Jampa will continue with his teaching of Discriminating the Three Vows. Sakya Pandita’s masterpiece offers a brilliant examination of the spiritual disciplines found in the Three Vehicles. Topics dealt with in this work include the reality of the Buddha nature, the ethics of a bodhisattva and the correct practice of Vajrayana.

Initiation of White Dzambhala*

Sunday 17 September, 2.30pm

White Dzambhala is a manifestation of the Chenrezik, the Buddha of Compassion. The practice is done to remove the suffering of poverty and sickness, purify non-virtuous karma and generate bodhicitta. The practice is said to originate from the great Indian saint, Atisha, who visited Tibet in the 11th Century CE.

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Union of The Great Seal and the Great Perfection (Part 3)
Sep
9
10:30 AM10:30

Union of The Great Seal and the Great Perfection (Part 3)

Union of The Great Seal and the Great Perfection

10:30am - 1:00pm and 2:30 - 4.30pm

The Union of The Great Seal and the Great Perfection is a major teaching in the form of  a series of eight songs composed by Karma Chakme. Characterised by its directness and clarity it is one of the most famous set of meditation instructions in the Kagyu tradition.

In his text Karma Chakme guides us through the common and uncommon preliminary practices of Vajrayana and then by focussing on the meditation of Chenrezik he teaches the methods of deity yoga. This is followed by an introduction to the combined practice of the Great Seal (Mahamudra) and the Great Perfection (Dzok Chen).

Please note that in order to complete the text, Lama Jampa will once again give a full day of teachings. The initiation of Amitabha will be given at the next event in Yorkshire (Spring 2024).

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Reply to Nyimo Gomchen and Initiation of Red Tara
Aug
16
to Aug 18

Reply to Nyimo Gomchen and Initiation of Red Tara

Sakya Changlochen Ling Summer Course - week 2

During this second week of the Sakya Changlochen Ling Summer School, Lama Jampa will give teachings on Sakya Pandita’s Reply to Nyimo Gomchen and bestow the Initiation of Red Tara.

Sakya Pandita’s ‘Reply to Nyimo Gomchen’

Sakya Pandita’s text consists of replies to questions posed by a 13th century meditation practitioner of the time – Nyimo Gomchen. This text dealt with many of the burning questions about Buddhism in Tibet, at a time when there was a lot of confusion and uncertainty about what Buddhism actually is. The topics covered range from the relationship with the lama, what prayer is for, what enlightenment is (and is not) and how this is achieved.

Initiation of Red Tara

From the lineage of the Indian master, Vagishvakirti. Among the many forms of Tara, Red Tara is the special embodiment of the attracting and magnetising qualities of enlightened mind.

Schedule

For full details visit the local website.

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Diamond Sky and Initiations of White Manjushri and Black Dzambhala
Aug
4
to Aug 10

Diamond Sky and Initiations of White Manjushri and Black Dzambhala

Sakya Changlochen Ling Summer Course - week 1

During this first week, Lama Jampa will give teachings on Diamond Sky and bestow the Initiations of White Manjushri and Black Dzambhala. Click here to view a video of Lama Jampa talking about Diamond Sky - Entering the Vajrayana.

Diamond Sky

Lama Jampa Thaye will teach his newly revised and extended work Diamond Sky (Rabsel Publications 2023), a vital and clear outline of the stages of practice culminating in the Vajrayana, the supreme expression of Buddha’s teaching.

Diamond Sky is an accessible and practical account of the Buddhist path for anyone wishing to understand the essential points of Buddhism and gain a deeper understanding of the path to enlightenment.

Lama Jampa's account traces Buddhism from its origins to the present day, and explains in a clear and direct way the essential teachings of Buddhism, starting with 'taking refuge' in the Three Jewels of Buddha, dharma and sangha, and the four contemplations that create a grounding for the Buddhist path to freedom from our current state of suffering.Lama Jampa then provides a profound step-by-step introduction to the meditations of the Mahayana, by which one can develop loving kindness and compassion, motivated by Bodhicitta - the altruistic resolve to obtain the state of a Buddha for the benefit of beings.

This lucid account concludes with an insightful explanation of the purpose and method of entry to the Vajrayana -the tantric teachings of the Buddha- by which it is possible to attain the state of a Buddha in this very lifetime.

This precise and accessible introduction succinctly illuminates the essence of the Buddhist path, an invaluable reference for those wishing to obtain an overview of the Buddhist path or to deepen their understanding of it.

Initiation of White Manjushri

Manjushri is the supreme embodiment of wisdom in Buddhism. Meditation on this deity is an especially effective way of acquiring a profound understanding of the teaching. 

Initiation of Black Dzambhala

Dzambhala is one of the most important Vajrayana deities associated with the increase of prosperity and positive conditions for spiritual practice.

Schedule

For full details visit the local website.

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Understanding the Tantras
Jul
29
to Aug 2

Understanding the Tantras

  • Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, France (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

General Presentation of the Tanta Sets by Sonam Tsemo

Saturday 29 July - Wednesday 2 August

Lama Jampa will continue his presentation of the means to understanding the tantras using Sonam Tsemo’s ‘General Presentation of the Tantra Sets’. This text is one of the most important Sakya teachings about Vajrayana.  Composed by the second of the five great Sakya Masters, Sonam Tsemo, this work is an extensive explanation of the nature and characteristics of the different categories of tantra as well as of the relationship between the tantras and the sutras. As such it is an encyclopaedic resource for the study of the tantric system. The text constitutes one of the major works studied in the Sakya shedra (college of studies).

For further details please see the local website.

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Commentary on the Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer (Part 2) and Initiation of White Dzambhala
Jul
1
to Jul 2

Commentary on the Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer (Part 2) and Initiation of White Dzambhala

Situ Dharmakara's  Commentary on the Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer

Saturday 1 July 10:30am - 12:30pm and 2:30 - 4:30pm

Sunday 2 July 10:30am - 12:30pm

Situ Dharmakara's celebrated work is a guide to the Aspiration Prayer composed by the 3rd Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje. In elucidating the prayer, the commentary provides an extraordinarily profound explanation of Mahamudra meditation and a defence of the special precepts preserved in the Kagyu tradition.

Initiation of White Dzambhala

Sunday 2 July 2:30 - 4:30pm

Dzambhala is one of the most important Vajrayana deities associated with the increase of prosperity and positive conditions for spiritual practice. This initiation bestows the authority to meditate on White Dzambhala from the Karma Kagyu tradition.

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A Clear Differentiation of the Three Vows by Sakya Pandita (Part 3) and Initiation of White Tara
Jun
24
to Jun 25

A Clear Differentiation of the Three Vows by Sakya Pandita (Part 3) and Initiation of White Tara

  • Dechen Stuttgart, Sakya Dechen Ling (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A Clear Differentiation of the Three Vows by Sakya Pandita (Part 3)

Saturday 24 June 10:30am - 1:00pm and 3:00-5:00pm

Sunday 25 June 10:30am - 12:00noon

Sakya Pandita’s masterpiece offers a brilliant examination of the spiritual disciplines found in the Three Vehicles. Topics dealt with in this work include the reality of the Buddha nature, the ethics of a bodhisattva and the correct practice of Vajrayana.

Initiation of White Tara from the lineage of Shakyashri Bhadra

Sunday 25 June 2:30 - 4:30pm

The goddess Tara is revered in all traditions of Vajrayana Buddhism as the embodiment of the liberating activity of all buddhas. White Tara is one of the three deities of longevity whose practice is renowned for bestowing the blessings of long life and thus increasing the opportunity for spiritual practice. This initiation is from the lineage of the Shakyshri Bhadra.

See the local website for further information.

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