Buddhism offers deep and pragmatic ways to understand and give meaning to one's life. In the evening's teaching Lama Jampa will explore a path of wisdom that has been proven for 2,500 years and is now as effective as ever.

For further details please see the local website: karmakagyu.ch

Telescope of Faith: An expression of views on solar and lunar eclipses and so forth by Karma Thinley Rinpoche

10.30am to 1.00pm

Lama Jampa will continue his explanatory teachings on this important, contemporary work by Karma Thinley Rinpoche.

In this short work Karma Thinley Rinpoche, grand master of both the Sakya and Kagyu schools, examines the differences between our current understanding of the physical universe and that held at the time of the Buddha and depicted in the Buddha’s teachings. With reference to teachings from both sutras and tantras he shows how such differences are not atall contradictory to the aims of the dharma.

‘These days, because the teachings about Mount Meru and the distances of the sun and moon and so on found in the great Indian shastras such as Abhidharmakosha do not accord with science, young people lose faith in the Abhidharma and so on and have doubts. This is inappropriate. Even the great panditas and siddhas of India and Tibet who authored those teachings, while they composed dharma teachings and shastras in dependence only upon what they actually heard of the three baskets of the Buddha’s words, they certainly did not intend to completely contradict modern scientific views.'

Originally published on Karma Thinley Rinpoche's website, a translation by Dechen Foundation can be found at Dechen Foundation Books.

Initiation of Mahachakra Vajrapani*

2.30pm - 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 receive this initiation one must have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path by the act of Taking Refuge. If you would like to make this commitment prior to the initiation please contact the event organisers for further information.

11:00am - 1:00pm

Lama Jampa will bestow the initiation of White Dzambala riding on a Dragon. Dzambala is one of the most important Vajrayana deities associated with the increase of prosperity and positive conditions for spiritual practice.

Please not that in order to attend this teaching one must have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through taking refuge. If you would like to request to take refuge please contact the centre in advance.

For further information go to www.dechen.mx

10:30am - 1:00 pm and 3:00 - 5:00pm

In these sessions Lama Jampa will explain the particularities of the Vajrayana  path, the importance and meaning of initiations, of a qualified lama that transmits them, and of maintaining our vows, among other things. 

At the end of the day there will be a question and answer session.

His Holiness 42nd Sakya Trizin

Born in 1974, His Holiness is the eldest son of His Holiness Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche (the 41st Sakya Trizin). He is considered one of the most highly qualified lineage masters of the traditions of Buddhist philosophy and meditation. Renowned for his erudition and the clarity of his teachings, His Holiness the 42nd Kyabgon Gongma Trizin belongs to the prestigious Khön family, whose successive generations have provided an unbroken lineage of outstanding masters.

Dechen Sakya Center LA

Sakya Buddhist Center  was established by Lama Jampa Thaye in 2010.  It was given the name Sakya Samten Ling, which means ‘The place of meditation of the Sakyas’. The Center transmits the authentic meditation and Buddhist teachings of the 900 year old Sakya lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

Teachings at Sakya Center LA

On 11th May His Holiness 42nd Sakya Trizin will be welcomed to Sakya Buddhist Center by Lama Jampa Thaye. In the morning His Holiness will bless the centre and will then be hosted at a private lunch with Lama Jampa.

Last year His Holiness visited the Dechen Sakya Buddhist Centre in Bristol, one of the Dechen UK sister centres, where he gave a Medicine Buddha empowerment and a public talk. For this visit to Dechen LA His Holiness will give the the initiation of Guru Rinpoche and a public talk titled ‘Power of Buddhism’.

3.00pm     Initiation of Guru Rinpoche

7.00pm      Public Talk – Power of Buddhism 

To book and for further information please visit the centre website by clicking on the event title.

The Precious Rosary of the Supreme Path by Gampopa

10:30am - 4:30pm  

The Precious Rosary of the Supreme Path by the great Kagyu master Gampopa, is a treasury of advice on practising genuine dharma. It unifies the two streams of spiritual instructions that descended from the early Kadam tradition and the Mahamudra lineage of Indian and Tibetan masters.

Gampopa himself declared that to receive this text and its companion work, The Jewel Ornament, would generate a blessing that was equal to that of meeting him face to face.

5:00 - 6:30pm

Lama Jampa will speak at Christ Church University Canterbury. His talk is part of a joint seminar series of INCISE, NICER and LASAR. 

In his talk Lama Jampa will outline the central themes of his recent book, Wisdom in Exile: Buddhism and Modern Times (Ganesha Press, 2017). In the book he explores the space that exists for Buddhism in the contemporary world, a space that has opened up due to the failure of our dominant systems of thought. However, the book also discusses factors that could complicate the transmission of Buddhism to the West.

For more information and to book: www.canterbury.ac.uk

All sentient beings possess Buddha nature, the seed of the wisdom, compassion and power of full realization. These boundless qualities are covered by our habits of self-clinging and ignorance, which can be overcome by the mind of awakening – bodhicitta – and developing the six perfections of generosity, patience,  ethics, effort and meditation that lead to wisdom.

Local centre website: www.whiteheronsangha.org

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.

Schedule: 6.30 - 8.00pm

* Please note that in order to receive the initiation you must have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through taking refuge. If you would like to do this beforehand please contact the centre by emailing  info@dechen.us

Further details at www.dechen.us

The system of meditation practice known as mind training (LOBJONG 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.

Schedule: 6.30 - 8.00pm

Further information at Dechen LA Sakya Buddhist Center

Teachings on the Eight Verses of Mind Training by Geshe Langri Thangpa

10.30am - 1.00pm

The system of meditation practice known as mind training (LOBJONG 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.

Initiation of White Dzambala

2.30 - 4.30pm

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

Further information at www.dechen.org

Lama Jampa will explain the Tibetan Buddhist perspective on Mindfulness based on his academic and meditative background. 

The talk is organised by Valencia Bodhi Path Buddhist Centre and is open to all.

Start time: 6pm

For further information: bodhipath.es

Lama Jampa will give a public talk about the meaning of karma in the Buddhist tradition. The event will be suitable for all those with an interest in Buddhism.

Teachings will be given in English and translated into German.

Telescope of Faith: An expression of views on solar and lunar eclipses and so forth by Karma Thinley Rinpoche

10.30am to 1.00pm

Can ancient Buddhist cosmology and contemporary astronomy be reconciled?

Several years ago, Karma Thinley Rinpoche, great scholar and master of the Sakya and Kagyu traditions, wrote this essay in Tibetan concerning the reconciliation of ancient Buddhist and modern scientific views on cosmology and astronomy. Originally published on his website, a translation by Dechen Foundation can be found at Dechen Foundation Books.

Initiation of Black Manjusri*

2.30pm to 4.30pm

This initiation belongs to famed Golden Dharmas of the Sakya tradition. The system of meditation on the black form of Manjushri, the embodiment of wisdom, is especially valued as a remedy to many obstacles that can confront us in dharma practice and work.

*Please note that in order to receive the initiation you must have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through taking refuge. If you would like to do this beforehand please contact the centre by emailing: 

Further details at www.sakyabristol.org

Initiation of White Dzambhala

6:30 pm

White Dzambhala or White Jambhala 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.

Please note you need to take refuge as a Buddhist to receive this initiation and do the practice. Please contact us and refuge can be provided during the initiation.

Full details on the Sakya Budhist Center LA website

Parting from the Four Attachments - Introductory Talk

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

‘The Parting from the Four Attachments’ is a famous teaching in the Sakya school of Buddhism that summarises all the wisdom of the Buddha and the entire Buddhist path to awakening.

Lama Jampa will give a short introductory talk on this teaching, highlighting the main points in a clear and accessible style.

This talk is ideal for anyone interested in Buddhism to get a clear overview of the Buddhist path.

Full details on the Sakya Buddhist Centre LA website

Teachings on Rain of Clarity

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Lama Jampa will teach from his summary of the Buddhist Path, Rain of Clarity, based on the teachings of the Sakya tradition.

Rain of Clarity is described by His Holiness Sakya Trizin as “a gateway into Buddhist spiritual thought”. “Through this teaching the student receives a full blueprint of entering the path, keeping the vows, maintaining motivation, leading a better and more virtuous life, and finally a way to liberation.”

Lama Jampa will continue to teach from chapter four ‘Viewing Emptiness’.

Full details at www.dechen.us

Lama Jampa will give a talk at one of Toppings and Companies popular evening book events.

"Our events provide rich illumination into an author’s work and help deepen the experience of reading. They are lively experiences with the emphasis on direct communication between author and audience. The talks usually last about an hour, followed by questions, and then there is an opportunity to meet the speaker and have a book signed." (From the Toppings and Company events page).

Doors open at 7.30pm. Please visit the website for full details and to purchase tickets: 

www.toppingbooks.co.uk/events/bath/lama-jampa-thaye-on-wisdom-in-exile-buddhism-and-modern-times/