On Saturday 21 January Lama Jampa continued with this year’s teaching of Sakya Pandita’s ‘Discriminating the Three Vows’ in Bristol. When Sapan wrote this there was a great deal of confusion in Tibet about how to understand and practice the Buddha’s teachings so the text was written out of great compassion in order to dispel misunderstandings. As the three types of vow - pratimoksha, bodhissatva and vidyadhara - are the basis for practise, and build upon one another in successive stages, development of correct understanding is critical for progress on the path.
In this session Lama Jampa covered Sapan’s detailed presentation of the Buddhist understanding of both the nature of actions and results (karma) and the ultimate nature of reality. In doing this, the text addresses and clears away confusion about key aspects of the dharma such as what is meant by Buddha Nature, and what it is possible and impossible to dedicate when one makes a dedication of merit.
For fortunate students able to attend such events, the precision of both the teaching and Lama Jampa’s presentation of it are like medicine that clears away the sickness of confusion and a tonic that invigorates practice. Anyone attempting to practice the dharma during these challenging times for spiritual practice is well advised to attend the next event in London on 25 February.
In the afternoon, for students who have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path, Lama Jampa gave the initiation of Gonkar (White Protector), along with the reading transmission for the practice. As is traditional, at the start of the initiation Lama Jampa described the origin and history of the practice so that attendees could have faith in its authenticity and power. Meditation on Gonkar creates auspicious circumstances for practice, including the attainment of prosperity and freedom from fear of the bardo.
Lama Jampa’s next UK teaching event will be in Manchester on 11-12 February.