With its echoes of Victorian grandeur the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel in Bristol was the setting for Lama Jampa Thaye's third visit to Bristol of 2024 on Saturday 5 October. Over 100 people came to hear the 9th part of Sakya Pandita’s ‘Discriminating the Three Vows’, and to receive the initiation of Manjushri Arapatsana.
Introducing the teaching, Lama Jampa explained that whilst this text may seem difficult right now, over time our understanding will increase and we will be able to integrate it into our study and practice. The teachings are so precious and it can be rare to receive them, so we need to make the most of any opportunity to hear them. He also drew parallels between the Tibet of Sakya Pandita in the 13th century and today in the West as we are encountering the dharma. Then, as now, it is possible to make many mistakes on the Buddhist path, rendering it ineffective and those practising it disillusioned.
Sakya Pandita’s text guards against this by clarifying how to practise the three vehicles of Buddhism so that they lead to the goal, whether that is complete freedom from suffering, or the state of wisdom, compassion and power of buddhahood. Each vehicle is complete in itself and it’s vital to avoid mixing the different medicines together, so that they are able to heal our difficulties and delusions.
This instalment of the teaching focused on the vajrayana, the indestructible vehicle that can lead to buddhahood in one life. Even if we’re not practising this now, receiving this wise counsel means that should we choose to practise it later on the path, we can approach it with intelligence and confidence.
In the afternoon, Lama Jampa gave the vajrayana initiation of Manjushri Arapatsana, embodiment of all the buddhas’ wisdom, from the lineage of Bari Lotsawa. Meditation on this deity is particularly helpful in cultivating a more profound understanding of the teachings.
With that, Lama Jampa then closed the day encouraging all to continue to be joyful and welcoming to all who wish to explore the dharma in our Centres across Dechen.
Teachings will continue next month (November) in London. Click here for details.