Saturday 18 January saw the first teaching event of Lama Jampa’s programme for 2025.
The day opened with Lama Jampa recommencing teachings on Sakya Pandita‘s ‘Discriminating the Three Vows’, a work which illuminates how to practice the Buddhist path – without detour – to its destination. In part 12 of this series, the author continues to clarify misunderstandings about the vajrayana, the swift path to buddhahood, relying on the teachings in the tantras. Whilst composed in the 13th century in Tibet, this text remains a vital resource in addressing errors that are present today as Buddhism makes a home in the West.
In this instalment, Sakya Pandita deals with a whole range of topics, from how Buddhahood is manifested through different modes, depending on the needs and realisation of the student, to how it is necessary to understand what teachings are helpful as far as they go, and which point towards the true nature of things. For example, through giving, we relax our grip on self and gradually approach the ultimate teaching, understanding finally that giver, gift and recipient are all empty as all are dependent on each other.
During the afternoon, Lama Jampa gave the vajrayana initiation of Red Saraswati. Found in the master work by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo called the ‘Collection of Sadhanas’, the practice of Red Saraswati cultivates the wisdom to both understand the teachings and to realise the true nature of things. An ideal way to approach the teachings of Sakya Pandita, known as the wisdom mind of Tibet.
Lama Jampa will continue with ‘Discriminating the Three Vows’ in London on 22 March and will be back to Bristol in June.