In the 1970s, the late, great Kalu Rinpoche traveled extensively in the West, including North America. Where there was interest among those listening to these early teachings, Rinpoche gave the Chenrezig empowerment and recommended this service as a daily practice for anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism and the strengthening of compassion. It had long been practiced at his monastery in India.
Lama Sarah will introduce the meditation, and we will do the practice during the weekend. It includes The Four Thoughts Which Turn the Mind toward the Dharma, Refuge and Bodhicitta, and visualizing Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, as well as your primary teacher.
The practice unfolds as we meditate on compassion for all beings, utilizing both Chenrezig’s mantra, and the Tonglen practice of welcoming and offering. The meditation concludes with a renewing of concern for all beings and a dedication of the benefits of the practice to them.
Especially for this teaching visit, Lama Sarah is providing a new edition of the service, including a new translation. The wisdom dakini Niguma is associated with this practice, so Lama Sarah will also teach on her translation of Niguma’s Aspiration Prayer.
This weekend will introduce the visualization style of meditation, as well as the chance to deepen one’s connection to two compassion practices — Chenrezig and Tonglen. The teachings are suitable for those interested in learning more about either of these styles of meditation, as well as those drawn to a new expression of compassion practice.
Sarah Harding has been studying and practicing Buddhism since 1974, and has been teaching and translating since completing a three-year retreat in 1980 under the guidance of Kyabjé Kalu Rinpoché. She was associate professor at Naropa University for twenty-five years in Boulder, Colorado, where she currently resides, and has been a fellow of the Tsadra Foundation since 2000. She specializes in literature with a focus on tantric practice. Her publications include Ornament of Dakpo Kagyu Thought; Creation and Completion; The Treasury of Knowledge: Esoteric Instructions; Niguma, Lady of Illusion; and two volumes on Chö and Shijé from The Treasury of Precious Instructions.
May 2nd – 4th
Friday, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – noon & 2:00 – 4:00 pm
In-person & via Zoom
