Discriminating the Three Vows by Sakya Pandita

10:30am - 1:00pm

Sakya Pandita’s masterpiece offers a brilliant examination of the spiritual disciplines found in the Three Vehicles. Topics dealt with in this work include the reality of the Buddha nature, the ethics of a bodhisattva and the correct practice of Vajrayana.

Initiation of White Tara from the lineage of Shakya Shribhadra

2:30 - 4:30pm

The goddess Tara is revered in all traditions of Vajrayana Buddhism as the embodiment of the liberating activity of all buddhas. White Tara is one of the three deities of longevity whose practice is renowned for bestowing the blessings of long life and thus increasing the opportunity for spiritual practice. This initiation is from the lineage of Shakya Shribhadra (1125-1225), the great Mahapandita from Kashmir.

You are invited to visit your local Buddhist Centre

Saturday October 15 , 10.30am -2.30pm

Whether you would like to look around our beautiful shrine room with it’s traditional Tibetan artwork, learn more about Buddhism and the Sakya tradition, make an offering on behalf of a relative, or simply have a sit and a coffee, you are very welcome.

There is a formal meditation class from 10:30 – 11:30am which you are also welcome to join (no prior experience required just an interest in Buddhism and meditation) and after that our doors are simply open for visitors.

Feel free to email us on london@dechen.org if you have any questions.

Letter to the Noble Minded

Lama Jampa will give further teachings on Sakya Pandita’s text ‘Letter to the Noble Minded’ which focusses on correct and incorrect presentations of the dharma.

Vajrayana Initiation

In the afternoon Lama Jampa will bestow a vajrayana initiation (details TBC).

NOTE

Whilst the morning teachings are open to all those with a sincere interest in the Buddhist path, the afternoon is only open to those who have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through the act of taking refuge. Please contact us at london@dechen.org if you would like to request to take refuge on the day, before the initiation.

10.30am-1pm: A Garland of Jewels by Chogyal Phakpa – Part 6

This celebrated text by Chogyal Phakpa was composed as a manual of instructions for the 13th century Mongol Prince Gibek Timur. In 204 verses it covers the entire Buddhist path, from the level of a beginner to that of full enlightenment.

2.30-4.30pm: The initiation of Parnashabari*

The goddess Parnashabari bestows protection from obstacles such as epidemics and contagious diseases. This particular initiation is drawn from the collection known as The One Hundred Initiations of Bari Lotsawa.

Please note that in order to attend the initiation one must have made a formal commitment to the Buddhist path through the act of taking refuge. If you would like to take refuge please contact the Sakya Buddhist Centre in Bristol in advance of the event.