Description

Rigdzin Düpa (The Gathering of Awareness Holders -vidyadhara) is the inner (amongst outer, inner, secret and innermost secret) level of Guru-Yoga from Longchen Nyingtik. In this practice Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) appears along with Mandarava and the eight great vidyadharas. The elaborate Tsok performed at most Nyingma monasteries is based on the Rigdzin Dupa sadhana.

Longchen Nyingtik (The heart essence of the great expanse) is one of the most widespread cycles of treasure teachings (terma) in Nyingma tradition. It was revealed by the great scholar and yogi, Vidyadhara Jigme Lingpa as a mind treasure - from the enlightened nature of mind. This cycle of teachings originated from the primordial Buddha Samantabhadra, and came down through an unbroken lineage involving Vajrasattva, Prahevajra, Vimalamitra, Padmasambhava, Longchenpa, Jigme Lingpa, etc. Rigdzin düpa is the inner Guru practice from this treasure cycle.

Khen Rinpoche will be bestowing the empowerment (abhisheka) of Rigdzin Düpa, followed by a teaching on its Sadhana (practice).

Suitability
This empowerment is highly recommended for all those who are genuinely motivated towards dharma practice. At least a basic understanding of Vajrayana Buddhism will help in following this teaching better. There may be certain commitments (samaya) about practice or spiritual discipline given as part of the empowerment. This is an essential part of any empowerment. Maintaining samaya is the life-force of Vajrayana practice. So, one should be prepared to take on these commitments with confidence on the spiritual master before entering the path of Vajrayana.

Description

On Sunday morning, Khen Rinpoche will teach us on the relevance of meditation and the necessary mental training that is required to engage in effective meditation. He will also give instructions on how to engage in contemplation and meditation.

Suitability
This session (on Sunday morning) is suitable for all - both beginners and advanced. This is especially recommended for those who are looking forward to learn and engage in the practice of meditation. It can also be attended by anyone who is simply curious to know more about meditation and Buddhism.

Description

The seven line prayer to Guru Rinpoche is an important aspect within Guru Yoga. It has many layers of esoteric meaning. Khen Rinpoche will begin a teaching on the various layers of meaning of the seven line prayer on Sunday afternoon. Khen Rinpoche told that he will not be able to complete this during this visit, and hence this teaching will continue into his future teaching program. Khen Rinpoche might extend his program to also cover Monday, in that case he would continue this teaching onto Monday. However, as of now, only the programs for Saturday and Sunday are confirmed.

Suitability
The Seven-Line prayer being a Vajrayana teaching, it is usually a prerequisite to have attended an inner tantra empowerment before attending this teaching. Rigdzin düpa empowerment on Saturday would qualify for this. Alternately, any inner empowerment you have attended in the past would also qualify.