In this retreat we'll practise purifying all our past negative karma, or negative actions of body speech & mind, by relying upon Vajrasattva, the Buddha of Purification. Under the influence of deluded minds, we have engaged in many negative actions and, as a result, we now experience suffering and problems everyday. But we have the opportunity to purify this negativity, and thus transform our mind and our experience of the world we live in. The meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva is a powerful practice of purification, and a quick method to attain future happiness and spiritual realizations.
This retreat follows a half-day course called "Detox the Mind", which is about what karma is, and how to purify negative karma. We highly recommend you attend if you're interested in joining the retreat. It's on Saturday Nov. 16, from 10am to 1pm. Click here for more information about the course.
The Vajrasattva purification retreat will be partially guided by our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Thekchen. On Sunday, we'll have a guided retreat of Vajrasattva, using the "Solitary Vajrasattva" prayer booklet. Starting Monday, we'll be using the "Offering to the Spiritual Guide" prayer booklet. Copies are available here for you to use and/or purchase.
Course and Retreat Schedule
Saturday December 16
"Detox the Mind" 1/2 Day Saturday Course, 10am to 1pm
Sunday December 17
9-10:15am: Session 1 - Guided meditation
11-12pm: Session 2 - Guided meditation
1-3:30pm: Publicity distribution
4:30-5:30pm: Session 3 - Guided meditation
7-8pm: Session 4
Monday December 18
8-9.30am: Session 1 - Guided meditation
10.30-12pm: Session 2
1:30-3pm: Session 3
7-8.30pm: Session 4
Tuesday December 19
8-9.30am: Session 1 - Guided meditation
10.30-12pm: Session 2
1:30-3pm: Session 3
7-8.15pm teaching on purification
Wednesday December 20
8-9.30am: Session 1 - Guided meditation
10.30-12pm: Session 2
1:30-3pm: Session 3
7-8.30pm: Session 4
Thursday December 21
8-9.30am: Session 1- Guided meditation
10.30am-12pm: Session 2
Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Thekchen will guide this retreat. He is a senior Teacher in the New Kadampa Tradition, who has been a Kadampa Buddhist monk and Teacher under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than 25 years. He is well known for his ability to present Buddha's teachings in a powerful, practical and often humorous way, making them easy to put into practice in everyday life.
One session $5 with daily max $10 available at the door
Free for Silver, Gold & Platinum support members
In the beginning of our practice the most essential thing is to tame our mind, for only this will enable us to benefit all sentient beings.