Teachings on the Prajnaparamita.

Thurs. 27th & Fri. 28th March 2008: 7-9.30pm

" The eight forms of consciousness and the five wisdoms: introducing the Dakini principle"

In the Mahayana, the Buddha has described six forms of consciousness: five forms linked to the senses, related to the sense organs and faculties of seeing, hearing, smelling,tasting and touching; the sixth form, the mental consciousness, connected to the other five, is defined as conceptual. it is this sixth consciousness which determines whether we create a mental construct of something being pleasant or unpleasant.

The Buddha described the seventh and eighth form in the Great Vehicle, calling the seventh "veiled consciousness" and explaining that it works in terms of a fundamental grasping at self; and describing the eigth as "the basic Universal consciousness", or the basis of all the other forms.

When meditating we aim to dissolve pleasant and unpleasant sensations in order to appease our mind, that way bringing forth the natural and authentic mind as the ultimate wisdom. In such a state of inner peace and clarity, the eight forms of consciousness become the five wisdoms. On their basis, the four bodies of the Buddha will arise.

Friday 28th March 2008: 9.30-11.30am / 2-4pm
An introduction to Meditation with practice.

Opened to all and specifically so to those who would like to learn to meditate in a friendly and informal environment. Rinpoche will guide and instruct us in developing inner peace.

Saturday 29th March 2008: 9.30-12am/2.30-6pm
Bodhicitta

The transcendant consciousness, the Prajnaparamita is the sixth and the most important of the six paramitas ( or perfections ). The five others are the generosity, moral conduct, patience, diligence and contemplative concentration. Prajnaparamita is the consciousness that can liberate from Samsara; it can be obtained whilst studying and meditating by those who follow the Spiritual path. Prajnaparamita, or Sunyata, cannot be separate from Compassion, or Karuna; the Union of both makes up what is called Bodhicitta, or the Enlightened mind.

Sunday 30th March 2008: 9.30-12am
Prajnaparamita, Sunyata or the Dakini principle

In the Mahayana, the Prajna is the direct consciousness of the Emptiness of a self and of all phenomena. Rinpoche will introduce us to the Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal, Her life and Her teachings as we will unveil the Dakini principle.

3-6pm
Explanation on the practice of Taksham Yeshe Tsogyal, from the Ripa Lineage Tradition, with Refuge Ceremony