Lama Padma Gyatso will conduct the Chenrezig retreat from Christmas through New Year’s at Odsal Ling Temple.
Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) is the embodiment of the compassion of all enlightened beings of the past, present and future. Meditating or merely thinking of the form of Chenrezig purifies the effects of self-centeredness, confusion and negativity, and creates a connection with unconditional compassion.
The realization of this practice leads us to perceive that the brilliant form of Chenrezig is none other than the true nature of one’s own mind.
The retreat
In this retreat, Lama Padma Gyatso will bestow teachings and lead the Chenrezig practice from the Kusum Gongdu cycle, which was revealed by Tromge Kachod Wangpo, a treasure revealer (terton) from Chagdud Rinpoche’s family. The text used in the retreat will be the concise practice composed by Chagdud Rinpoche.
Lama Padma will give the Chenrezig empowerment on Sunday (12/27) at 9am.
It is recommended that one remains for the entire retreat, but partial attendance will be permitted.
Lama Padma Gyatso
Lama Padma has practiced the path of compassion since 1970, when he began his formal training in India with the venerable Kalu Rinpoche, a living embodiment of Chenrezig and master in the Kagyu lineage. He continued his training in the United States, where he received many teachings from the Sakya master Ven. Dezhung Rinpoche, and also continued his studies of Buddhism and the Tibetan language at the University of Washington, becoming a competent translator of written Tibetan to English.
In 1982, Lama Padma met S. Ema. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche and, under his orientation, completed a series of rigorous retreats.
In 1996, Chagdud Rinpoche ordained him as a lama in the Nyingma lineage, and coordinator of the Chagdud Gonpa centre in Seattle, Washington.
He is currently the resident lama at Rigdzin Ling, Chagdud Gonpa’s principal North-American centre.
As a translator, Lama Padma focused on the extensive Chenrezig text of the Tromge lineage, from the family of Chagdud Rinpoche. In 2004, he travelled to Tibet to meet with the treasure revealer Kyabje Tromge Dechen Khachod Wangpo, who recognized him as a lineage holder of the practice and, after guiding him for several years in retreat, authorized him to give the Chenrezig empowerment.
Meals
Meals are served exclusively during designated meal times. You can check the times in the dining hall.
- Any changes will be announced on the day.
Meals may not be served outside of the designated meal time.
- Normally, each person is responsible for washing their own dishes: plates, cups, glasses and cutlery. If the volunteer system is in place for this task, all help available is more than welcome (look for a member of staff).
- We ask that no dishes be taken out of the dining hall.
- Please advise us in advance if you are vegetarian – preferably via the registration form or by email: [email protected]
What to bring
• Bed sheets, covers, blankets and bath towels will be provided for those staying at the Temple.
(Optional) items to bring:
• wet weather gear
• torch
• personal hygiene products
• Notebook and pens
• Alarm
• Sadhanas and practice objects*
*Our daily practice includes Red Tara, The Essence of Continuous Yoga, Vajrakilaya, Dharma Protectors, Lion Face Dakini, Riwo Sangchod, Chenrezig Tsur and Chöd Feast.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of your registration must be communicated by email at least 72 hours before the start time of the event.
Write to [email protected] and inform us your choice of the two options below:
1 – Use the credit for another event or to make an offering
You can use the whole value of the payment as a credit note to enroll in another event or for an offering (butter lamps, tsok, tsur etc.).This credit is valid for 6 months from the date of payment. .
2 – Refund
Your money will be refunded, less an administration fee of R$ 35, to cover administrative costs.
Conduct
Smoking is not permitted anywhere indoors or outdoors within the Temple grounds.
- Use of cellphones is prohibited inside the Temple
- No filming or photography inside the Temple.
- Do not lie down inside the Temple.
- It is traditional to do 3 prostrations upon entering the Temple.
- In the presence of Rinpoches and Lamas, we remain standing while waiting for them to take their seat. We then do 3 prostrations, as a sign of respect.
- Don’t point your feet towards statues, lamas or sacred objects.
- Don’t place texts directly on the floor.
- Sacred texts may be borrowed for use only during meditation practice and should not be taken home, nor photocopied without the authorization of the temple.
- It is not auspicious to step over sacred texts or benches used for practice.
- Please do not use other people’s practice objects without their prior consent.
- If you find an object that is not yours, please take it to the secretary’s office (located on the mezzanine level above the dining hall). In case of lost property, report to the secretary’s office. (After 90 days, lost property not reclaimed will be donated to the thrift shop whose profits are used for the activities of the Temple.)
Dates: From 26/12 2015 to 1/1 2016
Start: Saturday (26) at 10am
Chenrezig Empowerment: Sunday (27) at 9am
End of ceremony: Friday (1/1) at 12 noon
Check-in:
For those staying at the Temple - Friday from 3pm to 9.30pm; Saturday from 7.30am to 9am.
For those not staying at the Temple – Saturday from 7.30am to 9am.
Registration by e-mail [email protected]
