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Lam Rim, Part I with Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi

Retreat Dates: Saturday, April 24th – Sunday, April 25th

Retreat Location: 211 Howard Drive (in Singletree), Edwards, Colorado.

Driving Directions: Take Edwards Exit #163 and head north on Edwards Access Road. Turn right on Berry Creek Road. The road circles around to the east. Go through the 1st stop sign and take the 1st LEFT on Stagecoach Road. Then turn LEFT on Howard Drive; #211 is on the right.

Accommodations: Free lodging with local sangha members can generally be arranged in advance by calling Ben at 970.390.9299

Contact: Ben Gaylord 970.390.9299

Retreat Schedule:
Saturday: Registration at 9:30, Retreat from 10:00 – 5:00
Sunday: Registration at 9:30, Retreat from 10:00 – 3:00

Description:
Lam Rim (Tibetan: lam “path”, rim “stages”) is a Tibetan Buddhist textual form for presenting the complete path to enlightenment as taught by Gautama Buddha. In Tibetan Buddhist history, there have been many different versions of the Lam Rim, presented by different teachers. However all the versions of the Lam Rim are based on extensions of Atisha’s 11th Century root text A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment.

Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi will provide a brief history of the Lam Rim starting with Atisha, and including Gampopa (Jewel Ornament of Liberation) and Tsongkhapa (The Great Treatise on the Stages on the Path of Enlightenment). He will also provide a detailed exploration of the Abhidharma, which in the West, is generally considered to be the core of what is referred to as Buddhist psychology.

Important concepts of the Lam Rim include the three kinds of motivation, karma, rebirth, Buddhist cosmology, the practice of meditation, up to and including tantra.

This retreat is part of the Foundation of Buddhism series and is open to all.

A donation of $150/single or $250/couple is suggested

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Verses on the Middle Way, Part II with Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi

Retreat Dates: Saturday, February 20th– Sunday, February 21st

Retreat Location: 211 Howard Drive (in Singletree), Edwards, Colorado.

Driving Directions: Take Edwards Exit #163 and head north on Edwards Access Road.  Turn right on Berry Creek Road.  The road circles around to the east.  Go through the 1st stop sign and take the 1st LEFT on Stagecoach Road.  Then turn LEFT on Howard Drive; #211 is on the right.

Accommodations: Free lodging with local sangha members can generally be arranged in advance by calling Ben at 970.390.9299.

Contact: Ben Gaylord 970.390.9299

Retreat Schedule:
Saturday: Registration at 8:30, Retreat from 9:00 – 5:00
Sunday: Registration at 8:30, Retreat from 9:00 – 3:00

Description:
This is Part Two of a two-part retreat series introducing the Verses on the Middle Way by Nagarjuna. Nagarjuna is thought to have lived during the fourth century C.E. as a scholar and monk at Nalanda University.

Nagarjuna’s writings address the major philosophical issues of his time, including the nature of causality and conditionality, motion and action, the self, its suffering and bondage, nirvana, and the Buddha. Nagarjuna’s profound insights have been the subject of much debate, inviting interpretations that range from the purely metaphysical to the purely pragmatic.

Nagarjuna’s logic reveals that the way human beings think is by nature inconsistent and self-contradictory. The Verses demonstrate that deluded ways of thinking cannot be replaced with a correct understanding. Instead, the true nature of things only becomes apparent when we let go of our delusions. The ensuing peace and serenity cannot be grasped by human constructs, but it can be experienced.

Recommended Text: Verses on the Middle Way by Nagarjuna (various translations available)

A donation of $150/single or $250/couple is suggested

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Weeklong Retreat on the Wheel of Sharp Weapons with Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi

Retreat Dates: Monday, January 25th– Sunday, January 31st

Retreat Location: 307 Arthur’s Court
Fairplay, Colorado

Driving Directions: From Fairplay, take 9 south towards Hartsel. Go about 7
miles on 9 and take what is basically the first left on Redhill Rd. Turn left into the first driveway (which is the first left), to the house. As much as possible, people should car pool.

MapQuest Map

Accommodations: Limited space is available at the retreat house; bring bedding and eating utensils.

Contact: Pati Martinez 970.688.1337

Retreat Schedule: Registration on Monday, at 8:30
Detailed schedule to be provided

Description:
The Wheel of Sharp Weapons is perhaps the earliest and most celebrated text in the genre of mind-training (Lojong). Written by the great Indian yogi Dharmarakshita, one of Atisha’s main teachers, it focuses on the giving and taking (tonglen) method for overcoming the self-cherishing attitude and grasping for an impossible “true me.”

Tonglen is an advanced Mahayana method whereby we imagine taking on the sufferings of others and giving them happiness. Mahayana training in perfect altruism is seen as the means to achieve lasting happiness and peace for oneself and others, and Dharmarakshita’s Wheel as the supreme means to cut through our true enemies – self-grasping and self-cherishing.

“Effectively striking the heart of the foe,” the Wheel of Sharp Weapons provides essential tools for transforming suffering into happiness. This weeklong retreat will consist of teachings and meditation.

Recommended Text: Wheel of Sharp Weapons.


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Lankavatara Sutra Part III & Bodhi Day Celebration with Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi

Retreat Dates: Saturday, December 5th– Sunday, December 6th

Retreat Location: 307 Arthur’s Court, Fairplay, Colorado

Driving Directions: From Fairplay, take 9 south towards Hartsel. Go about 7
miles on 9 and take what is basically the first left on Redhill Rd. Turn left into the first driveway (which is the first left), to the house. As much as possible, people should car pool.

MapQuest Map

Accommodations: Limited space is available at the retreat house; bring bedding and eating utensils.

Contact: Pati Martinez 970.688.1337

Retreat Schedule:
Saturday: Registration at 8:30, Retreat from 9:00 – 5:00
Sunday: Registration at 8:30, Retreat from 9:00 – 3:00

Description:
The Lankavatara Sutra is one of the none major sutras of Mahayana Buddhism and was influential in the formation of several schools of Buddhism including the Nyingma and Cha’n or Zen to name a few.

Three important concepts issued from the Lanka: 1) the primacy of consciousness, or “Mind Only” (Yogacara School), 2) the concept of an inherent Buddha Nature (Tathagatagarbha Doctrine), and 3) the three bodies of Buddhahood (Trikaya).

Venerable Tenzin will summarize key points from Parts I and II of this retreat series, which focused on the and the Yogacara School and Tathagatagarbha Doctrine respectively. Venerable Tenzin will then introduce the three levels of enlightened reality exemplified by the three bodies of Buddahood.

Part III of this retreat series is open to anyone. Completion of Parts I and II are recommended, but not mandatory.

Recommended Text: The Lankavatara Sutra translated by D.T. Suzuki.

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Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy with Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi

WHERE: Webcast to Bodhimarga Sanghas
DONATION: $50, register online:  Introductory Retreat
CONTACT: Pati (970) 688.1337

Saturday, November 14th – Sunday, November 15th

In this two-day retreat, Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi will present the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha had to find words to communicate his insight. As Thich Nhat Hanh put it, “He already had the water, but he had to discover jars like the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path to hold it.” These were the first teachings of the Buddha, and he continued teaching them throughout his long life, and right up until his passing.

These practical teachings are considered to be the foundation of Buddhist practice. This retreat is ideal for those considering the Path, but also beneficial for advanced practitioners.

Retreatants will gather at their local Sanghas and connect via the web with Venerable Tenzin who will be webcasting from MIT.

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Parting from the Four Attachments by Drakpa Gyaltsen

Name: Parting from the Four Attachments by Drakpa Gyaltsen,
Presented By: Ven. Tenzin Priyadarshi.
Dates: Oct. 17th – 18th
Location: Edwards, Colorado

More Information:
Parting from the Four Attachments by Drakpa Gyaltsen
with Ven. Tenzin Priyadarshi.

Retreat Date: October 17-18, 2009.
Retreat Location: 211 Howard Drive (in Singletree), Edwards, Colorado.

Driving Directions: Take Edwards Exit #163 and head north on Edwards Access Road.  Turn right on Berry Creek Road.  The road circles around to the east.  Go through the 1st stop sign and take the 1st LEFT on Stagecoach Road.  Then turn LEFT on Howard Drive; #211 is on the right.

Accommodations: Lodging with local sangha members can be arranged in advance by calling Pati at 970.688.1337.

Phone: 970.688.1337 (Pati).

Saturday Schedule: 8:30 a.m. – registration; 9:00 – 5:00 – retreat.
Sunday Schedule: 8:30 a.m. – registration; 9:00 – 12:00 – retreat.

2009 Oct – Single: $150.00 Pay Now Single $150.00
2009 Oct – Couple: $250.00 Pay Now Couple $250.00
2009 Oct – Register Only – Register Only

In this two-day retreat, Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi will present “Parting from the Four Attachments,” a teaching universally regarded as one of the jewels of Tibetan Buddhism. According to tradition, Drakpa Gyaltsen (1167-1216) received the teaching as a direct transmission from Manjushri.

These practical teachings are considered to be essential to anyone wanting to genuinely enter the practice of Dharma. Freeing oneself from the four attachments allows the sincere practitioner to recognize and avoid the typical pitfalls encountered on the spiritual path.

It is believed that this teaching has the power to instill realizations on all who receive it with proper intention. Understanding the true nature of mind, that it is the source of all problems and solutions, allows one to alleviate the personal suffering that is caused by ignorance and confusion.

The retreat will consist of teachings, discussion and meditation sessions.

A donation of $125.00/single or $250/couple is suggested. You can edit your donation on the next page after clicking the donate button.
Register

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Foundation of All Good Qualities

Foundation of All Good Qualities with Ven. Tenzin Priyadarshi.
August 15th – 16th, 2009,
Salida Colorado.

The Foundation of All Good Qualities was composed by Tsongkhapa “Je Rinpoche” (1357-1419), founder of the Gelug-pa school. This classic Stages of the Path text provides very practical insight into the human condition with concise instructions in how to follow the Buddhist path from our present confused state to enlightenment.

The Lam Rim teachings originated with the great Indian master Atisha, who in the 11th century extracted the essential points from the Buddha’s teachings. Je Rinpoche expanded on Atisha’s teachings of the gradual path culminating in this clear and concise prayer entitled The Foundation of All Good Qualities.

In this weekend retreat, Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi explored the attitudes and actions contained within Tsongkhapa’s description of the gradual path to enlightenment. A thorough understanding of this text is considered highly beneficial to all, whether the goal is enlightenment or simply a more meaningful life. The retreat consisted of teachings, discussion and meditation sessions.

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Verses on the Middle Way by Acarya Nagarjuna, Part I

September 19-20,
Fairplay Colorado.

Part One of this two-part retreat series introduced the Verses on the Middle Way by Nagarjuna. Nagarjuna is thought to have lived during the fourth century C.E. as a scholar and monk at Nalanda University.

Nagarjuna’s writings address the major philosophical issues of his time, including the nature of causality and conditionality, motion and action, the self, its suffering and bondage, nirvana, and the Buddha. Nagarjuna’s profound insights have been the subject of much debate, inviting interpretations that range from the purely metaphysical to the purely pragmatic.

Nagarjuna’s logic reveals that the way human beings think is by nature inconsistent and self-contradictory. The Verses demonstrate that deluded ways of thinking cannot be replaced with a correct understanding. Instead, the true nature of things only becomes apparent when we let go of our delusions. The ensuing peace and serenity cannot be grasped by human constructs, but it can be experienced.

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Public Talks and Retreat with Venerable Drupon Samten Rinpoche

Public Talks and Retreat with Venerable Drupon Samten Rinpoche
Date: July 18-20
Location: Edwards, CO
Topic: Mahamudra, Green Tara and Purification

Kunrig and Vajravidharan Healing ceremonies:  Vajravidharan is a very important practice in Tibetan and the Indian Himalayas. This practice is a special antidote to purify all contaminated environments of the universe and sentient beings. This practice cleanses the contaminants of the air we breath, food we eat, the clothes we wear and other types of poisons and contamination. Also, it helps to cleanse the chakras and the energy of the body; and helps to pacify the frustration, depression and anxiety. It helps dispel the nightmares, dreams, and other unfavorable conditions. It brings healthy, happy, long life, and helps you succeed in whatever you wish. This practice has been used as a healing ceremony for generations and helped thousands of beings.

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Bardo" weeklong retreat with separate weekend retreat

Bardo” weeklong retreat with separate weekend retreat with Ven Tenzin Priyadarshi,
June 22 to June 28th, 2009.
Edwards, Colorado

Bardo (Tibetan. bar’do) refers to the “intermediate stage” in the Buddhist view of life and death. While Bardo is most commonly understood to mean the time between an individual’s death and next life, the term can also refer to other types of interim stages or transitions. Indo-Tibetan Buddhist traditions speak of Bardo as comprised of either four or six stages.

This retreat examined each of these and its respective implication for a serene death and rebirth. Participants were introduced to a special meditation practice that will deepen the understanding of the Bardo stages. The great Tibetan master Milarepa, a proponent of these meditation practices, said that the function of a student of Buddhadharma is to live like a yogi and to die like a yogi.

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