Learning from Tibetan Buddhism - a Personal Account
Vessantara ( 2005 )
57:02
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- 1 First Buddhist contact - Samye Ling; Akong Rinpoche; meditation intensive; meeting the FWBO and Sangharakshita; advanced practice 05:49
- 2 Building the London Buddhist Centre; the red dakini dances in New York; Vajrayogini; writing to Dhardo Rimpoche 04:55
- 3 Two Lamas; Dagyab Rinpoche; Vajrayogini initiation; Dhardo Rimpoche's stroke; Dagyab again - an unusual situation in the Order 05:16
- 4 Two teachers, two approaches to the Dharma - some difficulties; principial Dharma; challenge and ideas of lineage 06:35
- 5 Setting up conditions to explore; recommendations; consulting; checking the details; learning and appreciation; something to offer; value of experience 06:17
- 6 The huge spectrum of Tibetan Buddhism; not starry-eyed - over-loaded with practice; loss of depth through generations 04:07
- 7 What Vessantara has gained; the 4 Reminders; deeper appreciation of law of karma; developing Bodhichitta - Lo Jong; devotion to Dharma and faith - Dagyab and Trijang Rinpoches; a rounded tradition 06:55
- 8 Visualization & sadhana; 4 conditions for yidam practice; reflection on views; scientific materialism - effect on sadhana; confidence-giving - proper initiation 07:43
- 9 Lineage - context for sadhana practice; sense of connection; ongoing support - witnessing Going for Refuge in meditation 05:07
- 10 Being moved by depth of faith in the Dharma; integrity and open-heartedness; true advanced practice 04:18
Talk Details
This is a personal account by Vessantara of his many years of engagement with Tibetan Buddhist approaches to meditation and general Buddhist practice. He carefully weighs up the different aspects of exploring a tradition outside of your own, and evokes Tibetan Buddhism itself through the story of his initiation into the Vajrayogini sadhana. A lovely, thoughtful talk that pays tribute to the effect of one ancient form of Dharma in a modern practitioner's own life. There is also a thorough discussion of visualization meditation, and a moving celebration of the teachers who have helped him on the path.
Given at the Western Buddhist Order Convention 2005.
