Event Schedule of Zasep Rinpoche Bagsh-aa's Jan/Feb 2009 Toronto Visit
All events will be at Gaden Choling unless otherwise noted in the event description.
All events have suggested donations, but no one will be unable to attend any events based on lack of financial resources. The first donation number is for members of Gaden Choling (as well as seniors and students), and the second donation number is for the public. To become a member of Gaden Choling and provide vital support, please email or talk to any board member at the centre.
Tuesday, Jan.13th @ 7pm: Lam Rim Teaching and Lam Rim Chenmo Lung
Lamrim (stages of the path) is the complete, systematic and practice oriented presentation of the stages of the path to enlightenment. The 'Lamrim Chenmo' (Great Stages of the Path) was composed by Lama Tsongkapa, and is considered the most comprehensive and authoritative lamrim text. By receiving the lung ('oral transmission') of a text, we are linked to the living lineage of both the teachings and their realization. The lung sets the foundation for successful study, practice and realization of a text, in this case the Lamrim Chenmo. $15/20 suggested donation.
Thursday, Jan. 15th @ 7pm: Lam Rim teaching and Lam Rim Chenmo Lung
See above for description. $15/20 suggested donation.
Fri., Jan. 16th @ 7pm: Teaching on Mahamudra at Snow Lion Meditation Shop (708A Pape Avenue just north of Danforth))
Mahamudra ('Great Seal') is a direct method for developing one-pointed concentration and the realization of emptiness focused on the clear, mirror-like nature of one's own mind. Rinpoche will introduce and offer a commentary on this practice, as well as lead a group mahamudra meditation.
Sat. Jan. 17th @ 2pm Singhamukha Initiation Singhamukha, or Senge Dongma in Tibetan, is a wrathful female Buddha named 'Lion-faced Dakini'. An important deity from the Heruka cycle, Singhamuka is connected with Vajrayogini and also the Chod lineage. More information about he benefits of this practice will be sent out shortly. Suggested donation $45/55.
Sun. Jan. 18th 10am-4pm Singhamukha Practice and Commentary
Open to those who have received the initiation. $35/45 Suggested donation.
Fri. Jan. 23rd @ 7pm Teaching on the Bardo at Institute of Traditional Medicine Rinpoche will speak about the various bardos (transition periods) of this life and the next, and how their reality can be incorporated into our spiritual practice. The Institute of Traditional Medicine is on Queen 2 blocks west of Spadina, 553 Queen St. W. 2nd Floor. Please RSVP at 415-537-0928 .
Sat. Jan. 24th @ 2pm Vajrasattva Initiation
According to tradition, the only way to be successful in one's attainment of enlightenment is to purify negative obscurations, accumulate merit and rely upon the words of one's Guru. Vajrasattva embodies the purity of the Buddhas, and by doing Vajrasattva practice with dedicated motivation of bodhicitta, we can quickly purify our obstacles to successful spiritual practice. To do this sadhana one must first receive an initiation from a qualified Lama, which begins our practice of this special method.
Sun. 25th 10am-4pm Teaching and Practice of Vajrasattva
Rinpoche will lead group practice of the Vajrasattva sadhana, providing commentary on the various parts of the practice. Open to those who have received this initiation. Suggested donation is $30/40.
Tues. Jan. 27th @ 7pm Padampa Sangye`s '100 Verses of Advice to the People of Tingri'
Rinpoche will teach on this important text from the 12th cent. Indian Master (and Machig Lobdron's Guru) Padampa Sangye. Offering advice in direct, playful prose, this text is a very meaningful and practical synopsis of the entire path to enlightenment. While challenging our unanalyzed notions around death, a meaningful human life and so forth, this text also offers clear direction and encouragement to make the most of our life and opportunity to do spiritual practice. This teaching will be very pertinent for both new and old students. Suggested donation is $15/20.
Thurs. Jan. 29th @ 7pm Padampa Sangye`s '100 Verses of Advice to the People of Tingri'
Please see above for event description. Suggested donation is $15/20.
Fri. Jan. 30th @ 7pm Slide Show and Talk about Zangskar and Ladakhi Nuns
This past summer Rinpoche and members of Gaden Relief visited several remote nunneries in the Himalayan region of Ladakh. The overwhelmingly beautiful landscape where these nuns live is balanced by the harsh environmental and economic conditions within which they live. Rinpoche will share his own incredible photographs and personal stories from is trip, and allow us to enter the world of Ladakhi Buddhist culture and the lives of these remote nuns. This is a fundraiser for Gaden Relief projects in Ladakh for these nunneries, and all donations will be tax-deductible. Suggested donation is $20.
Sun. Feb. 1 @ 2pm Sarasvati Initiation
An ancient deity in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Sarasvati embodies the creative wisdom of the Buddhas. By receiving this initiation and undertaking her practice, on is able to develop creatively while progressing towards enlightenment. Suggested donation is $35/45.