Ven Bardor Tulku Rinpoche Visits KTC Minneapolis Oct 13 & 14
KTC Minneapolis is delighted to have Ven Bardor Tulku Rinpoche and translator Lama Yeshe Gyamtso come back to visit us this fall. Rinpoche travels and teaches extensively and speaks fluent English but continues to teach in Tibetan. It’s always an auspicious occasion to be able to fit into his schedule, even more especially so in these days when issues and concerns polarize the global population. Lama Yeshe, who has done 2 3-Year Retreats, is the best translator on the Planet. If ever there was a dynamic duo, this is it!
In Tibet, the Sangha (monastics and yogis) of this “Practice Lineage,” the Karma Kagyu, would have daily opportunity to take and renew precepts, sacred promises, as they fit the natural progression of practice. In those circumstances the precepts would quite simply be embedded in our being. As Tibetan Buddhism begins to flower in America with its predominantly lay-yogi, non-monastic style of sincere practitioners, with lifestyles facilitated by among other things planes, trains and automobiles to say nothing of cell phones, CD players and TVs, we all Buddhists and non Buddhists alike, need to pay particular attention to including, and being awake to, the presence of sacred promises appropriate to the intention of our lives and the facilitation of spiritual growth.
“The Buddha presented a number of different approaches by which beings can develop the means to enlighten themselves. One important element of spiritual practice that he presented was the concept of ordination. Taking precepts, making sacred promises, concerning our lifestyle, can lend power to our life and our practices. In this tradition there are three levels of ordination, the individual level of the Hinayana, the bodhisattva vow of the Mahayana, and the samaya commitment of the Vajrayana.” H.E. Kalu Rinpoche in Foundations of Tibetan Buddhism (Click here to see Dharma Library Tree information on this book.)
Bardor Rinpoche’s entire program this visit is appropriate for sincere spiritual people of all persuasions, Buddhist and non Buddhists alike. Every sacred promise that each person makes from the ones Rinpoche will teach on and offer will lead to less suffering in the World.
There will be time for some personal interviews while Rinpoche is here. If you would like an interview make a note on your registration form requesting one, and be sure to include your daytime phone number. Register as early as you can for Rinpoche’s visit. Registration Form (Print, Fill Out & Fax) We are at full capacity in our shrineroom on a regular basis and would expect these events to be well received.
The Program:
Wednesday, Oct 13th – Teaching on Lay Ordination & Eight Precepts of Mahayana, Vows & Reception Tuition $45/$40 mem Registration #13Oct-LayOrd
2:00PM – Teaching on Lay Ordination & Eight Precepts of Mahayana– Lay ordination consists of five vows or precepts of which one can take one, any two, any three, any four, or all five. In general they are a vow against the taking of a life, the vow not to take that which is not given, the vow of sexual fidelity – which can be extended to celibacy (vows of celibacy will not be offered at this time), the vow not to lie, and a fifth vow which prohibits the use of intoxicants and is considered an auxiliary vow. The Eight Precepts of Mahayana is a special kind of ordination that is binding for twenty-four hours and has to be renewed every morning. Once one has received the transmission one can take this ordination oneself on days such as the auspicious practice days (Click here to see the auspicious practice days.) The first five precepts are a more refined version of the five lay vows. The sixth through eighth precepts have to do with the use of high seats, fasting after noon, and personal adornment and song and dance. Rinpoche will teach on these vows and answer questions.
7PM – Taking and Renewing Lay Ordination & Transmission of the Eight Precepts of Mahayana followed by Reception – Everyone attending needs a kata and offering envelope to present to Rinpoche, and an offering envelope to present to Lama Yeshe. Katas are reusable. If you have one already, it is fine to use again and again. If you do not have one, they are available from the KTC store at a cost of $8.
Thursday, Oct 14th – Talk – “The Benefits of a Buddhist Sangha,” Teaching on Bodhisattva Vow, Taking & Renewing Bodhisattva Vows Tuition $64/$59 mem (Includes lunch) Registration #14Oct-MahaOrd
10AM – "The Benefits of a Buddhist Sangha" Rinpoche will talk about the benefits of having a Buddhist sangha in a community. Even if one is not a Tibetan Buddhist practitioner one can benefit from interacting with, and supporting and providing patronage to a Buddhist sangha.
12:15PM – We will all take Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe to the Great Wall for lunch. Great Wall will provide a private room for us. Please join us for a fine time and full stomach.
2:00PM – Teaching on Bodhisattva Vow – Mahayana ordination consists of the Bodhisattva Vow, which we take and keep until all sentient beings attain enlightenment. In order to attain enlightenment we must develop the two aspects of bodhicitta, accomplishing this by following the practice of the Six Paramitas – generosity, morality and ethics, patience, exertion, meditative stability, and wisdom. The morphogenic field of these beloved teachings, which guide those who follow them to love and compassion and mindfulness, could not find a better time in which to be strengthened. Rinpoche has taught, written, and published on this topic. Every time one hears this material one is “rewired” for a more positive future.
7PM Taking & Renewing of Bodhisattva Vows – If you will be taking Bodhisattva Vows for the first time, indicate that on your registration form by making a note that says, “First Bodhisattva Vows” so we can prepare the proper materials for you and arrange seating. Everyone attending Will need a kata and offering envelope to present to Rinpoche, and an offering envelope to present to Lama Yeshe. Katas are reusable. If you have one already, it is fine to use again and again. If you do not have one, they are available from the KTC store at a cost of $8.