Ven Bardor Tulku Rinpoche Visits KTC Minneapolis Oct 13 & 14
KTC Minneapolis is delighted to have Ven Bardor Tulku Rinpoche 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 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 serious practitioners, with lifestyles facilitated by among other things planes, trains and automobiles to say nothing of cell phones, CD players and TVs, we all need to pay particular attention to including, and being awake to, the presence of the ordination appropriate to our daily and group practice 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 concerning our lifestyle can lend power to our practice. 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.)
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. (That’s one kata and 2 envelopes.) 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 Lay Yogi Path in Monastic Tibetan Buddhism in America,” Teaching on Bodhisattva Vow, Taking & Renewing Refuge Vows & Bodhisattva Vows Tuition $64/$59 mem (Includes lunch) Registration #14Oct-MahaOrd
10AM – The Lay Yogi Path in Monastic Tibetan Buddhism in America - We all know of the phenomenal reciprocal relationship that the lamas and yogis of the Kagyu lineage traditionally had with the lay people in Tibet, and of the somewhat equally sustaining relationship for the lineage from Taiwanese and Chinese patrons at the current time. Whether they realize it or not, American practitioners benefit greatly from the latter who often provide the lion’s share of support for the lamas, and by relationship for the serious American practitioners. We also have solid, undeniable scientific proof that when a sangha sits in meditation positive influences radiate out into the surrounding community. Why should Americans, most of whom are not Tibetan Buddhist practitioners, in the communities surrounding the KTCs offer patronage to the KTC sangha? We know that on an individual level everyone, who is touched by a person with a sustainable meditation practice, benefits. But what do the KTC’s American sangha as a whole, practicing in concert, give to their community that makes this sangha worthy of patronage from the community?
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 we 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 preceded by Refuge Vows – If you will be taking Refuge Vows and/or Bodhisattva Vows for the first time, indicate that on your registration form by making a note that says, “First Refuge” and/or “First Bodhisattva” so we can prepare the proper materials for you and arrange seating. Refuge Vows are required before taking Bodhisattva Vows and will be given before the Bodhisattva Vows. Everyone attending needs a kata and offering envelope to present to Rinpoche, and an offering envelope to present to Lama Yeshe. (One kata and 2 envelopes.) If you are taking Refuge Vows for the first time you need an additional offering envelope to give to Rinpoche as you receive your Refuge name. 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.