The Heart of The Way of the Bodhisattva
WITH YONGEY MINGYUR RINPOCHE
"If I have any understanding of compassion and the practice of the bodhisattva path, it is entirely on the basis of this text [The Way of the Bodhisattva] that I possess it." — H. H. the Dalai Lama
During this program, Mingyur Rinpoche will offer deeply contemplative and experiential teachings on Shantideva’s quintessential text The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra). The Way of the Bodhisattva is one of the most widely studied and practiced texts within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, providing a foundation in regard to topics such as bodhichitta, ethics, meditation, loving-kindness and compassion, and wisdom. In his characteristically relatable way, Mingyur Rinpoche will bring this text to life, helping you incorporate its profound teachings into your everyday life. This program is an essential component within our annual transmission, focused this year on The Way of the Bodhisattva.
WHY SHOULD I ATTEND?
We all desire to be happy, yet each of us experiences pain and discomfort on a daily basis — from minor impediments in our schedule to life-changing circumstances. Though we all want to be happy, we are often not able to see clearly what leads to happiness and what creates more suffering.
In this retreat, you will get familiar with the bodhisattva ideal: one who has made a commitment to realize their own true nature in order to benefit others. Shantideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva is filled with teachings that directly inform us about how to free ourselves from suffering and its causes and to walk the path toward enlightenment. With his warm, clear, and accessible teaching style, Mingyur Rinpoche will bring this text to life in such a way as to elucidate its relevance to all of us living in the modern world.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
In this program, you will:
Strengthen an altruistic motivation
Develop awareness, loving-kindness and compassion, and wisdom
Learn about the role of patience, ethics, generosity, and diligence on the path of transformation
Receive foundational teachings on topics such as the bodhisattva ideal, the six paramitas, and wisdom
Be introduced to the practices of equalizing and exchanging self and other, tonglen (or sending and taking practice), as well as other forms of formal meditation practices
Begin to learn how to incorporate these profound teachings into your everyday life
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM?
Live teaching, Q&A, and practice sessions with Mingyur Rinpoche
Teaching sessions with Tergar Lama Khenpo Kunga
Guided meditation and teaching sessions with Tergar Instructors and Facilitators
Discussion groups