Blessing Empowerment of Buddha vajrasattva & a day retreat on purifcication
- Special Weekend Event
- Sat 25 March 2023 – Empowerment
- Sun 26 March 2023 – A Day Retreat on Purification
- See schedule
- Venue: Wootton Village Hall, Wootton Lane, Wootton, Canterbury, CT4 6RP
- List Item
THE BLESSING EMPOWERMENT OF BUDDHA VAJRASATTVA & A DAY RETREAT ON PURIFICATION
Finding inner freedom by purifying our negative karma
A Special Weekend event with KMC Kent’s Principle Teacher James Baskerville
When: Sat 25th & Sun 26th March 2023, 10am to 4pm
Venue: Wootton Village Hall. Wootton, Canterbury, CT4 6RP
Day 1: Empowerment of Buddha Vajrassattva
“Buddha taught many different methods to purify non-virtuous actions, downfalls and broken commitments, but the supreme method is the practice of meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva. This practice is a scientific method to purify our mind and transform it from an impure mind into a pure mind using Tantric technology.” – Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, The Oral Instructions of Mahamudra
An empowerment is a blessing ritual and guided meditation through which we make a deep connection with a Buddha and create the cause to actualise that Buddha’s enlightened state.
Vajrasattva is the purified consciousness of all the Buddhas. His special function is to purify our minds. The empowerment of Buddha Vajrasattva will enable us to commune directly with Vajrasattva’s mind and to receive purification through his blessings. This powerful experience gives us a taste of the inner freedom and radiant universal love experienced by an enlightened mind. Such a taste, even though it initially may be brief, is invaluable. It allows us to see what is possible and naturally empowers us to want to use our life fully in the service of actualising our potential.
During the commentaries, James Baskerville will explain the purification practice of Vajrasattva. This skilful and creative practice allows us to connect with the natural potential in our mind, to heal the wounds of the past, and to free ourselves from negative karmic patterns and painful habits of thinking and acting. Through purifying our mind gradually we experience a wonderful lightness and inner freedom. We are free to live a life based on wisdom and love, to experience a truly joyful heart and to become the person we really wish to be.
Many causes and conditions have to come together to allow an event such as this to appear in this world. It is incredibly rare good fortune to receive this empowerment and teachings that enable us to transform our karma, and draw close to Buddha Vajrasattva.
“An empowerment bestows upon us special blessings that heal our mental continuum and awaken our Buddha nature.” — Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Day 2: Retreat on purifying past negative karma & finding inner freedom
Guided by KMC Kent’s Principle Teacher James Baskerville
‘Any living being, even a worm or an insect, can commit negative actions; but only humans have the fortune to be able to purify them. We have been accumulating non-virtuous actions and experiencing their suffering results since beginningless time; but now we have an opportunity to purify them completely.
We should make use of this precious opportunity to purify our negative karma, not to create more! Since purification is the root of future happiness and spiritual realizations, we should strive to cleanse our mind of delusions and negative karma by practising the meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva. This is a very powerful method of purification.’
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso 1990
Vajrasattva is the purified consciousness of all the Buddhas. His special function is to purify our minds. By relying sincerely on Buddha Vajrasattva we can purify ourselves and become a completely pure being, just like Buddha Vajrasattva. When we have completely purified our mind there will be no further basis for us to experience any kind of pain or suffering.
In particular, if we understand the law of Karma, purification practice becomes a necessary and an empowering practice. If we are new to purification practice this post empowerment retreat is a perfect starting place. In this retreat James will guide you through the powerful purification practice of Buddha Vajrasattva so that we can remove negative Karma, purify our mind and prevent further suffering.
The Teacher
This special weekend course will be led by James Baskerville, Principle Teacher of KMC Kent.
James has been practising and teaching Kadampa Buddhism for over twenty years and has engaged in extensive meditation retreats, including silent retreat. He is especially known for his clarity, humour and inspirational presentation of Buddha’s teachings.
Details
Date:
Sat 25 Mar – Empowerment
Sun 26 Mar – Purification Retreat
Time:
10am to 4pm
Cost:
Please see below
Venue
Location:
Wootton Village Hall,
Wootton Lane, Wootton, Canterbury, CT4 6RP
Phone:
07812248316
Email:
info@meditateinkent.com
SCHEDULE
Empowerment Day
Empowerment: 10am – 12pm
Lunch 12pm – 2pm
Teaching: 2pm – 3pm
Refreshment break: 3pm-3.30pm
Q & A: 3.30pm – 4pm
A day Retreat on Purification
Session 1: 10am -11am
Refreshment break: 11am – 11.30am
Session 2: 11.30am – 12.30pm
Lunch: 12.30pm 2pm
Q & A: 2pm -2.45pm
Refreshment break: 2.45pm – 3.15pm
Session 3: 3.15pm to 4pm
Cost & Booking
-
Empowerment Day: £40
Empowerment General Members: £30
Empowerment FP Members: £20
Empowerment Low income concession: £25 -
Retreat Day: £30
Retreat All Members: £10
Retreat Low income concession: £15 -
Whole weekend: £55
Whole Weekend General Members: £40
Whole Weekend FP Members: £30
Whole Weekend Low income concession: £40
This weekend course is open to everyone and will be held in the beautiful, tranquil setting of Wootton Village Hall. Delicious Vegetarian lunch will be provided.
Everyone Welcome! Book your place online today.
LOCATION
FAQs
Our classes are for everyone who is interested in learning how to meditate, regardless of background or belief. They are designed to give a broad introduction to Buddhist meditation, teachings, and practice. Everyone is invited to use whichever aspects of the teachings they find helpful.
Do I need to be a Buddhist to attend?
No. Anyone can learn basic meditation and experience the benefits that come from having a peaceful mind.
Do I need previous experience?
No. Everyone is welcome, including beginners. All you need is the wish to improve yourself and the quality of your life.
No special clothing is required, come as you are.
Is there any physical exercise involved?
No. The classes focus on meditation and teachings alone. You can choose to sit on a chair or meditation cushion.
Why do you charge for classes?
We are a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, no-one receives a salary. The funds we receive are used to pay for our venues and operating expenses. Although we charge for classes we also offer low-income rates and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.
What People Are Saying
“The classes allow me to step back from a chaotic week and bring peace into it. It’s a good reminder that my inner peace does not have to be influenced by outside circumstances.”
Linda
“Establishing a regular meditation practice by attending the classes has completely transformed my life and the quality of everything I do. I feel much calmer and more connected to others.”
Anne
“Discovering meditation has helped me to manage stress much more affectively. It helps me keep a calm and peaceful mind at work and I have met so many wonderful people at the Centre.”
Ben
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