Enlightening Day of Buddhist Teachings with Lama Jampa in Bristol
Last Saturday marked a significant gathering of Buddhists from across the United Kingdom and beyond at the Future Inn in Bristol. The occasion was graced by Lama Jampa Thaye, along with his family and fellow practitioners, who came together for a day filled with profound Buddhist teachings.
Approximately 100 attendees gathered eagerly to delve into part 5 of Sakya Pandita’s renowned masterpiece, ‘Discriminating the 3 Vows.’ The focal point of this session was the vajrayana initiation of Mahachakra Vajrapani.
Sakya Pandita’s text, explored in this installment, shed light on how to dispel misconceptions surrounding the vow of the bodhisattva—an unwavering commitment to attain Buddhahood not solely for oneself but for the benefit of all sentient beings.
This altruistic aspiration blossoms from our profound interconnectedness, grounded in a shared desire to alleviate suffering and cultivate happiness.
The chapter dissected various facets of the vow, including insights into the diverse lineages of the commitment, guidance on how to take and uphold these vows in a manner that aligns with their compassionate and wisdom-infused nature, and strategies for nurturing our steadfast commitment.
Lama Jampa commenced the morning’s teachings by highlighting the relevance of this ancient text for Western Buddhists, who find themselves outside the structured environs of traditional monastic colleges.
Acknowledging that grasping the entirety of the text might pose a challenge for those new to the Dharma, he emphasized the importance of receiving these teachings with flexibility.
In the afternoon session, Lama Jampa administered the initiation of Mahachakra Vajrapani, tracing its lineage back to Marton Rinpoche.
Mahachakra Vajrapani, known as the most potent manifestation of Vajrapani, embodies the wisdom of all Buddhas and concentrates all mystical powers within.
