Ringu Tulku Rinpoche: Awaken the Heart – Open the Mind

Written by Patricia Pinglot on 26 September 2023.

RINGU TULKU RINPOCHE: AWAKEN THE HEART – OPEN THE MIND

Teachings on Chapters 9 and 10 of the Bodhicharyavatara

Dates: from 26 September to 1 October

The wisdom or philosophy of Buddhism is a complete revolution in the way we relate to our thoughts and emotions, to the world around us and to others. Based on this understanding, it offers a wealth of very practical tools to make our life happier by bringing compassion and wisdom into all its aspects. The key being to turn our mind and our actions towards the benefit of others.

During this retreat, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche will teach on the Bodhicharyavatara, or the Introduction to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, the classic masterpiece composed by Shantideva, the 8th century Indian saint. Ringu Tulku Rinpoche began teaching on this text in Lerab Ling in 2015 and will continue this year with chapter 9 (on the topic of wisdom) and chapter 10 (on the topic of dedication).

In the opening verse of Chapter 9, Shantideva reveals that the preceding chapters, with their profound teachings on the paramitas of generosity and other virtues, are all stepping stones on our transformative journey toward wisdom. It is wisdom itself that holds the key to liberating ourselves from the clutches of suffering.Within this chapter, Shantideva succinctly imparts profound insights into the nature of reality—the dual nature of conventional and ultimate truths. Furthermore, he unveils the true essence of emptiness, an extraordinary concept that serves as the remedy for the immense anguish we endure.

As we delve into these sacred teachings, we are encouraged to recognize the immense potential residing within us, waiting to be awakened. Shantideva's words illuminate the path toward the cessation of suffering, inspiring us to embrace wisdom as our guiding light.

Moving forward to Chapter 10, Shantideva dedicates the merit derived from practising the Bodhicharyavatara to benefit all sentient beings in an inspiring and deeply heartfelt manner. This compassionate act serves as an uplifting inspiration for those who embark on the Bodhisattva path, nurturing a genuine desire to bring happiness and liberation to all sentient beings.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

Anyone is welcome to join, regardless of whether you've attended previous years or not.

This event is for everyone who wishes to discover the wisdom and compassion of the Buddhist teachings, as well as for Buddhist practitioners who wish to study this text.

PUBLIC CONFERENCE WITH RINGU TULKU RINPOCHE

You are also invited to attend Rinpoche’s public talk: Meeting Challenges: Unshaken by Life's Ups and Downs.

The Bodhicharyavatara event ends on Sunday 1st October at 1pm - however Ringu Tulku Rinpoche will be holding a public talk from 2:30pm to 4:00pm, to which you are invited to stay for.

RINGU TULKU RINPOCHE

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche is a Tibetan teacher renowned for his clarity, humor and approachable style. He will show us how to open our mind and awaken our heart to a more compassionate way of living.

He was trained in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism under many great masters such as H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and H.H. Dilgo Khentse Rinpoche. He took his formal education at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok and Sampurnananda Sanskrit University, Varanasi, India and has served as Professor of Tibetology in Sikkim for 17 years. His doctoral thesis was on the Ecumenical Movement in Tibet.

Since 1990 he has been traveling and teaching Buddhism and meditation at more than 50 Universities, Institutes and Buddhist Centres in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and Asia. He also participates in various interfaith dialogues. He authored several books on Buddhism as well as some children’s books both in Tibetan and European languages.

He founded Bodhicharya (www.bodhicharya.org ), an international organization that coordinates the worldwide activities to preserve and transmit Buddhist teachings, to promote intercultural dialogues and educational & social projects. He also founded Rigul Trust which supports his projects in his birthplace, Rigul, Tibet (www.rigultrust.org).

Rinpoche is the Official Representative of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa for Europe and the Founder of Karmapa Foundation Europe (www.karmapafoundation.eu).