DISCOVERING THE NATURAL FREEDOM OF OUR MIND

Teachings with Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

Dates: from 1 to 4 May

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, an eminent and world famous Buddhist master, will teach on the most profound and accessible meditation instructions from the Mahamudra and Dzogchen traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

In this profound approach, we let our mind naturally settle and relax in its own nature. The very nature of the mind is such that if we only leave it in its unaltered and natural state, it will find its true nature, which is bliss and clarity. While resting, undisturbed by thoughts, mind becomes like a clear, cloudless sky. Cloud-like thoughts and emotions may obscure the sky-like nature of our mind, but all we need to do is go beyond the clouds to realise there is an infinite sky that is never ever touched by the clouds. When we learn how to leave our mind in its true nature, we discover a way of being that is completely free from stress, confusion and turbulent emotions.

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche will use as a basis for his teachings some of the pith instructions of the renowned Buddhist teacher and scholar Khenpo Gangshar (1925-1980). The only other occasion these teachings have been shared in Rigpa was during the Three Year Retreat (2006-2009) in Lerab Ling.

Khenpo Gangshar, with deep foresight, recognised the challenges Tibet would face and began teaching in a new way that enabled all those who heard him to use the coming difficulties as the path of practice. His vision was to provide a method of practice that would be relevant in times of adversity.

In this same spirit, and in response to the challenges of our time, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche brings his unique ability to present these profound teachings in a way that resonates deeply with Western audiences. His teachings are not only accessible but also deeply transformative. Through his presence, we gain not just intellectual understanding, but a direct experience of the true meaning of these instructions.

During the first 2 days of the event, there will be review sessions of the teachings with Valerie Baker, one of Rigpa’s senior teachers. 

This event is open to Buddhist practitioners as well as those new to meditation.

For this event, you can stay for up to 3 extra days. To take your time, contemplate and enjoy the Lerab Ling environment. This option is included in the registration process.

MASTER

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche is a Tibetan Buddhist Master of the Kagyu Order. He was trained in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism under many great masters such as HH the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and HH Dilgo Khyentse 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, an international organization that coordinates the worldwide activities to preserve and transmit Buddhist teachings, to promote inter-cultural dialogues and educational & social projects. He also founded Rigul Trust which supports his projects in his birthplace, Rigul, Tibet.

Rinpoche is the Official Representative of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa for Europe and the Founder of Karmapa Foundation Europe.

TEACHER

Valerie Baker grew up in Ireland and first encountered the Buddhist teachings when she met Sogyal Rinpoche in Dublin in the early 1990s. Shortly afterwards, she visited Dzogchen Beara and stayed for 12 years, studying and practising, supporting the centre’s activities and accomplishing practice in retreat.
While attending the Three Year Retreat in Lerab Ling, she designed the Home Retreat transmissions for the wider sangha. For ten years she assisted Rinpoche on his teaching events and now continues to share his teachings with the Sangha. She has directed the Dzogchen study Programme since its inception in 2015, and is part of the team holding the annual Dzogchen Mandala Retreat.
Valerie spends most of her time in Lerab Ling and is passionate about spreading the wisdom of the Buddha which has been transmitted to us in an unbroken lineage from master to student, down to the present day.

PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE

1-2 May
9am – 9.45am     Meditation
10am – 11.30am Teaching with Ringu Tulku Rinpoche 
3pm – 4.30pm     Review session with Valerie Baker
5pm – 7pm         Tendrel Nyesel Tsok (for Vajrayana Rigpa students)

3-4 May
09am – 9.45am   Meditation
10am – 11.30am Teaching with Ringu Tulku Rinpoche 
3pm – 4.30pm    Teaching with Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
5pm – 7pm         Tendrel Nyesel Tsok  (for Vajrayana Rigpa students)

Tags: PUBLIC, MEDITATION