TEACHINGS ON YUMKA DECHEN GYALMO

With Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche

Dates: from 16 to 26 May, onsite and live online

During this event Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche will grant detailed teachings on the practice of Yumka Dechen Gyalmo—the main dakini sadhana of the Longchen Nyingtik, the terma revelation of Jikmé Lingpa.

Yumka Dechen Gyalmo is a practice of Yeshe Tsogyal, the principal consort of Guru Rinpoche, in the form of a wisdom dakini. It is one of the three roots practices of the Longchen Nyingtik together with Lama Rigdzin Düpa and Yidam Palchen Düpa.

Since Yumka Dechen Gyalmo is the main dakini sadhana of the Rigpa sangha, all Vajrayana students are warmly encouraged to participate in this event since they are likely to practise this sadhana in the future.

There are three components needed in order to engage in a specific sadhana practice: the empowerment (Tib. wang), the oral transmission (Tib. lung), and the secret instruction (Tib. tri) which are all granted by a qualified master.

Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche granted the empowerment and oral transmissions of Yumka Dechen Gyalmo in Lerab Ling in May 2023. Now this May, Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche will be granting the ‘secret instructions’ which consist of all the detailed instructions to practise this sadhana; making all elements to practise this sadhana complete.

Khen Rinpoche will teach every morning, going through one of the main major commentaries on the sadhana entitled The Lamp That Illuminates the Excellent Path of Great Bliss—A Guide to the Practice Text of the Female Awareness-Holder, the Queen of Great Bliss by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima. The text begins with a discussion of the role and significance of Yeshe Tsogyal, and then proceeds to examine the practice itself, highlighting its special qualities and elaborating on many of its profound and subtle features.

The afternoon sessions will be held by Rigpa Practice Holders and will be dedicated to the practice of the Yumka Dechen Gyalmo sadhana, taking the time to go through it step by step, learning all the aspects of this practice together, and answering questions.

Khenpo Sönam Tsewang, Khen Rinpoche’s translator, may also offer review sessions.

WHO THIS RETREAT IS FOR

This event is open to students who have a knowledge of and familiarity with Vajrayana practice, and have received the empowerment of Yumka Dechen Gyalmo.

Please check that you fulfill the following requirements.

• You are a member of the Ngöndro or Dzogchen Mandala (this does not apply if you are the member of another sangha). If you feel you should be part of the Ngöndro Mandala but are not yet, please contact your local instructor to have an interview.
• You have already formally entered the Mahayana Buddhist path by taking Refuge and Bodhisattva vows;
• You have a solid foundation and experience of the principles and practices of the Mahayana;
• You have received extensive teachings (not just introductory ones) on all the ngöndro practices, including guru yoga.
• You have started your ngöndro accumulations and are on track to continue.
• You have a basic understanding of Vajrayana and some experience in practising sadhanas.
• You have already received the empowerment of Yumka Dechen Gyalmo. See the list on the Rigpa wiki.
  
  

HOW TO FOLLOW

The best is to join in person to attend the teachings and practices, clarification sessions and ritual aspects. It is also possible to follow the teachings live online on Prajna.

TEACHERS

Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche

Kyabjé Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche is the senior-most Khenpo in the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, and among the most important lineage holders in the Palyul tradition. Khen Rinpoche is one of the last of a generation of authentic Lamas who hold the pure lineage of the Nyingma tradition, both Kama and Terma.

Khen Rinpoche has been generously guiding the Rigpa sangha, in particular giving key teachings and transmissions from the Ngagyur Nyingma lineage over the last 15 years. We are incredibly fortunate that Khen Rinpoche supports the Rigpa sangha so closely.

More information

Khenpo Sönam Tsewang (translator and teacher)

Khenpo Sonam Tsewang is a Khenpo at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute, the advanced centre for Buddhist philosophical study at Namdroling Monastery, Bylakkuppe, India.

Khenpo is known to many Rigpa students as the translator for Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche with whom he travels extensively. Khenpo Sonam is known to have a deep understanding of western practitioners and has a great skill in presenting teachings in a uniquely clear way that connects traditional teachings to a western audience.

More information

PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE

08.00 - 08.30 Riwo Sangchö (optional)
09.00 - 11.00 Teachings by Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche
11.00 - 14.30 Break
14.30 - 16.30 Study & practice session with Rigpa Practice Holders or clarifications with Khenpo Sönam 
17.00 - 19.00 Daily Tendrel Nyesel Tsok (optional)

MORE INFORMATION

Please visit Rigpa’s Study & Practice page for more information.

Tags: PUBLIC, MEDITATION