WISDOM PROTECTION
"A Dharma Protector is an emanation of a Buddha or a Bodhisattva whose main functions are to avert the inner and outer obstacles that prevent practitioners from gaining spiritual realizations, and to arrange all the necessary conditions for their practice ... These Protectors have great power to protect Buddhadharma and its practitioners, but the extent to which we receive help from them depends upon our faith and conviction in them ... If we rely upon Dorje Shugden with unwavering faith he will care for us just like a father caring for his children."
- Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Heart Jewel
REGISTER NOW:
$70 PER PERSON
$35 for supporting members of Kadampa Meditation Center NYC (use code when booking)
REPLAYS AVAILABLE
The empowerment is not available as a replay. The teachings and meditation are available as replays until 11:59pm Tues, 04/05
EVERYONE WELCOME
This event is suitable for beginners to more experienced Buddhist meditation practitioners
About the Weekend
Buddhas manifest in many different aspects in order to benefit living beings, for example, as Avalokiteshvara to help us develop compassion, or as Manjushri to help us develop wisdom. And to help living beings overcome their obstacles and gather the necessary outer and inner conditions for practice, they manifest as a Dharma Protector.
Dorje Shugden is the special Dharma Protector of our Kadampa Buddhist tradition. For us, he is the same nature as the Wisdom Buddha, Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of our lineage. By relying on him we receive special blessings and protection that enable us to progress swiftly along the spiritual path. Venerable Geshe Kelsang has said that he owes all his spiritual success to the blessings of Dorje Shugden.
The empowerment is a blissful guided meditation in which we develop a deep connection with this Buddha and during which we receive powerful blessings that will enable us to quickly actualize our own potential for Enlightenment.
During the commentary Kadam Morten will explain how we can rely upon Dorje Shugden in our daily life and practice. By coming under the care of this compassionate enlightened Dharma Protector, we feel we have a powerful friend and spiritual ally guiding and protecting us in all things. In particular the practice of Dorje Shugden gives us a special skill in transforming obstacles into our spiritual training. Understanding the nature and function of Dorje Shugden will naturally enhance our understanding and appreciation of the special alchemy that is the essence of our Modern Buddhist tradition.
Everyone welcome!
The Schedule: Four Sessions Over Two Days, April 2nd - 3rd
Saturday, April 2nd: Empowerment: 10:30am - 12:30pm, commentary 1: 2:30 - 4:00pm
Sunday, April 3rd: Meditation: 10:00 - 11:00am, commentary 2: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Who is Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden?
"Dorje Shugden will bless our minds to help us transform difficult situations into the spiritual path, and he will open the wisdom eyes of his faithful followers, enabling them always to make the right decisions. Although physically they may find themselves alone, inwardly those who put their trust in him will never be apart from a powerful ally and a wise and compassionate guide."
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Heart Jewel
The Sadhana (Prayers)
During the weekend, we will be using three different sadhanas: Heart Jewel, Wishfulfilling Jewel and Prayers for Meditation. You can purchase the prayer booklets, including the paperback or digital versions as well as the audio recording through Tharpa Publications.
Follow Up Empowerment Retreat:
Heart Jewel Retreat
Saturday, April 9th, 10:00am - 1:30pm + Q&A
In follow-up to the empowerment, Kadam Morten will guide a half-day retreat on Heart Jewel, the heart practice of the New Kadampa Tradition, with particular emphasis on the prayers we can make each day to Wisdom Protector, Dorje Shugden requesting his protecting and blessings.
Kadam Morten is a senior disciple of renowned teacher and author Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. He is the National Spiritual Director and principal teacher at the largest meditation center in New York City (NYC Kadampa Meditation Center). Kadam Morten is greatly admired as a meditation teacher and is especially known for his clarity, humor and inspirational presentation of Dharma. His teachings are always practical and easy to apply to everyday life. Through his gentle and joyful approach and his peaceful example, he has helped many people find true happiness in their hearts.