INNER FREEDOM
"Buddha taught many different methods to purify non-virtuous actions, downfalls and broken commitments, but the supreme method is the practice of meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva. This practice is a scientific method to purify our mind and transform it from an impure mind into a pure mind using Tantric technology."
- Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, The Oral Instructions of Mahamudra
REGISTER NOW FOR THE EMPOWERMENT OF BUDDHA VAJRASATTVA WITH KADAM MORTEN, SATURDAY - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 - 7.
Please note: in person bookings are sold out for this event.
$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, 11/09
EVERYONE WELCOME
This event is suitable for beginners to more experienced Buddhist meditation practitioners
About the Weekend
An empowerment is a blessing ritual and guided meditation through which we make a deep connection with a Buddha and create the cause to actualize that Buddha's enlightened state.
The empowerment of Buddha Vajrasattva will enable us to commune directly with Vajrasattva's mind and to receive purification through his blessings. This powerful experience gives us a taste of the inner freedom and radiant universal love experienced by an enlightened mind. Such a taste, even though it initially may be brief, is invaluable. It allows us to see what is possible and naturally empowers us to want to use our life fully in the service of actualizing our potential.
During the commentaries, Kadam Morten will explain the purification practice of Vajrasattva. This skillful and creative practice allows us to connect with the natural potential in our mind, to heal the wounds of the past, and to free ourselves from old and painful habits of thinking and acting. Through purifying our mind gradually we experience a wonderful lightness and inner freedom. We are free to live a life based on wisdom and love, to experience a truly joyful heart and to become the person we really wish to be.
The Schedule: Four Sessions Over Two Days, November 6th - 7th
Saturday, November 6th: Empowerment: 10:30am - 12:30pm, commentary 1: 2:30 - 4:00pm
Sunday, November 7th: Meditation: 10:00 - 11:00am, commentary 2: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Who is Buddha Vajrasattva?
Buddha Vajrasattva is a manifestation of Buddha Vajradhara, the founder of Vajrayana Buddhism.
Generally we say Buddha Shakyamuni is the founder of Buddhism in this world. However, there were two types of teachings he taught. The Sutra teachings came from Buddha Shakyamuni, but when he taught the Tantric teachings he manifested as Buddha Vajradhara, who is therefore seen as the founder of Tantric Buddhism. The Tantric teachings are the quick path to enlightenment, by which we can attain enlightenment in this very life.
Vajrasattva is the purified consciousness of all the Buddhas. His special function is to purify our minds. By relying sincerely on Buddha Vajrasattva we can purify ourselves and become a completely pure being, just like Buddha Vajrasattva. When we have completely purified our mind there will be no further basis for us to experience any kind of pain or suffering.
Many causes and conditions have to come together to allow an event such as this to appear in this world. It is incredibly rare good fortune to receive this empowerment and teachings that enable us to transform our karma, and draw close to Buddha Vajrasattva.
The Sadhana (Prayers)
During the weekend, we will be using Meditation & Recitation of Solitary Vajrasattva prayers. You can purchase the prayer booklet, including the paperback or digital version as well as the audio recording through Tharpa Publications.
Post Empowerment Retreat
"Vajrasattva Retreat" - A One-day Retreat with Kadam Morten
Saturday, November 13th, 10:00am - 1:45pm (includes Q&A)
In follow-up to the empowerment, Kadam Morten will guide a one-day's retreat on on the purification practice of Buddha Vajrasattva, and how to incorporate this sublime practice into your daily life.
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.