Agenda: all events in 2012
We have set up a new and versatile programme for this year 2012. Mainpoints are the Praxis of Chod with all necessary Initiations, Teachings and Training-Courses.
March
March 09. to 11. 2012
GREEN TARA: INITIATION AND INTRODUCTION
Venerable Lodrö Rinpoche
Initiation and Introduction
Meditation and further Instructions with Claudia Webinger
Green Tara is one of the most popular Buddha figures of Tibetan Buddhism and her practice has been handed down for more than a thousand years. Tara has many aspects and, just like the Christian Maria, she is regarded as an embodiment of the Great Mother. Tara made a conscious decision to achieve enlightenment in the female body, to inspire all female beings. The Green Tara practice helps us to become free and to help others to become likewise. Tara embodies love and wisdom, active compassion, skillful means, fearlessness and the realization of all our wishes.
On Saturday, Lodrö Rinpoche will give the Green Tara initiation together with a short explanation. Claudia Webinger will introduce us to the Green Tara meditation, together with the foundational principles of Tibetan Buddhist practice i.e. visualization and mantra recitation.
In July, there will be a retreat on Green Tara and her 21 manifestations.
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March 17. 2012 11.00 to 12.30
INITIATION: WHITE TARA
Venerable Lodrö Rinpoche
White Tara represents long life and wisdom. She enables us to overcome difficulties which stand in the way of a long life. With her seven eyes she recognizes all phenomena. She is one of the most popular meditation deities of Tibet.
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Sunday, March 18. 2012, 11.00 bis 15.30
GO TO THE WILDEST PLACES
Amélie Schenk
Shamans and Nomads in Mongolia
Shamans are the original healers. They represent the primordial time in the present time. Their knowledge extends from the beginnings to the present and into the future. Retrospective and true to their traditions, they are often fiercely old fashioned and, at the same time, scarily up-todate. They surrender to change, acknowledge the web of life and the manner in which everything is connected, since the beginning of time and human memory.
The ethnologist and writer, Amélie Schenk talks about her meetings with shamans and what she has learned from them. She lives as a researching nomad in Mongolia, since more than 20 years, in the company of shamans. She will bring a bag
full of felts made by nomadic women and her books. The revenue from the sale of the felts goes directly to the women.
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March 23. to April 1. 2012
VAJRAYOGINI, COMMENTARY
Evening, March 23. 2012
Initiation into the White Heruka Chakrasamvara Long Life Practice
For whoever wishes to begin the practice of Mother Tantra, this empowerment of White Heruka Chakrasamvara - with two arms and consort - from the Ratna collection, provides a good entry.
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March 24. 2012
Initiation Vajrayogini (Anutarayoga Tantra)
Red Vajrayogini is the consort of Heruka Chakrasamvara and the essence of Mother Tantra. The practice, according to Master Naropa, is very popular in all the Tibetan Buddhist schools and has been intensively practiced by adepts, both men and women. The practice helps us to gain control over desire, attachment and bad habits. The commitment is to life long practice of a short sadhana of Vajrayogini.
In accordance with the wishes of his students, Lama Lodrö Rinpoche will give a commentary on the generation stage of the Red Vajrayogini practice.
We will be introduced to the great world of Mother Tantra, where the emphasis is on the development of Wisdom and the recognition of Emptiness.
This course will give us an essential understanding of the causes of suffering and the negative mental states of ignorance, hate and attachment and will form the basis for a later, further development of the theme. The teaching will end with a concluding ritual.
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April
April 03., 10. and 24. 2012
INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM
Venerable Bhikshuni Sönam Pälmo
Introduction to Buddhism and what it can mean for me in my everyday life…
Sönam Pälmo comes from the canton Obwalden and is an ordained Buddhist nun since 10 years. In an informal way, she gives an introduction to the foundational aspects of Buddhism. On the first evening, she will tell the story of Buddha‘s life. Then, at the next meeting, she will introduce the Four Noble Truths and, on the last evening, the Eightfold Path.
Sönam Pälmo will speak from her own experience and she will discuss essential points, which could be helpful in daily living, with the participants. Each evening session will conclude with a short meditation on the theme discussed.
3 evenings in April, from 19.00 to 21.00, It is possible to attend each of the three evenings
independently of the others.
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April 05. to 09. 2012
LAM RIM EASTER COURSE
Venerable Lodrö Rinpoche
The Venerable Lodrö Rinpoche expounds the theme, “the Four Immeasurable Meditations from the perspective of Lam Rim”. The translation for Lam Rim is “Stages on the Path to Enlightenment”. Both beginners and advanced practitioners will profit from the exploration, how we can channel deep spiritual longing, in order to harmonize the outer and inner worlds.
Lu Jong, body exercises with Tommi Schleiniger
During the course, there is the opportunity to learn Lu Jong – a body discipline – with Tommi Schleiniger, for one hour daily. Lu Jong was practiced in Tibet by monks, nuns and lay persons. It helps to keep the body supple and relaxed. Most of the exercises can be carried out by anyone.
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April 13. to 22. 2012
CHÖD 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WENSA CHÖD PRACTICE
Venerable Lodrö Rinpoche
April 13. 2012, ca 20.00
Initiation: Heruka Chakrasamvara Sahaja
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April 14. 2012, 9.30
Chöd Initiation: "Opening the Sky" in the Wensa Chöd-Tradition
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In this retreat, Lama Lodrö Rinpoche gives a thorough explanation of the Wensa Chöd practice. In practice sessions, we will be introduced to the drum technique and the songs of the Chöd tradition.
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April 25. to 26. 2012
BODHICITTA
IE Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche
spricht über Bodhicitta
Diese Veranstaltung ist nicht im Programmheft
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Mai
April 27. to May 13. 2012
MEDIZINBUDDHA
28. April 2012
Initiation: Medicine Buddha, the Great Mandala with 51 Deities
Venerable Lodrö Rinpoche
The Medicine Buddha Mandala has great healing powers and infinite blessings. The dark blue, lapis lazuli colored Buddha of healing activates in us insight, wisdom and loving kindness, all of which are essential for each and every healing process.
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Mantra Retreat of the Medicine Buddha
Leitung: Jörg Duckwitz
The Medicine Buddha Retreat is composed of the classic sequence of four daily sessions. The group conducts the sadhana/visualizations and the participants recite individually the deity mantras of the Medicine Buddha Mandala. The retreat closes with the traditional Fire Ritual offering under the leadership of the Ven. Lodrö Rinpoche.
The 3 x 3 meter mandala thangka was painted by the Swiss artist Katharina Rähmi over a period of six years. It is a beautiful image of the pure and perfect mandala of Medicine Buddha. We are very happy, that we can have this amazing thangka in the temple and meditation room, during the initiation and the retreat.
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May 16. to 20. 2012
HERUKA CHAKRASAMVARA GREAT INITIATION AND LECTURE LUIPA TRADITION
Seine Eminenz Dagyab Rinpoche
Einweihung Fünf Gottheiten Heruka Chakrasamvara Sahaja.
Einweihung Sitatapatri, Göttin mit dem weissen Schirm.
We are very happy to announce that His Eminence Dagyab Rinpoche, one of the highest Tibetan Buddhist dignitaries in Europe, will again give teachings in Ganden Chökhor. The central practice of this course is Heruka Chakrasamvara in the tradition of Master Luipa from the highest Tantra. Seine Eminenz Dagyab Rinpoche will give the great initiation and a short commentary.
These powerful Buddhist deity practice assist us in transforming our ordinary view. They help us to overcome inner obstacles and limitations of our mind as well as to recognize old habitual patterns, which block the clear perception of reality.
Furthermore, Seine Eminenz Dagyab Rinpoche will give us two other initiations: The two-armed Heruka Chakrasamvara with four Dakinis is also from the highest Tantra. The protection deity Sitatapatra from Kriya Tantra is a form of the deity White Tara. This is a very widespread practice in Mongolia, which protects from every kind of attack and obstacle.
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May 25. to 28. 2012
MILAREPA RETREAT
Venerable Lama Kunsang
Milarepa (1052 – 1135) is renowned as Tibet‘s greatest yogi. Jetsün Milarepa reached Enlightenment in a single lifetime. The story of his life and the “Hundred Thousand Songs” are pinnacles of Tibetan literature and spiritual thought, an essential inspiration for practitioners.
Ven. Lama Kunsang will give us teachings on the Milarepa practice, which we can then practice and apply in retreat. There are four sessions daily, which will assist us in deepening our commitment to the Dharma.
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Juni
June 01. to 03. 2012
TIBETAN THANGKA PEINTING: INTRODUCTION
A thangka is a Tibetan rolled painting with religious content. In the theoretical part of the seminar, we dedicate ourselves first of all to an understanding of images coming from ancient times. Then, we learn how thangkas come about, the significance of rolled pictures and the challenges the artist faces, both artistically and as regards content. Together, we will look at thangkas of various schools and styles.
In the practical part of the seminar, we will start by drawing the face of the Buddha in pencil, a wonderful experience. As a further exercise, we will draw Machig Labdrön, the foundress of Chöd. Previous experience is not required.
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June 08. to 17. 2012
CHÖD 2 SCHIWA LAMSAB-TRADITION
08. Juni 2012, ca 19.30 Uhr
Einweihung: Weisser Chakrasamvara aus der Sammlung "Geheime Visionen des Manjushri"
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09. Juni 2012, 9.30 Uhr
Einweihung: Himmelsöffnende Einweihung gemäss Schiwa Lamsab-Tradition.
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The “Chöd of the Whispered Transmission of the Dakinis”, known in Tibetan as “Schiwa Lamsab”, began in the 14th century and has been practiced and transmitted by great yogis and yoginis, especially of the Gelupa lineage, to this very day. This rare lineage of the Chöd is one of the main Chöd transmissions that we, in Ganden Chökhor, foster and practice.
Each morning, Lama Lodrö Rinpoche gives a commentary on the deep wisdom of the Chöd practice. During the afternoons, we practice the wonderful old melodies of the tradition of the oral transmission of the Dakinis. Each evening, we practice Chöd together with the Lama. We close the retreat all together, with a traditional ritual.
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June 21. to 24. 2012
AWAKENING THROUGH ALL THE SENSES
Sabine Hayoz Kalff
Assistant and Singing: Lisa Buschor
Meditation Course with Singing
What is meditation and why do we want to meditate? In order to awaken from the sleep of ignorance and illusion. But what does that mean? In order to find out, we need to be in a calm and concentrated state of mind. Therefore, during this course, we will practice the meditation of calm abiding, “Shiné” in Tibetan, “Shamata” in Sanskrit. Furthermore, we need to have a clear understanding and awakened senses; therefore we practice mindfulness (Dren-pa/Sati), here especially through sensory awareness. We sing mantras and songs that touch our hearts. Each liberating insight is connected to an open heart and the experience of love and compassion.
A meditation seminar with silent (25 minutes long) and guided meditations, mantra singing and songs, exercises with the five senses in nature and daily dharma talks. A clear and structured daily routine with harmonious alterations between silence and sound, inside and outside. The exercises bear a relationship to our everyday lives and later, can be integrated and applied with ease. With the exception of group discussions and one-on-one interviews, this course will be conducted in silence. The course is also suitable for beginners.
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June 28. to July 01. 2012
HOW TO LIVE, SO WE CAN DIE IN A BETTER WAY
What if I were to die today? Would I be ready?
We prepare for the holidays but not for this important moment.
And even if we are not afraid to die, we can still concern ourselves with giving meaning to our lives, so we do not die with feelings of guilt and regret.
Tibetan Buddhism offers us paths and methods, to familiarize ourselves with the fact, that we must all die and how to prepare the mind for the approaching, inevitable transition. One can learn and apply these methods, without necessarily becoming a Buddhist, thereby helping oneself and others, to deal with these challenging moments.
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Juli
July 06. to 15. 2012
THE PRINCIPLES OF LAM RIM
Geshe Lobsang Palden
the abbot of Sera Monastery, one of the largest Tibetan monasteries in exile in India
July 07. and 08. 2012
Initation: 9 Deities Buddha Hayagriva with Consort
Buddha Hayagriva is a wrathful emanation of the Buddha Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion. This powerful aspect confronts negativities and attachment to bad habits. It also symbolizes active compassion in the most difficult of circumstances. The practice is from the highest Yoga Tantra and the initiation is coupled with life long practice commitments.
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July 09. to 15. 2012
Lam Rim Erklärungen eines Lehrmeisters aus dem Kloster Sera in Südindien.
Venerable Geshe Lobsang Palden is a great capacity in the field of Lam Rim. He will give us profound insights into the principles of Lam Rim, the Stages on the Path to Enlightenment. For seven days, we will listen to commentaries on Lam Rim. Geshe Lobsang Palden will speak in Tibetan and will be accompanied by a translator.
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July 15. to 22. 2012
RETREAT 21 TARA
Einweihung in die 21 Taras
Venerable Lodrö RinpocheVenerable Lodrö Rinpoche will give the initiation of the 21 Taras according to Master Atisha in preparation for the subsequent retreat.
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21 Tara Retreat unter der Leitung von
Claudia Webinger
The practice of Green Tara with her 21 Emanations is a system of practice from the Buddhist Tantra. Tara‘s qualities are speed, courage, compassion and the capacity to act and change.
We approach these qualities through our practice. The 21 Taras point to our own potential for awakening and are an expression of our Buddha nature. Green Tara can be best compared to the Christian Mother Mary, a source of refuge and inspiration.
This practice was carried out and perfected by many adepts of Tibetan Buddhism. Therefore, it appears in all schools and at all stages of the path.
During four daily sessions we will meditate on the entire mandala of Green Tara surrounded by the 21 Taras, and familiarize ourselves with the individual Taras by means of special visualizations and mantras. Claudia Webinger will introduce the various Tara aspects and guide meditations and creative exercises on the 21 Taras.
The retreat will end with a great fire puja led by
Lama Lodrö Rinpoche.
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July 23. to August 04. 2011
SUMMER HOLIDAYS, GUESTS ARE WELCOMME!
Sommerferien Angebot im Waldhotel Pradaschier for Guests and Interested Persons
August
August 05. to 10. 2012
INTRODUCTION TO TIBETAN BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY
In this continuation course on Buddhist philosophy, Venerable Lama Pargang Rinpoche will introduce us to the high art of philosophizing. The young Pargang Rinpoche is a great capacity in this area. We are very happy, that he will teach at Ganden for the second time.
Until recently, this highly demanding topic was taught only to nuns and monks in the monasteries, studying for the title of “Geshe” - the equivalent of a university Ph.D. Pargang Rinpoche‘s light and humorous manner of teaching is a real pleasure.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama supports the contemporary trend of introducing lay people to the themes of philosophy. It can facilitate a deeper understanding of emptiness, from a philosophical point of view.
The course can be attended by beginners or advanced students.
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August 17. to 26. 2012
CHÖD 3 WENSA TRADITION
August 18. 2012
Einweihung Rote Simhamukha Sang Drup, geheimer Aspekt
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The practice of the Wensa Chöd will be complemented and deepened in this, the 3rd module of the Chöd Training. Each morning Ven. Lodrö Rinpoche will give commentaries on the profound wisdom of Chöd. In this course, we will practice the lovely Wensa Chöd melody of his Holiness Khalka Jetsün Dhampa Rinpoche. During the afternoons, we will sing and drum the Chöd alone or in groups in nature or in the house. We will end the day with a Chöd practice together with Lodrö Rinpoche. On Sunday, Rinpoche will close the retreat with the traditional concluding prayer.
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September
September 07. to 16. 2012
CHÖD RETREAT FOR EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONERS
September 07. to 08. 2012
Initiation: Guhyasamaja Manjushri Vajra
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Sunday morning September 09. 2012
Initiation six-armed Mahakala
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Lama Lodrö Rinpoche leads the 14th successive Chöd Retreat which is dedicated this year, to the Schiwa Lamsab lineage. He will explain texts from the great yogini Machig Labdrön.
In the mornings, we will receive teachings from Lodrö Rinpoche and before the evening meal we will practice Chöd together with him. During the afternoons and after the evening meals, we will do individual practice outside or inside, depending on the weather.
Thanka painting with Katharina Rähmi
This year, we have the special opportunity to make a drawing of Machig Lapdrön under the direction of the artist and thangka painter Katharina Rähmi. There will be 2 – 3 hours available for this each afternoon.
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Sunday September 23. 2012, 10.00 to 17.00
DEALING WITH EMOTIONS, A INTRODUCTION TO LOJONG
Life would be a lot simpler if we had our emotions under control. We would be unburdened, freer. A deeper understanding of the Nature of Mind can enrich our perspective. The course leads us to an understanding of the deeper interrelationships of the mind and how Lojong can support us in our everyday lives.
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Oktober
Oktober 17. to 21. 2012
QIGONG FOR MEDITATORS
Qigong is a thousands of years old, holistic, healing practice for body and soul. It originates in China and is regarded as the forerunner of Chinese medicine. It also used to be practiced in Chinese Taoist and Buddhist monasteries, as a preparation for meditation.
Qigong is composed of many different exercises which vary in their effect and the manner in which they are practiced. Nevertheless, all the techniques activate the Qi, or life force, causing it to circulate. Qigong exercises are movements, executed in a meditative and softly flowing manner, with the help of conscious breathing and mindfulness; hence the holistic effect of these exercises. These exercises have a relaxing and stress reducing effect on the body. Furthermore, our energies are rebalanced and blocks are dissolved resulting in a more calm state of mind.
During this course, we will learn simple movement exercises, complemented by Qigong self-massages and Acupressure. This can help to alleviate many ailments which can occur in daily living, like headaches, eye problems, tightness in the neck and shoulders and backaches.
This course is also suited for beginners.
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Oktober 26. to 28. 2012
MIND TRAINING IN EIGHT VERSES
The Mind Training in Eight Verses by Geshe Langri Thanpa (1054 – 1123) is a famous text of the great Kadampa Master from Tibet. He was an authority in the area of mind training and was acknowledged to be a manifestation of Buddha Amithaba, the Buddha of Compassion.
On Saturday evening we celebrate all together the birthday of our teacher Lodrö Rinpoche with a Ghanachakra. Everyone is very welcome.
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Oktober 28. 2012, 9.30 to 12.30
BUDDHA NAGARAJASHORA
Before his enlightenment, Buddha Nagarajashora had a strong connection to the Nagas, the possessors of the earth. If the earth is wounded or mistreated, it can result in illnesses among both people and animals. The earth is injured through pollution and the destruction of the environment and its natural resources. In order to restore the natural equilibrium, the practice of the Buddha and Healer Nagarajashora is very relevant. In Tibet, this practice is known to have cured serious illnesses like leprosy. This practice is of increasing importance for our times.
After the initiation and a short pause, Lama Lodrö Rinpoche will carry out a three-tiered purification practice with Buddha Nagarajashora for the participants, as well as for the valley and the environment.
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November
November 02. to 04. 2012
GODDESSES OF THE MOUNTAINS, LAKES, WOODS AND TOWNS
Elke Hessel will give an overview of the fascinating and diverse origination stories and appearances of local Tibetan goddesses, associated with mountains, rivers and lakes, woods and towns, who mainly have a protective function. These goddesses often originate in pre-Buddhist times and are equally honored and feared by their believers. Are these female beings confined to the Tibetan cultural milieu or are they a global phenomenon, which manifests in various forms? Have we, in the 21st Century, lost contact with these forces? We will feel our way into these questions.
Lecture, discussion and meditation will alternate during each session of the course. Weather allowing, we will also hold some sessions outdoors.
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December
December 01. to 09. 2012
CHÖD NIGHT RETREAT, SHIWA LAMSAB TRADITION
For seven nights, we will practice intensively the long Schiwa Lamsab Chöd practice in four sessions and between the sessions we will practice the sadhana of Prajnaparamita, the Mother of Wisdom. We will sleep during the day. This is an old, traditional, retreat form.
Lama Lodrö Rinpoche will be present during the entire retreat and will take part in some of the sessions. After a week of intensive practice, he will give the initiation of Tröma Nagmo – the wrathful black Dakini – to the retreat group, in accordance with the Schiwa Lamsab Tradition (Anuttarayoga Tantra).
The prerequisites for participation in the retreat is the Chöd initiation as well as familiarity with playing the drum and bell in the Schiwa Lamsab Tradition.
Participation is possible after consultation with Lama Lodrö Rinpoche. If you are interested, please contact Samdup Dölma Ling Center in Erlenbach (Tel +41 44 910 13 55)
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Troughout the Year
SITTING IN SILENCE
Meditation every Thursday evening.
Mindfulness is the instrument, which tunes us to the music of unmitigated awareness. Sitting in silence helps us to connect with our essential nature and is part of the traditional spiritual paths of ancient cultures and religions.
Sitting in silence is an invitation to all who would like to sit with others in silence and follow the movement of their breathing. There will be a short introduction at the beginning of each session.
This offer is open to all. No previous experience is required nor is regular attendance a necessity.
Sitting in silence happens throughout the year, whenever the other course programs allow.
Please register in advance: (Tel. 081 356 22 80)
Venerable Lodrö Rinpoche is the spiritual Gide of the Dharmacenter.