Bodhicharya Kent Day Retreat on Tonglen with Andy Lowe

52 Swan Street, West Malling, ME19 6LW, United Kingdom, 30th October 10:00 – 17:00

We are excited to welcome back Andy Lowe to Bodhicharya Kent after his well-received Community Talk in July, this time to lead a Day Retreat on the meditation practice of Tonglen.

The Origins of Tonglen

The acclaimed Buddhist master Atisha Dipankara Shrijnana born in Bengal India in 982 CE, gave the transmission of Tonglen to Tibetan Kadampa master Langri Thangpa sometime after 1100CE. The practice then became more well known when Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje(1101-1175CE) summarised the transmission in his “Lojong” or seven points of mind training.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is said to practice Tonglen every day, has said of the practice:

“Whether this meditation really helps others or not, it gives me peace of mind. Then I can be more effective, and the benefit is immense.” – HH the Dalai Lama

Tonglen is a unique and profound method of meditation that at once works on our mind poisons of ignorance, grasping and aversion and reveals our innate wisdom, love, compassion and skilful means. When trained well, a practioner becomes adept at transforming all adversity into opportunities to cultivate these enlightened qualities for their benefit and the benefit of all others.

The Day

10.00 to 10.15
Introductions and overview of the day

10.15 to 11.15

The four ways to change the mind
with a 24 minute video by Ken Holmes

11.15 to 11.30
Break

11.30 to 11.45
One short Shinay meditation session

11.45 to 12.30
Second short Shinay followed by discussion of issues when doing meditation whether beginner or experienced meditation practitioners

12.30 to 13.30

Lunch

PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE A BRING AND SHARE VEGAN/VEGETARIAN LUNCH

13.30 to 14.30
An introduction to the roots and practice of Tonglen with two 24 minute videos from Ken Holmes

14.30 to 14.45
Break

14.45 to 15.15
A short guided Tonglen for our selves

15.15 to 15.45
A short guided Tonglen for our loved ones

15.45 to 16.00
Break

16.00 to 17.00
Participation in a special 50 minute Tonglen on audio led by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

Q and A session

*Ken Holmes is the director of studies at the Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland. He was the first westerner to be recognised by Akong Tulku Rinpoche to be a western Lama

PLEASE EMAIL BK.MEDITATE@GMAIL.COM TO RECEIVE THE SUPPORTING MATERIALS FOR THE DAY, THANK YOU

Andy Lowe

Andy has recently relocated to Maidstone in Kent from Bangkok and has been a student of Ringu Tulku Rinpoche for more than 30 years. In Glasgow he ran the Samye Dzong centre for Akong Rinpoche for 15 years and in Bangkok for 18 years he has been part of the Little Bangkok Sangha, which he continues to attend via Zoom. Andy is also a trustee of Ringu Tulku Rinpoche’s Rigul Trust Charity, founded by Margaret Richardson.

Where

In Person

St. Benedict’s Centre
52 Swan Street
West Malling
ME19 6JX,
United Kingdom

Online

The day will also be streamed online, so if you cannot make it in-person please do Zoom in:

Join Zoom Meeting:

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89795662518?pwd=VW9GVC9pTjExZ0gwTzhoVmJJWlZqdz09

Meeting ID: 897 9566 2518

Password: 700887

When

09:00-17:00

Dana (Suggested donation)

A voluntary donation of £20 (if you can) to keep the group self-sustainable and support its activities. Your presence is always valued more than your money.

You can donate here, thank you for your generosity.

Any questions?

Get in touch here or by emailing us at bk.meditate@gmail.com if you have any questions at all, thank you.

Looking forward to seeing you then!

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche’s visit to Bodhicharya Kent, 14^th – 16^th October 2022

The Three Yanas (Vehicles) of Buddhism: Helping Ourselves and the World

Corn Exchange, Northgate, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LS

Over this long weekend, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche will introduce the Three Yanas of Buddhism, the Sravakayana, the Mahayana and the Vajrayana. Rinpoche will explain how studying and practising the teachings and methods of these three vehicles can bring immense benefit to our lives and the world.

Whether you are new to Buddhism or a seasoned practitioner, these teachings will provide a great overview by a teacher who is well-known and well-loved around the world and has been teaching in the West for more than 30 years. Rinpoche has an accessible and down to earth teaching style, which is perfectly suited to the western mind and way of life. Rinpoche’s warmth, clarity, humour and skilful way with words always make teachings with him not only illuminating and deeply meaningful but also a joy to be present for.

Rinpoche will also bestow the Vajrasattva Empowerment of Purification for all those who are interested in making a connection to the Vajrayana, this particular practice as part of your personal sadhana or as a blessing.

On Friday Rinpoche will be giving individual and group interviews, please see below for more details and we look forward to welcoming you soon.

Friday 14^th October 2022 – Individual and Group Interviews with Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

Please note, the interview time slots are now FULL, please email to be put on the waiting list, apologies and thank you for your understanding.

Rinpoche will be giving individual and group interviews on this day during two sittings:

14:00 – 15:30

17:00 – 18:30

Please email uk@bodhicharya.org to book, stating your preferred sitting and if you are booking as an individual or as a group, thank you and we will be back in touch with your time and the location which is very close to the Corn Exchange.

It is customary to make an offering to Rinpoche when having an interview as a token of appreciation and connection, however it is also not necessary and is up to you. If you would like to make an offering, then Rinpoche has asked for donations to Rigul Trust, his charity that provides food, medicine, education and amenities to the children and monastics in Rigul, Tibet, where Rinpoche is from, thank you. Please make any offerings to Rigul Trust directly on the website here, thank you.

Saturday 15^th and Sunday 16^th October 2022 – The Three Yanas (Vehicles) of Buddhism: Helping Ourselves and the World

Corn Exchange, Northgate, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LS

Please note the venue has a large capacity, so there is room for all. If you are just reading this, then don’t worry there is room for you so please do come along, we would love to see you there.

Please see here for the prayers that will be used during the weekend (they are the first in the list: Refuge Prayer…)

Seats will be provided and there will be space for sitting on a cushion, however provided cushions will be limited. If you have your own cushion and are able to bring it, then please do so to guarantee you can sit on a cushion if you prefer, thank you.

Saturday 15^th October

Arrival from 10:30

The Sravakayana (The Foundation Vehicle)

11:00 – 12:30

Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga with Mary Heneghan (in-person only)

12:40 – 13:25

Mary Heneghan will offer a short session of Kum Nye Tibetan yoga. It is suitable for all and will include some basic bodywork, mindful movement, relaxation, and meditation.

The Mahayana (The Great Vehicle)

14:30 – 16:00

Sunday 16^th October

Arrival from 10:30

The Vajrayana (The Indestructible Vehicle)

11:00 – 12:30

Tai Chi Movement for Wellbeing with Stuart Mcleod (in-person only)

12:40 – 13:25

Stuart McLeod will offer a short session of Tai Chi Movement for Wellbeing. It is suitable for all and will include moving and breathing with awareness, allowing the mind and body to rebalance.

Refuge Ceremony, Bodhisattva Vows and Vajrasattva Empowerment (in-person only)

14:30 – 16:30

Please note that this session will not be streamed, thank you for your understanding.

If you would like to take Refuge, then please email your name to uk@bodhicharya.org

Suggested Donations for the Weekend

Due to Rinpoche only recently getting his UK visa, these teachings have been arranged at very short notice and with great expense. Bodhicharya UK, of which Bodhicharya Kent is a part, and its activities operates solely on donations and the voluntary work of its members. As a charity registered with the UK Charity Commission (1190768), your donation will be eligible for Gift Aid, if you work and pay tax in the UK, so if this applies to you, then please do tick that option, thank you.

Dharma teachings are open to everyone and there are no financial barriers to receiving them, however we also need to cover our costs, therefore we are suggesting three options below based on your personal circumstances, thank you for your generosity.

Your presence is valued more than your financial contribution, so if you are unable to make one of the suggested donation amounts, then please email uk@bodhicharya.org, thank you.

Option 1 £30 per day or £60 for the weekend

Option 2 £25 per day or £50 for the weekend

Option 3 £20 per day of £40 for the weekend

Please click here for ways to donate and once selected put in your preferred amount, thank you for your generosity and we are looking forward to welcoming you soon.

Bodhicharya UK will make a donation to Rinpoche, however if you would like to make a personal donation in addition to the donation for the organised event then you can do so here, thank you.

Attending online

Sessions 1, 2 and 3 will also be streamed online, so if you cannot make it in-person, then please do Zoom in:

Getting Here

Where to stay for your visit

We are very much looking forward to this weekend with Rinpoche, wider UK sangha and friends old and new. We look forward to welcoming you all soon!

Bodhicharya Kent Day Retreat with Tsering Paldron

The Heart Nectar

52 Swan Street, West Malling, ME19 6LW, United Kingdom 09th October 2022, 10:00 – 17:00

When

10:00 to 17:00

Dana (Suggested donation)

A voluntary donation of £20 (if you can) to keep the group self-sustainable and support its activities. Your presence is always valued more than your money.

You can donate here, thank you for your generosity.

Get in touch here or by emailing us at bk.meditate@gmail.com if you have any questions at all, thank you.

Looking forward to seeing you then!

How Familiarity with Inner Potential Empowers our Outlook with Tsering Paldron

Rochester Quakers, Kent, United Kingdom 11th October 2022, 20:00 – 21:30

We are very happy to announce the return of popular teacher, Tsering Paldron, to our Tuesday night study, meditation and reflection evenings here in Rochester, Kent. We have missed her warmth, insight and presence.

Tsering will speak about how becoming familiar with our inner, innate potential can inspire and empower out outlook in life and help alleviate the sense of inner lack and powerlessness we may feel at times.

A Typical Evening

Refuge
Meditation
Dharma Talk/Reading
Q&A Discussion
Meditation
Dedication

Where

In Person

Quaker Meeting House
Northgate
Rochester
ME1 1LS
United Kingdom

Online

The day will also be streamed online, so if you cannot make it in-person please do Zoom in:

Zoom link:

Meeting ID: 897 9566 2518

Password: 700887

When

20:00 to 21:30

Dana (Suggested donation)

A voluntary donation of £10 (if you can) to keep the group self-sustainable and support its activities. Your presence is always valued more than your money.

You can donate here, thank you for your generosity.

Get in touch here or by emailing us at bk.meditate@gmail.com if you have any questions at all, thank you.

Looking forward to seeing you then!