Alchemical transformations in the Dordogne

The last two weeks of a still balmy August saw the completion of this year’s summer school with Lama Jampa Thaye at our European retreat centre in France, Sakya Changlochen Ling. Around 100 people from the USA, Mexico, Germany, Poland, Ireland and the UK came together for this important course.

During the first week, Lama Jampa gave teachings on the ‘Seven Points of Mind Training’, a cycle of pithy, direct and practical teachings to transform the mind.  To explain the text, he relied upon a beautifully composed commentary by Karma Thinley Rinpoche entitled ‘Dispelling the Darkness of Suffering’. In this, Rinpoche illuminates how skill in philosophical texts and ritual practice of vajrayana cannot lead to spiritual realisation without the inner transformation that widens our view from our own happiness to focusing instead on the happiness of others. In this system, we put ourselves in others’ shoes, wishing to give all happiness to them and take on their sufferings. This is done with an attitude of uncompromising and fearless joy, understanding that this is precisely the means of developing both the compassion and wisdom that lead to buddhahood, through dispelling the illusion of self.

This teaching also shows how our encounters with the circumstances of our own minds, lives and with others are essential ingredients for genuine practice, for without these, it is simply not possible to develop such qualities as patience. Also during the first week, Lama Jampa gave the initiations of Manjushri Lion Speech and Namgyalma, whose practices are beneficial for increasing wisdom and long life respectively as aids to the buddhist path.

For more photos, view the gallery here.

For the second week, the focus was on vajrayana practice. With the encouragement of Karma Thinley Rinpoche, Lama Jampa Thaye taught Rinpoche‘s own commentary on Vajrayogini practice together with bestowing the blessings of the goddess. This is the very first time that the transmission of these detailed and extensive teachings has been given in the West. Attendance at the week of teaching was limited to those who had previously received a major initiation of Chakrasamvara or Hevajra from HH Sakya Gongma Trichen or HH Ratna Vajra Rinpoche. Over 40 people came to receive these special teachings together, thus greatly deepening their dharma practice.

Those not attending the formal course came to the regular Chenrezik pujas, as well as practising together, visiting other important centres for dharma in the area and making the most of the beautiful rivers and scenery of the Perigord Noir. Look out for more news and pictures on how some of the children spent their time together under the sun in the Dordogne.

After another extraordinary summer, we look forward to welcoming Lama Jampa Thaye back to Sakya Changlochen Ling in 2025.