Author Archives for Rachel Deeming
February 4, 2026 6:34 pm
Published by Rachel Deeming
At the end of January, Sakya Buddhist Centre Bristol hosted the first of this year’s major teaching events in the UK by Lama Jampa Thaye. Defying the storms and rain, over 100 people gathered to receive transformative teachings on mind training and the Vajrayana initiation of White Tara. In the morning, Lama Jampa gave teachings on the ‘Mind Training of Birwapa’. Birwapa was one of the 84 great realised Vajrayana masters of India, who flourished in between the 8th and 11th centuries. He is also known for being the source of the ‘Path and its Fruit’, a system of teachings central to the Sakya tradition. In just two paragraphs, he explains how to train in both the compassionate and wisdom aspects of the thought of enlightenment (bodhichitta) in a direct and practical way that brings even the greatest difficulties into our Buddhist practice to overcome the real enemy – privileging self. Birwapa points out that those who harm us are their own worst enemy, the architects of their future suffering. Not only that, but this same person who now harms us has shown us the kindness of a mother time and again, going to the ends of the earth for us. Remembering this, we train to wish them to be completely free of suffering, finally extending this wish to all beings, whether near and far, known or unknown. As Lama Jampa remarked, we begin with the particular and then extend out so our practice is sincere. In the words of Birwapa: “Consider with compassion all the kind ones who protected one with love from beginningless time. Although this one may now be harmful, previously they were my mother countless times and thus achieved by benefit.” In the practice we then go further, wishing to take on the sufferings of others,…
November 23, 2025 12:24 am
Published by Rachel Deeming
There was a great feeling of warmth and friendship on coming together at Poulstone Court amid the autumnal tones in Herefordshire. This was our 9th Annual Chenrezik Retreat, and we were all mourning the loss of our Centre Co-ordinator, David Armstrong, after his recent passing. He set a great example in demonstrating impermanence, and with this reminder, we began our weekend focussing on compassion and the benefit of all beings. The sadhana or practice, ‘For the Benefit of Beings Filling Space’, was composed by Tangtong Gyalpo, a great siddha also known in Tibetan as Chak Zampa (literally, the ‘Iron Bridge One’), who lived in the 14th and 15th centuries. As it says in the meditation instruction, “If we meditate wholeheartedly on Chenrezik, his blessing will transform our lives, ultimately leading to buddhahood, as well as transforming the lives of those around us.” With David in mind, the wide open space of the shrine room and the extensive landscape surrounding Poulstone Court, inspired our ability to practise this beautiful sadhana. “I’m so happy to be reunited once again in this calming, spacious, harmonious environment – a beautiful place for a special practice with our dharma family” “This was my first experience of Poulstone Court in beautiful, tranquil surroundings—both inside and out. Mercifully we were well insulated from the incessant blizzard of white noise emanating from social media. Delicious food—truly all that one requires on a retreat.” We all benefitted from the various questions that the session leaders skifully managed, enabling deeper connection to the practice and its benefits. The varied understanding and experience of others helped us in our practice. Supporting our sitting practice was bountiful tasty food and kind supportive company. We had a (slightly longer than expected!) sunny walk through the Wye Valley, enabling connection, conversation and camaraderie with…
October 25, 2025 10:51 pm
Published by Rachel Deeming
The recent autumn teachings weekend on 18 October with Lama Jampa Thaye in Bristol was even more significant this year. With it, Lama Jampa taught the final part of ‘Discriminating the Three Vows’ by Sakya Pandita, a series which started back in London in November 2022. Throughout the day we were also reminded of the continued presence of our excellent, long standing Co-ordinator, David Armstrong, who passed away on 20 September, aged 69. Over 100 people came together for this event, travelling by plane, train and automobile. Many who came were from Dechen centres and groups; we also made connections with dharma friends from other centres too. Discriminating the Three Vows conclusion Throughout this text, Sakya Pandita explains with absolute clarity how to practise the Buddhist path without falling into confusion and error. In his gentle yet uncompromising style, Sakya Pandita deals with the various mistaken ideas and practices prevalent in his time, which, over 700 years later, we still encounter today. As Sakya Pandita says, “Since his [the Buddha’s] time, there have been numerous waxings and wanings of the doctrine due the differences that exist between wise men and fools.” In this final part on the Vajrayana vow, Sakya Pandita shows how this process of clarifying the dharma has been a necessity since the time of the Buddha, shadowed as he was by his jealous cousin, Devadatta. He also points out the need to check both teachings and teachers to make sure they are in line with what the Buddha taught, just as “…in the selection of food and drink for a single day, one applies a variety of tests for quality”. Even in Sakya Pandita’s time, the presence of a large, devoted following was no guarantee of an authentic master! Initiation of the wisdom deity, White Saraswati Fortunately…
September 15, 2025 12:01 am
Published by Rachel Deeming
News from the annual Dechen Summer Course in France at Sakya Changlochen Ling. This summer, many places have seen fierce heat, parched fields and sudden, heavy bursts of rain. The wild and beautiful Dordogne in France is often witness to such dramatic changes, leading to vivid sunsets and misty dawns. It was in this setting that Lama Jampa Thaye gave teachings on Shantideva’s classic guide to the Buddhist path, the Bodhicharyavatara or ‘Entering the Bodhisattva Conduct’. Over the two weeks, people of all backgrounds and ages from the US, Mexico, Europe, the UK and Ireland encountered Shantideva’s beautiful and straight down the line poetry, taught with clarity, warmth and humour by Lama Jampa, relying on the structured and detailed commentary by Sakya master, Sonam Tsemo, translated by Adrian O’Sullivan. Whether directly or indirectly, I should do nothing apart from benefitting beings. Through the first seven chapters of this work, Shantideva guides travellers on the path from the first glimmers of bodhichitta, the thought of enlightenment focused on buddhahood for others, through renunciation and regret for unskilful actions, to joyful effort, the fourth of the Six Perfections, where we are inspired to engage in beneficial actions… …like an elephant tormented by the midday sun plunging into a lake. Lama Jampa also gave the vajrayana initiations of Manjushri and Chenrezik Mahamudra, whose practice formed a key aspect of the course, joining compassion with experiential wisdom. Alongside the daily programme, there was time to chat over coffee (often kindly sponsored – much to the delight of those in need of mid morning caffeine!), play and enjoy music, thread mala beads and even to play with the odd stick or two! The dogs in residence joined in the fun too, once the weather was cooler. Come heat, thunder, rain or shine, a fantastic team…
June 14, 2025 8:29 pm
Published by Rachel Deeming
On 7th and 8th June, Sakya Buddhist Centre Bristol hosted a joyful weekend of profound teachings and practice with Lama Jampa Thaye. Over these two days, many people gathered to learn about the Buddhist path as explained by Sakya Pandita, a great Tibetan Buddhist master, and to receive the Vajrayana initiation of Gonkar. Understanding the teachings In the morning, Lama Jampa taught how to approach Buddhist wisdom, using Sakya Pandita’s text, ‘Discriminating the Three Vows’ and the associated explanation or commentary by Gorampa Sonam Sengge. He explained how it’s necessary to rely not just on the written sources of the teaching, but also on reasoning to establish what is valid. This will ensure that the Buddha’s teachings continue to work and unfold the qualities of enlightenment within us. As the Buddha said, we need to test the teachings for ourselves, just as a merchant carefully checks gold before accepting it. Sakya Pandita’s writings help us learn how to discuss Buddhist ideas with others and strengthen our own understanding, turning initial inspiration into a well-founded, lasting confidence. Whilst these teachings may seem complex for beginners, Lama Jampa reassured everyone that even if a teaching doesn’t make sense or seem relevant to us right away, it will become clearer over time as “all dharma teachings weave together in one path”. For more images, visit the gallery here. The vajrayana initiation of Gonkar and Chenrezik practice at Sakya Buddhist Centre Bristol In the afternoon, those who had formally committed to the Buddhist path through taking Refuge and the Bodhisattva vow received the initiation of Gonkar. Gonkar, also known as Gonpo Yizhin Norbu, is a Buddhist deity associated with wealth and protection. He is considered an emanation of Chenrezik, the embodiment of compassion. Praying to Gonkar attracts positive circumstances for our own practice of…
January 27, 2025 10:30 pm
Published by Rachel Deeming
Saturday 18 January saw the first teaching event of Lama Jampa’s programme for 2025. It was a time to reconnect with the teachings and fellow explorers on the path, both new and those of a more mature vintage. The day opened with Lama Jampa recommencing teachings on Sakya Pandita‘s ‘Discriminating the Three Vows’, a work which illuminates how to practice the Buddhist path – without detour – to its destination. In part 12 of this series, the author continues to clarify misunderstandings about the vajrayana, the swift path to buddhahood, relying on the teachings in the tantras. Whilst composed in the 13th century in Tibet, this text remains a vital resource in addressing errors that are present today as Buddhism makes a home in the West. In this instalment, Sakya Pandita deals with a whole range of topics, from how Buddhahood is manifested through different modes, depending on the needs and realisation of the student, to how it is necessary to understand what teachings are helpful as far as they go, and which point towards the true nature of things. For example, through giving, we relax our grip on self and gradually approach the ultimate teaching, understanding finally that giver, gift and recipient are all empty as all are dependent on each other. During the afternoon, Lama Jampa gave the vajrayana initiation of Red Saraswati. Found in the master work by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo called the ‘Collection of Sadhanas’, the practice of Red Saraswati cultivates the wisdom to both understand the teachings and to realise the true nature of things. An ideal way to approach the teachings of Sakya Pandita, known as the wisdom mind of Tibet. Lama Jampa will continue with ‘Discriminating the Three Vows’ in London on 22 March and we welcome him back to Bristol in the…
October 11, 2024 9:27 pm
Published by Rachel Deeming
With its echoes of Victorian grandeur – complete with sparkling chandeliers – the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel in Bristol was the setting for Lama Jampa Thaye‘s third visit to Bristol of 2024 on Saturday 5 October. Over 100 people came to hear the 9th part of Sakya Pandita’s ‘Discriminating the Three Vows’, and to receive the initiation of Manjushri Arapatsana. Introducing the teaching, Lama Jampa explained that whilst this text may seem difficult right now, over time our understanding will increase and we will be able to integrate it into our study and practice. The teachings are so precious and it can be rare to receive them, so we need to make the most of any opportunity to hear them. He also drew parallels between the Tibet of Sakya Pandita in the 13th century and today in the West as we are encountering the dharma. Then, as now, it is possible to make many mistakes on the Buddhist path, rendering it ineffective and those practising it disillusioned. Sakya Pandita’s text guards against this by clarifying how to practise the three vehicles of Buddhism so that they lead to the goal, whether that is complete freedom from suffering, or the state of wisdom, compassion and power of buddhahood. Each vehicle is complete in itself and it’s vital to avoid mixing the different medicines together, so that they are able to heal our difficulties and delusions. This instalment of the teaching focused on the vajrayana, the indestructible vehicle that can lead to buddhahood in one life. Even if we’re not practising this now, receiving this wise counsel means that should we choose to practise it later on the path, we can approach it with intelligence and confidence. In the afternoon, Lama Jampa gave the vajrayana initiation of Manjushri Arapatsana, embodiment of all the…
September 12, 2024 10:19 pm
Published by Rachel Deeming
This year, the second week of the Dechen summer course at Sakya Changlochen Ling offered a wonderful opportunity for some of our young practitioners (and their grownups) to study and deepen their connection with the Three Jewels while having lots of fun! Here’s a look at how the week unfolded for the Dechen youngsters. Day 1: Setting the Scene The retreat began with a beautifully arranged shrine room for our first session of group practice, which immediately set a serene and welcoming tone for families. Paul guided us through the practice, starting with a reminder of the mind training teachings, emphasising the importance of being kind to others, just like Chenrezik, the embodiment of compassion. Together, children and parents recited the Chenrezik sadhana in English, accompanied by instructions on visualisation to help us connect deeply with the practice. Following the sadhana, the children listened to a wonderfully read Jataka tale, the story of the Buddha’s previous life as the Monkey King, who used his body as a bridge to guide his tribe to safety. These stories, read by the children throughout the week, brought to life the values of wisdom, kindness, and humility, and were a treat for both grownups and kids alike. The afternoon was spent playing football, foosball, and ping pong, with time to explore the grounds, including the nearby lake. We even found an auspicious four-leaf clover! Day 2: A Day of Simplicity and Spontaneity Without a formal shrine on the second day, we created a makeshift space for practice. The sadhana was again conducted in English, with the children becoming more familiar with the structure. This was followed by another child-led story time and playtime in the garden. After a picnic and fun in the garden, some families went on a walk along the Vezere River…
September 7, 2024 5:04 pm
Published by Rachel Deeming
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…
June 12, 2024 8:45 pm
Published by Rachel Deeming
On Saturday 8 June, Sakya Buddhist Centre Bristol hosted a day of Buddhist teachings with Lama Jampa Thaye. The venue was the 6th floor of the Future Inn, with its lofty, bird’s eye view over the city. Over 100 people gathered for this joyous event, from across the UK and beyond. During this visit, Lama Jampa continued with part 9 of Sakya Pandita’s ‘Discriminating the Three Vows’. Over the course of the morning, we made further progress in the chapter on the vajrayana vows. In this section, Sakya Pandita covered topics such as the real meaning and practice of mahamudra meditation, as outlined in the source texts, the tantras, and communicated through the teachings and songs of great masters. He also emphasised the necessity of receiving vajrayana initiation, as through this, the appropriate connection is made with the relevant meditation deity and one has a basis for cultivating this through subsequent practice. Another vital point was on the nature of realisation and the qualities associated with this. In Tibet at that time, some said that whilst one may have true realisation, the qualities, such as being able to travel to many buddha realms, will not be displayed until after death. This would be similar to saying that whilst the sun is in the sky, the rays will show tomorrow! Such clarity on these points means that we don’t mistake temporary experiences for true realisation, we understand what’s needed for practice to work, and we will not be tricked by those who assert that they are enlightened when this is not the case. In short, we can travel the path to buddhahood with greater knowledge and confidence. In the afternoon, Lama Jampa bestowed the initiation of Green Tara. Green Tara is known as the mother of all buddhas, as she is…
