A wonderful summer of teachings in France with Lama Jampa Thaye

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Last Friday we saw the end of two weeks of study and practice with Lama Jampa Thaye in our beautiful centre, Sakya Changlochen Ling, in the Dordogne area of France. Over 100 people came to the course and retreat, with people from as far and wide as Mexico, the US, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong and the UK.

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The programme began with a week’s teaching on Sonam Tsemo’s General Presentation of the Tantra Sets, where students heard more about the various different practices within Vajrayana, as well as a detailed description on the wider Mahayana idea of just what a Buddha is, including the role of Shakyamuni Buddha himself.

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The second week started with the initiations of Vajrapani Bhutadamara and the protector Mahakala, in preparation for a group retreat on Vajrapani Bhutadamara, a practice renowned for clearing away obstacles to successful practice.

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Children from the sangha also had the chance to learn and practise Chenrezik together too, as well as playing and exploring the beautiful grounds. As well as the crickets and butterflies, they saw lizards, swallows and even a young deer.

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We had glorious weather for both weeks and a delicious lunch was provided each day, as well as coffee, cool drinks and cake to keep practitioners sustained between sessions.

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For a younger perspective on the course and retreat, read Robert and Emily’s blogs here:
http://www.kagyubuddhism.org/summer-school/

Lama Jampa Thaye’s Teachings at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling

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Prior to the summer course at Sakya Changlochen Ling, as Lama Jampa Thaye is a master of both Kagyu and Sakya teachings within Tibetan Buddhism, he gave teachings at the neighbouring Kagyu Centre, Dhagpo Kagyu Ling. These included a weekend teaching on compassion and a longer session on the vows associated with Vajrayana, known as the Fourteen Root Downfalls. Due to the unfortunate illness of Jigme Rinpoche, Lama Jampa gave an additional teaching on How to Follow the Spiritual Friend to over 200 people. Lama Jampa will return to Dhagpo Kagyu Ling to continue the teaching on the Fourteen Root Downfalls next year.

Lama Jampa left Sakya Changlochen Ling on 24th August to visit His Holiness Sakya Trizin in India, with sangha lining up to offer kataks (white scarfs) to wish Lama Jampa and family a good journey.
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Future developments at Sakya Changlochen Ling

The next phase at the retreat centre is to improve the terracing and landscaping. This will increase the size of the terrace in front of the building so we can allow even more space for teachings and visits by our lamas. You can read more and contribute to the appeal here – any donations are most welcome!
http://www.sakyabristol.org/donations/changlochen-terrace-appeal/
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