Pure gold: advice from Sakya Pandita, the wisdom mind of Tibet
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.
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”.
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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 the Buddhist path, so that we can achieve enlightenment more swiftly for the benefit of others.
On Sunday, we did the practice of Chenrezik together in the Sakya Buddhist Centre Bristol’s shrine room. On this occasion, Lama Jampa kindly gave the reading transmission for the practice, as well as explaining the key points, so that anyone new to this could fully participate.
Looking ahead
We’ll welcome Lama Jampa and family again in the autumn, following the annual summer course in France. More details of the autumn teachings can be found via this link.