We are very happy to share with you that Do Tulku Rinpoche will come back to Casa Virupa this summer. It is an honor to have him among us again, shedding light on a few subjects which we believe will be quite interesting for the curious ones and the veteran practitioners alike.
On Saturday, June 24th, he will talk about the Heart Sutra, the teaching which introduces Mahayana Buddhism and explains the concept of wisdom. On Sunday, he will talk about the interdependent origin of phenomena. About the Heart Sutra (Prajnaparamita Suttra): It is probably the most important text in Mahayana Buddhism and is said to constitute the second turning of the Wheel of Dharma – i.e. a second cycle of teachings which would introduce a new way of understanding Buddhist philosophy. It’s a teaching which aims at ending the dualistic and conceptual schemes and eliminates any reference point. It is said, in the Sutra: “There is neither ignorance, nor the end of ignorance. There is neither old age and death, nor the end of old age and death. There is no suffering, no cause of suffering, no end of suffering, no path to follow. There is neither an achievement of wisdom, nor wisdom to achieve ". This reflection does not refer only to the conceptual field, but also to the actual perception of reality. The scholars agree that one of the main subjects is the empty nature of all phenomena: nothing has inherent and substantial existence. Likewise, the Sutra can be used as a guide for anyone who wants to go into the Bodhisattva Way (they who have committed to work for the happiness of all sentient beings until the end of their existences). The Mahayana practitioner will always need to keep in mind emptiness, the illusory nature of all that exists, in order to transcend their limited and limiting vision and shelter and dedicate themselves to beings as not-one. About the interdependent origin of phenomena:
Although it’s difficult to summarise all Buddhist teachings, many masters agree that the ideal way is through “The Four Seals”, which would work as the four main principles of this philosophy. Among them is the idea of the interdependent origin of phenomena, for in Buddhism it is believed that no phenomena can exist on its own, not depending on another one. All that arises does so in a conditioned way, bound to another entity. Nothing exists on its own nor remains autonomously. This is a fundamental idea for understanding reality according to the Buddhist paradigm, and again, as a guide for the practitioner. Those who have realized the interdependent relationship of all phenomena, understand the intimate relationship that exists between beings and, naturally, are dedicated to them.
SCHEDULE Saturday (from 10:30 h to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 19:00) Prajnaparamita Hridaya (Heart Sutra)
Sunday (from 10:30 h to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 19:00) Interdependent origination
You can ask for more information by writing HERE.
******************
BIO
Raktrul Rinpoche (also known as Do Tulku) was born in 1985 in South India. At 17 years old, H.H. Sakya Trizin recognized him as the sixth Raktrul Rinpoche, a Sakya monastery’s tulku (a recognized reincarnation). He then entered the Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodro Institute, where he received his education in Buddhist philosophy, practice, and debate. After 11 years of studies, he successfully graduated with the title of Acharya. He taught in the Dzongsar Institute for a year and guided retreats for monks in Mustang as well. Moreover, he has received teachings, transmissions and initiations from some of the great masters of our time, such as H.H. the Dalai Lama, H.H. Sakya Trizin, Khenchen Kunga Wangchuk, Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, Dagchen Rinpoche, Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, and many others. He is also a translator for the 84000 project. He is a laic master.
His devotion to gurus, his way of talking about Dharma, with depth and a fresh and open style, inspires us deeply. We feel extremely blessed that he has decided to place his trust on our young center. We are certain these will be greatly inspiring days for all of us.