Shamatha and Vipassana Meditation

Shamatha and Vipassana are probably the two best known and most important meditation techniques of Buddhism. Nowadays they are often used for healing and relaxation purposes outside of a Buddhist context, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and a dilution of the original teachings of the Buddha. This weekend we want to focus on the traditional Buddhist approach and deepen our understanding based on the explanations by Atiśa and Gorampa. These include:

• the nine ways of resting the mind
• the four mental engagements
• the five faults
• the eight antidotes
• the five experiences
• Mindfulness
• the union of Shamatha and Vipassana.

This course is led by the venerable Gen Lodroe Rabsang-la. He was ordained as a monk in 1992 and studied at Diru Sakya Monastery in Bir, India until 2004. From 2004 to 2012 he studied at the "Dzongsar Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies", where he graduated with the Acharya title. He then continued to teach as a Khenpo at the Dzongsar Institute for 3 years. After enrolling for the „English for Buddhist Scholar Program“ in 2016, he studied in Thailand, Bangalore, Chennai and most recently traveled to Brazil and Germany to teach and continue his English studies. He has studied under many respected teachers such as the 41st and 42nd Sakya Trizins, Ngor Sharchen Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, Luding Khen Rinpoche, Thartse Khen Rinpoche, Khenchen Kunga Wangchuk, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Khenchen Lungrig Senge and others. He has also published the history of the Diru Monastery (in Tibetan) and translated The MugwortBorn (the autobiographical blog of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche) into Tibetan. He currently teaches Buddhist philosophy at the Dzongsar Institute. According to the instructions of His Eminence Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche, he also leads an online course on the great classic of Mahayana Buddhist literature, Bodhisattvacaryavatara, for His Eminence’s western students.

Times: Sat + Sun 10:30 am - 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. (German time)

Language: The course language is English. If required, a German translation is only available upon prior request.

Location: Online via Zoom (you will receive the link after registration, at least three days before the start of the event)

Fees: on a donation basis. Please help us keep this ancient Buddhist tradition alive.