Our minds are naturally perfect but because of our obscurations and afflictions, we have forgotten our true pure nature. In the Vajrayana practices of Tibetan Buddhism, there are many meditations that help us remember who we truly are, and are able to cut through the illusory appearances of cyclic existence. The chanting practice of Green [...]
As a first-time visitor to Tara Rokpa Centre, it was easy for me to blend into the environment simply because of the scenery and it was what my heart had been yearning for, for a very long time. Completely different from what you get at a vacation, for me, a vacation means how do I [...]
by the lazy Buddhist Happy New Year! It’s 2022 and I’m probably not the only one who happily waved goodbye to 2021 and its challenges. Early on in the year, I came across a Facebook post in which H.E. Garchen Rinpoche talks of what Khenpo Munsel Rinpoche taught him while in prison. ‘When you find [...]
During this retreat, Alan will give instructions on the foundational practices of Tibetan Buddhism. These practices, although termed "preparation" practices, are complete practices in themselves.
A Transforming Retreat with Melanie Polatinsky The legends of Guru Rinpoche/Padmasambhava, also called the second Buddha, are rooted in a historical figure, miraculously born, who came to Tibet in the 8th Century to bring the highest Buddhist teaching and subdue the darkness in the land. His consort and disciple, Yeshe Tsogyal recorded all these teachings [...]
The 3rd of March is the Tibetan New Year of the Water-Tiger. The first fifteen days of the lunar year are known as the fifteen days of the Buddha's miracles, when the Buddha, who was usually reluctant to show his miraculous powers, did display miracles in order to increase the faith of his followers.
Back in the late 1900s, (I kid you not, it was 1997!) my now-husband and I spent just under a year travelling around America in a camper van. It was the most amazing adventure and something I have thought of often in the last few weeks as the Gabby Petito murder unfolds. At the same [...]
If we wish to find lasting happiness, we need to look at how to tame the mind and uncover our compassionate nature. We are so lucky to still be able to access the wisdom of ancient Tibetan masters, whose advice is very relevant in today's degenerate times. The text The Eight verses for Training the [...]
A weekend of guided meditations, contemplations, and exploring the above Milarepa quote.
Theme Each of us has the potential to be whole and free, but few of us realise this potential. Many of us go through our lives under a spell of imperfection – thinking and feeling that things are not right with us and life never really hits the spot. There is a gnawing feeling of [...]
