Heart Essence of the Mahayana

From the Foundation Practices to Mahamudra/Dzogpachenpo

September 21-24, 2007

Lincoln, Vermont

We are happy to announce that Khenpo Tenzin Nyima will be beginning a series of teachings here in VT that begin with the Foundation Practices and then traverse the stages of the path leading to the highest teachings. Khenpo is a long time student and assistant to Lamchen Gyalpo Rinpoche, who is recognized as a great scholar as well as Dzogchen/Mahamudra Master. Both teachings and practice will be incorporated into these retreats with the goal that students are able to create a good foundation which will then lead to successful Dharma practice. These teachings will be perfect for newer students as well as very helpful for more experienced practitioners. Khenpo will teach in English and there will be plenty of opportunities for questions and discussion. These teachings will also be based in part on a very important test to the Drikung lineage called the Tegchen Tenpai Nyingpo (Heart Essence of the Mahayana). This text is a detailed practice manual that covers all the stages of the Buddhist path. Khenpo has completed special studies on this text. It is a great blessing to have the opportunity to receive these teachings from him. Khenpo has also committed to coming to our center a few times a year to continue these teachings.

Teaching Schedule

Friday, September 21 (6:30-9:00 PM) - Tantric Buddhist Shrine Teachings

Khenpo will teach on how to set up and care for a Buddhist Shrine. He will teach on the outer, inner, and secret meanings of the various offerings and ritual objects found on a Tantric Buddhist Shrine.

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Saturday, September 22 (10-12 & 2-5 PM) - How to Successfully Practice Dharma

These teachings will focus on how we enter into formal Buddhist practice, establishing the right motivation and intention for our practice. Also Khenpo will give meditation instructions and lead us in practice so we can have the correct state of mind for entering into practice. Also taught on will be the four ways of Turning the Mind toward Dharma. Khenpo will give the essential teachings necessary for a fruitful Dharma practice that can truly benefit all sentient beings.

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Sunday, September 23 (10-12 PM &2-5 PM) - Entering the Path of Dharma Through the Door of Refuge

Khenpo will give essence teachings on the outer, inner and secret meaning of Refuge. All the teachings are contained within Refuge practice, both generation stage and completion stage.Practice instructions will be given for the Refuge section of the Vajrayana Preliminary Practices (Ngondro). Transmission will be given for the Yangzab Dzogchen Ngondro which is practiced at our center. Instructions will also be given on the meaning of prostrations and how to do prostrations correctly. After these teachings are completed a practice group will be beginning which will focus on Ngondro Refuge practice.

Sunday, September 23 (6:30-9PM) Guru Rinpoche Guru Yoga Instruction and Practice

Khenpo will give instruction on and lead us in the practice of a very special Guru Yoga Practice that was revealed by the Drikung Treasure Revealer Nuden Dorje. All are welcome to attend this practice. This practice is regularly practiced at our center.

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Monday, September 24 (6:30-9 PM) - Yangzab Chenrezig Instruction, Practice and Feast Offering

Chenrezig is the Buddha of Compassion and Bodhicitta. Without Bodhicitta our practice will be of no benefit. This is a very special practice that will help us to generate and increase our Bodhicitta so we can be of true benefit to sentient beings. Khenpo will give the transmission and instructions and then lead us in the practice. We will also take part in a tantric feast offering. All are welcome to attend this practice.

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Registration

For those attending the complete retreat the suggested donation is $75. The Sug. Don. for individual teachings days is $30 and for the evening sessions $10.

No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. There will also be work study and scholarships available.

If you plan to come please let us know as the teachings space will be small and intimate and we want to be sure that we have enough room for everyone.

To register ddcv@gmavt.net or call 802-453-3431

There will also be community housing available for $15 per night. Airport, Train and Bus pickups from Burlington VT can also be arranged.

For more info on our center, updates and other housing options go to www.ddcv.com

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Teaching Location

The teachings will be held at the DDCV center which is at 210 Robinson Rd., Lincoln VT

Please let us know if you plan to come and we can give you directions and parking instructions.

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Short Khenpo Tenzin Nyima Bio

Venerable Khenpo Tenzin Nyima was born in 1973. At the age of five his grandfather and grandmother taught him the basics of Tibetan Language. At fourteen he met the Ven. Lamchen Gyalpo Rinpoche in whom he took refuge and who gave him the hair cutting ceremony marking his transition to a monk. At fifteen, upon his successfully passing all examinations, he went to Jangchubling where he undertook the nine year curriculum of Buddhist Philosophy. He was awarded the title of Khenpo (equivalent to a Doctor of Philosophy) by H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Trinley Lhundrub Rinpoche upon his graduation on March 2, 1998. Since that time Khenpo has been a devoted student and assistant to Lamchen Gyalpo Rinpoche. Khenpo has received all the essential empowerment's and practice instructions of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage. He is a specialist in a very important text to the Drikung Lineage, called Tegchen Tenpai Nyingpo (Heart Essence of the Mahayana). Khenpo has also successfully completed numerous pracice retreats. Khenpo is based at the Gampopa Vajrayana Buddhist Center in Denville, New Jersey. For more info about Khenpo and Lamchen Gyalpo Rinpoche go to www.gampopa.org