Just as it is necessary to wash our body of dirt, it is even more important to cleanse our mind of negativity. It is our quality of mind that determines whether we are happy or unhappy. One of the simplest and most powerful purification practices is the meditation and recitation of Buddha Vajrasattva.
On this day, Gen Chogden will grant the blessing empowerment of Vajrasattva, the Buddha of purification, and explain how we can remove negativities and obstacles from our mind that result in our experiencing purity of our mind and our world.
In Modern Buddhism, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso says, “Purification is the supreme method to prevent future suffering and to remove obstacles to our Dharma practice. It makes our actions pure so that we ourselves become pure.”
On the second day, during retreat, we have the fortunate opportunity to practice Meditation and Recitation of Solitary Vajrasattva, the method given to us by the Buddha of purification that reduces and eventually eliminates negative karma already in our mental continuum. Please do not miss learning how to apply this special practice in your daily life. How wonderful that we can remove the causes of our future suffering through sincerely going through the steps of this meditation!
This event is suitable for everyone.
To Register: Please register upon arrival (please arrive before 9:45am). Online pre-registration has now closed.
Cost: $65 for whole weekend ($60 for early registration by Apr 29th, students, seniors 62+, and unemployed)
$55 for Saturday only ($50 for early registration by Apr 29th, students, seniors 62+, and unemployed)
Free for Benefactor Level Members.
Includes Saturday lunch.
Schedule:
Saturday
Empowerment: 10am - 12pm (note: please arrive by 9:45am)
Group Picture: 12-12:15pm
Lunch will be served
Commentary: 2-3:30 pm
4:15-5:30pm WFJ Prayers with Offerings
Sunday
Retreat Session 1: 1:30 - 2:45pm
Retreat Session 2: 3:15pm -4:45pm, including Q&A time
About the Teacher: Gen Kelsang Chogden
Gen Kelsang Chogden is a Buddhist nun and Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Maryland.
Gen Chogden has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism since 1998 under Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who gave her the title “Gen” indicating that she is a senior ordained teacher of the Kadampa Tradition.
She is well-loved for her warmth, kindness, and wisdom, which have come from her sincere and heartfelt practice of Kadam Dharma over many years.
Her teachings are always practical and easy to apply to everyday life. Through her gentle and joyful approach and her peaceful example, she has helped many people find true happiness in their hearts.