Tibetan Buddhism always traces the connection of the founder of a lineage to one of the main Bodhisattvas.  Sakya, His Eminence’s lineage, is often called the Manjushri tradition, as many of its early masters are recognised emanations of Bodhisattva Manjushri.  Knowledge and wisdom are highly prized but few know how to cultivate them.  Highest wisdom derives from meditation on wisdom deities.  Sakya Pandita is the first Tibetan to receive the prestigious title of Pandita, meaning one who excels in all major fields of study.  Bodhisattva Manjushri blessed all his twenty-five incarnations.  The combined Guru Yoga of Sakya Pandita and Manjushri, a practice which assists in obtaining fruitful realisation in meditation, is one of the major practices everyone had to perform in Tibet.  It is considered that to receive this empowerment from His Eminence is a wonderful beginning in your search of the truth and sharpens your discernment of all things as they are.
Teachings on Parting from the Four Attachments and Manjushri Sakya Pandita Empowerment

10.30am - 6.00pm Saturday 30 June.  Cost: $60/$50 conc.
“If you have attachment to this life, you are not a religious person,
If you have attachment to the world of existence, you do not have renunciation,
If you have attachment to your own purpose, you do not have the Enlightenment Thought,
If grasping arises, you do not have the view.”

….Spoken by Manjushri to Sachen during meditation.
Vajrapani Bhutadamara Empowerment and Teachings

10.30am - 6.00pm Sunday 1 July.  Cost: $60/$50 conc.

While people remain enchanted by the Bodhisattva ideal of compassion, they do not realise that compassion does not necessarily need to be compromised if one has the wisdom to express it assertively.  The fierce form of Bodhisattvas known as Vajrapani represents the divine assertiveness.  The four-armed Vajrapani Bhutadamara (Subduer of Demons) is a unique practice which His Eminence gives to overcome inner and outer obstacles.  All candidates for three years retreat must perform this practice to allay all obstacles.  Initiates will also receive a comprehensive meditation practice and mantra.
In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Empowerments involve a formal ceremony where one establishes a direct and living connection to the Buddhist teachings through a realised spiritual master who has actualised the teachings in his or her life.  This is the difference between mere book knowledge and getting in touch with the realised Buddhist practices of daily life.  His Eminence wishes to grant this Empowerment to give the many people interested in Buddhism a chance to establish a deeper connection to the founder of Buddhism- Buddha Shakyamuni.  Tibetan Buddhist traditions can become preoccupied with the founder of their school without knowing much about the Buddha.  This empowerment enables one to deepen personal connection with the Buddha and with his teachings with a greater sense of power and appreciation of many great spiritual masters down through the ages.
Life of the Buddha teachings and Shakyamuni Buddha Empowerment

6.00pm Monday 2 July.  Cost: $20

The Goddess Parnashavari mantra and practice are highly recommended for all health-aware people, those suffering from chronic, epidemic and contagious diseases and for health professionals in general and naturopaths and herbalists in particular.  She is completely dressed in herbal leaves, hence the name "Loma Gyon-ma" in Tibetan.  Since an epidemic disease that plagued the Nalanda Monastery in the 16th century ended through this practice, recitation of the Goddess Parnashavari mantra is traditionally done first thing in the morning before all prayers.  Chogye Rinpoche maintains and holds this lineage, giving this initiation on the annual celebration of Nalendra monastery in Tibet.
Empowerment of Health and Healing Goddess Parnashavari

6.00pm Tuesday 3 July.  Cost: $20
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