This two day retreat, which is done in conjunction with Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara practice, is very powerful for purifying negative karma of body, speech, and mind, and for pacifying strong delusions such as desirous attachment and hatred.
This practice involves taking the Mahayana precepts each morning ( a promise to avoid all non virtue for 24 hours), conjoined with the practice of fasting and prostrations. Through this we improve our mind of compassion.
In order to participate in this retreat, you must take Mahayana precepts each morning that you participate. You may engage in one or two full days of the retreat.
This practice is done over two days, with the eight Mahayana precepts being taken at 6:30am the beginning of each day. On both days, we do three sessions of meditation, combining prostrations with chanted meditation.
On the first day it is customary to abstain from all meals apart from lunch at 12:30pm.
On the second day we engage in a complete fast, abstaining from all food and drink (including water)for 24 hours. Those who are unable to engage in a complete fast can participate in the sessions on the second day, which means lunch at noon, provided they take the Mahayana precepts on that day.
Gen Kelsang Jigme, the Resident Teacher of Bodhisattva KMC, will give an introduction to the retreat on Friday evening from 7–8.15pm. As the retreat sessions themselves will not be guided you are encouraged to attend the introduction, especially if you’re new to this practice.
Friday 14th
7pm–8.15pm: Introduction
Saturday 15th
6.30-7am: Mahayana Precepts
7–8.15am: Session 1
11am–12.15pm: Session 2
4.30pm-5.45pm: Session 3
7pm-8pm Offering to the Spiritual Guide puja
Sunday 16th
6.30-7am: Mahayana Precepts
7–8.15am: Session 1
11am–12.15pm: Session 2
4.30pm-5.45pm: Session 3
7pm-8pm Wishfulfilling Jewel Puja with Tsog offering
We will be using A Pure Life and Drop of Essential Nectar. You can order your own a hard copy of these booklets from Tharpa by clicking here
Bodhisattva KMC, BN3 1DN