Date(s) - February 1, 2020 - February 2, 2020
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Four Thoughts
with Tergar Lama Khenpo Kunga
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The ‘Four Thoughts’, or ‘The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma’ are the four contemplations upon which we place our practice.
“First, contemplate the preciousness of being free and well favored.
This is difficult to gain easy to lose;
Now I must do something meaningful
Second, the world and its inhabitants are impermanent;
In particular the life of beings is like a bubble;
Death comes without warning, this body will be a corpse.
At that time the dharma will be my only help;
I must practice it with exertion.
Third, when death comes, I will be helpless.
Because I create Karma, I must abandon evil deeds
And always devote my time to virtuous actions.
Thinking this, everyday I will examine myself.
Fourth, the homes, friends, wealth and comfort of samsara
Are the constant torment of the three sufferings.
Just like a feast before the executioner leads you to your death.
I will cut desire and attachment, and attain enlightenment through exertion.”
– The classic rendition in the ngondro text, by Tulku Urgyen
The Buddhist path is rooted in the understanding that awakening is not a goal to be achieved, but an immanent reality that we can recognize in the present moment. There are many practical tools that we can use on the path of awakening, including profound contemplations, simple exercises to explore the nature of awareness, and meditations that employ the imagination to put us in touch with a sense of contentment and equanimity that does not depend on the circumstances of our lives.
In this weekend retreat, Tergar Lama Khenpo Kunga will reflect upon the The Four Thoughts, considered as the very basis for the path to enlightenment.
“If you want to become enlightened in this very body and life, you need to bring about a deep shift in attitude, a shift that can take place by reflecting on these four mind-changes.”
– Tulku Urgyen, Rainbow Painting
These teachings are open to anyone interested in Buddhist study and practice. For those who are interested, Khenpo Kunga will offer an opportunity to take refuge vows during the retreat. Taking the refuge vow is the step of committing oneself to follow the Buddha’s teachings.
About Khenpo Kunga:
Khenpo Kunga became a monk at a young age and began his education at Tergar monastery, where he studied the rituals, prayers, and other traditional practices of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. At fifteen, he participated in a traditional three-year meditation retreat. Following this period of intense meditation practice, he entered the renowned Dzongsar monastic college near Dharamsala in Northwest India. Khenpo studied there for eleven years and received his Khenpo degree (equivalent to a PhD). Read more…
When:
Saturday and Sunday, 1-2 February 2020, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where:
City Chambers, 253 High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1YJ
Cost:
Base: £85
Discounted (students, unemployed) £70
If your ability to pay makes it difficult to attend this program, we will make every effort to make attendance possible. Please contact us at [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE: Booking will close on 29 January 2020 and there will be no refunds from 7 days before this date.
Contact: [email protected]
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Located in the heart of the historic Royal Mile, Edinburgh City Chambers was completed in 1761 to designs by John Adam with detail alterations by John Fergus. It is well served by public transport with two main routes a few minutes walk away and close to many historic attractions including St Giles Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle.
On site registration: 8.30 each day. Please arrive promptly to allow time to be seated quietly prior to the teachings.
Transportation
Bus: Lothian Region Buses – To South Bridge: 3, 5, 7, 8, 14, 29, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 45 and 49.
To George IV Bridge: 23, 27, 41, 42, 67.
Citylink buses to Edinburgh bus station which is around 10-15 minutes walk away.
Car: There is no parking in the vicinity on Saturday although it may be possible to find on street parking within walking distance on Sunday. There is a multi storey car park in Castle Terrace around 15 minutes walk to the venue.
Train: Waverley train station is approximately 5-10 minutes walk away.
Lunch and Refreshments
For lunch there is a wide range of cafes and restaurants close to the City Chambers. Refreshments will be served at the morning break and you are welcome to bring a bottle of water or flask with a hot drink for the afternoon.
Location
City Chambers, Edinburgh , United Kingdom