purification

Teachings on practices that mitigate the force of our destructive actions, in particular on the four opponent powers. This is a four-step practice involving: 1) regretting our mistake, 2) restoring the relationship by generating a positive attitude towards the one we harmed, 3) resolving to avoid the harmful action in the future, and 4) doing some sort of remedial behavior.

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Chenrezig Weeklong Retreat 2014

The dukkha of pain and change

The dukkha of pain and change are unavoidable in cyclic existence, hence we should strive…

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Gems of Wisdom

Verse 51: Destroying the garden of happiness

Mindfulness and introspective awareness are crucial tools in removing weeds that destroy the garden of…

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Easy Path to Travel to Omniscience

Refuge guidelines and karma

Guidelines for practicing refuge in daily life. The four general characteristics of karma and purification…

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Heather standing in front of an exhibit at the presidential museum.
On Refuge and Bodhicitta

Making a real difference

Because we're in the realm of samsara, we can't escape suffering. Only one thing will…

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Thangka image of Green Tara.
Green Tara

Oh Tara, protect us

Tara the liberator shows us how to free ourselves from the eight dangers: ignorance, anger,…

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Gems of Wisdom

Verse 35: The biggest loser

By not following the law of karma we will only lose out by creating suffering…

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Gems of Wisdom

Verse 33: The one who suffers the most

The perpetrator of a harmful action is experiencing suffering, and also creating the causes for…

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Gems of Wisdom

Verse 26: Small negativities, strong poisons

Small transgressions in ethical conduct can reap large results, so be careful of even the…

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Heather with fellow retreatant, Cindy, in front of the Chenrezig Hall altar.
Vajrasattva

Unloading the garbage mind

A student shares her thoughts on doing purification practice after attending the Vajrasattva retreat at…

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Pink sunset sky between the silhouettes of two trees.
Wheel of Sharp Weapons Retreat 2014

Cultivating positive habits

Learning how to change our habitual reactions and mental states and how to interact with…

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Group of meditators.
Vajrasattva

Benefits of the retreat from afar

A student shares about the joy and enthusiasm of a group of practitioners doing the…

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Vajrasattva Winter Retreat 2014

How renunciation brings happiness

Shares a message from Lama Zopa Rinpoche to the International Mahayana Institute sangha, and speaks…

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