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“We pray to the masters of the past, present, and future who teach the direct, simple teaching of cause, condition, and result as truth. And, as all these masters have come together in a single state as Guru Padmasambhava, we pray to Guru Padmasambhava.Buddha Shakyamuni is a totally enlightened being—no one has higher realization. But from the moment he came into this world, he behaved like a common person. He carried his alms bowl, walked into town on bare feet just as his students did, and received his food. He always said, “Thank you” and dedicated the merit. Then he returned, washed his feet, and did afternoon meditation. He followed the customs of the everyday world; he didn’t use his realization power to go against it. His wisdom was unlimited, yet he remained humble, simple, and low-key. To the Buddha, the entire universe was the pure land Akanishtha— totally beyond duality—but to deal with and help other beings he was always respectful and acted in accordance with their thoughts and feelings. He showed beings how to achieve happiness and avoid suffering not only for the short-term, but forever. He was the teacher of truth, the one who speaks of things entirely as they are and leads others to increasingly positive situations and states of mind.”Venerable Khenpo RinpochesVajra Sound of Peace: Practicing the Seven Chapter Prayer of Guru Padmasambhava (pgs 121-122)Photo of Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche leading the Annual PBC New Years Vajrasattva/Vajrakilaya Retreat in the Bunker in 2016.
Guru Padmasambhava did not attain enlightenment in stages— he didn’t gradually become a buddha. Guru Padmasambhava is the direct emanation of Buddha Amitabha and the reincarnation of Buddha Shakyamuni. Guru Padmasambhava himself said this. Buddha Shakyamuni also gave many predictions throughout his teachings that he would reincarnate as Guru Padmasambhava. Guru Padmasambhava is the precious buddha who has come into this world to glorify the teachings of the Buddha—especially the Vajrayana—and lead all sentient beings to enlightenment.
If we have devotion to Guru Padmasambhava, we will always experience the sure and swift power of his blessings. This is his promise and commitment. It was true in the past, is true in the present, and will be true in the future. This is why Guru Padmasambhava is known as the “Buddha of the Three Times.” All of us have a connection to Guru Padmasambhava. We aren’t here by accident or coincidence. That connection is ripening and developing. We should support this process by practicing on Guru Padmasambhava with devotion. In particular, we should recite the Seven Chapter Prayer that we just learned.
There are many life stories of Guru Padmasambhava. Likewise, there are many teachings and practices on him and prayers to him. Among these, Leu Dunma is considered one of the most blessed. Many great masters have called Leu Dunma the “king of all prayers to Guru Padmasambhava.” For centuries it has been highly renowned and widely practiced. It’s extremely special. Guru Padmasambhava wrote it himself—it is his direct voice, and then it was hidden. Since the time when it was revealed by Tulku Zangpo Dragpa and Rigdzin Godemchen in the 14th century, these wisdom words of Guru Padmasambhava have been recited by many enlightened beings— some of whom you have read about and some of whom you know. The prayers of Leu Dunma reverberate with great blessings in the space of dharmadhatu. When you chant these words, you join in and contribute to its power. The Seven Chapter Prayer is truly one of the most powerful of all Vajrayana teachings.”
Vajra Sound of Peace: Practicing the Seven Chapter Prayer of Guru Padmasambhava (pgs 283-284)
Experience the full immersion of Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches mandala throughout the four seasons!
The Learning Dharma Skills Program has been created to facilitate the compassionate vision of international Sangha and friends, both to preserve Padma Samye Ling (PSL) as a center of study and practice, and to reflect their devotion to the Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches’ mandala and lineage.
Padma Samye Ling monastery is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist retreat center devoted to Dharma service, meditation, study, and community living. This beautiful mandala sits at 2,000 feet on 500 acres of pristine countryside. It reflects the glorious vision of our spiritual directors, Venerable Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Venerable Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche, to establish a living community that fosters world peace.
Program participants are invited to join in all retreats and teaching programs at PSL, enjoy our beautiful temple with traditional Tibetan architecture and mural paintings, study in the Shantarakshita Library, and delight in the breathtaking views and scenic trails of our flourishing retreat environment.
Areas of Service Include:
- Grounds
- Temple Caretaking
- Skilled Craftsmanship and Maintenance Skills & Experience Strongly Recommended
- Exterior and Interior Painting
- Knowledge of Machinery
- Should be thorough and patient
- Kitchen Management
- Culinary Training is helpful
- Knowledge of Vegetarian Cooking
- Supplies, Upkeep, and Budgeting
- Creative with Whole Foods
III. Administration
- Friendly People-Person
- Reliable Technical Skills like computer programming
- Accounting and book keeping
- Website Design
- Outdoor Facilities
- Landscaping
- Organic Gardening – experience required
- Ongoing Weekly Classes for students interested in Ngondro Foundational Practices
- Personal Morning Practice
- Daily Evening Group Meditation
- Due to Covid-19, PSL premises are currently closed to visitors except for long term residents.
- Shared dorm included or possibility of low-budget single dorm.
- Orientation Provided
- Internet only available from 5:00-8:00pm.
Apply on the PBC website:
www.padmasambhava.org/psl-dharma-skills-program
Get a feel for the PSL Learning Dharma Skills with Testimonials from previous resident volunteers:
“I feel I benefited spiritually and in my practice more than any other way. Being around other people interested in the Dharma, practicing regularly with the sangha, and being able to attend Rinpoche’s teachings helped strengthen my faith, understanding, and commitment in ways I hadn’t imagined.” -Bonnie
“My time at PSL provided me the incredible opportunity to set down my self-centered struggles and join in something inconceivably larger, in the enlightened unfolding that is the Rinpoches’ mandala. While taking part in such unquestionably beneficial activity is an enormous blessing in itself, for me the greatest blessing was the chance to see all the places in my daily work where I was not practicing the Dharma. Of course, PSL is the ideal environment to bring all those blind spots slowly onto the path, and being in the presence of a realized master such as Khenpo Rinpoche allows such integration to take place as a joyful act of love rather than a grind.”
–Emmanuel
“I think it is the most wonderful experience I’ve had in recent decades. In the Learning Dharma Skills Program, I was able to bring my years of work experience to PSL in a way that reinforced strong ethical and moral precepts, while at the same time benefiting the center. Having the Dharma be integral to my everyday routine also reinforced the path of the Dharma; it was something I lived—before breakfast, after dinner, even during dreamtime—in a way I’d not experienced before in my life.” –Carol
“Before I participated in the Learning Dharma Skills Program at PSL I think I did not fully realize the importance of the sangha and the relentless support that it provides. The community at PSL radiates with such love and joy that you cannot help but be uplifted in your practice and have a brighter view of the world. During my time at PSL, I read a quote from the Words of My Perfect Teacher in which Patrul Rinpoche says that we should consider any being who inspires true bodhichitta in us to be a buddha. I remember having that thought so often at PSL because of the myriad ways in which people expressed their love to me, and to everyone else present and elsewhere.” –Jeff
“Padma Samye Ling offers me the best setting to make the best use of my time.I study underand receive personalized practice guidance from an enlightened being, while working with the most inspiring people to facilitate Khenpo Tsewang Rinpoche’s activities.There is nothing higher than receiving teachings that help me see life more beautifully and appreciate it more deeply. There’s nothing better than adhering toa practice that imbues each day with purpose and builds con!dent determination to benefit all beings who’ve benefited us, as we face future challenges together.”
–Pema Yontan
“My time spent at Padma Samye Ling was definitely life impacting—even as a Christian. I learned so much more about mindfulness and the consideration of all life forms, healthy meal preparation, and the importance of meditation and self-care. I spent time with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met in my life. My experience will forever be embedded into my history.” –Monica
“Pith Instructions on the Vital Point of Mind that Reveal the Buddha Right in the Palm of Your Hand”
by the great master Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche
Webcast Live from Padma Samye Ling
January 16 – 23, 2021 (Sat-Sat)
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https://t.e2ma.net/message/dc6yud/xb7qbc
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Daily Teachings and Meditations:
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