Description
RETREAT
4 MP3s recorded as part of the 2025 Fall Weekend Retreat
Buddhism encourages us not just to believe, but to inquire deeply. The Buddha invited his students to question, examine, and see for themselves, and this teaching will explore the practice of higher reasoning—a way of refining our thinking so we can look beyond assumptions, cut through confusion, and recognize what is true. When guided by compassion and clarity, reasoning becomes more than logic—it becomes a tool for insight, freedom, and wise living.
AWAKENING THE HEART: COMMITMENTS OF THE BODHISATTVA
With 1,000 Hand Chenrezig Empowerment
Advertising description: At the heart of Mahayana Buddhism is bodhichitta—the mind of enlightenment dedicated to the welfare of all beings. To protect and strengthen this precious intention, practitioners receive Bodhicitta commitments: 18 primary and 46 auxiliary vows that serve as supports for living with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. Even though these are far-reaching and might feel challenging to hold perfectly, these ideals are practical supports that will gradually help us align our thoughts, words, and actions with our deepest aspiration to awaken for the benefit of all beings.
During this weekend retreat, we explored the meaning of these vows, reflect on their relevance for our modern lives, and discover how they strengthened practice, guarded the mind, and opened the heart to the boundless path of the Bodhisattva.
Teaching Descriptions:
10-17-2025 day 1 Spirit of Altruism
Rinpoche begins with a discussion about the types of altruism including altruistic outlook on life, Social altruism. Altruism is a powerful agent for genuine change, not benefit the individual experiencing it. We get no benefit from it. Why? She reviews other altruistic conventions of UN. She describes the spirit of altruism. She then begins commentary on the 18 root vows of bodhichitta with the first one – Praise self and belittle others. She discusses how the vows are difficult to maintain and gain proficiency in. 2. Not giving material aid or teaching the dharma – miserliness. Want own knowledge. 3. Not listen to someone who offended you, not forgive them, and hold a grudge against them.
10-19-2025 day 3
18 Root Vows of BodhichittaÂ
Rinpoche begins with the discussion that awakening is possible for us. She then discusses the root of the 18 vows is self cherishing. She then discusses attitudes that break vows and how to repair them. She discusses ethical structures of vows and how to hold them. She discusses perfectionism and how that doesn’t help. She answers questions about the first 18 vows.
46 Auxiliary Vows 1-8
Rinpoche begins with a discuss of How do I respond when I disappoint myself? She discusses not being harsh with self, yet pleasing myself. Relax and be myself. Pleasing myself with my standards of conduct. No one is looking at me. We recite 46 vows auxiliary vows and she offers commentary – actions to be abandoned. She offers commentary on the first 8 vows.
46 Auxiliary Vows 8-25
Rinpoche continues her commentary on 46 auxiliary vows starting with number 8 and ending with number 24. We then did long slow mantra of Chenrezig. Rinpoche reads from a sutra about Buddha Shakyamuni’s vows to become a buddha in front of a past buddha. She reads the 10 vows of Samatrabadra and Shantideva. She discusses the expression of determination of my aspiration.
Rinpoche began with discussion of how we hold ourself to be of benefit. She discusses a calm and relaxed state to begin meditation. She then discusses Western vs Indian logic. We must become strong in our inner structures to overcome inner Obstacles. She discusses Buddhist logic of Dignaga and Dharmakirti, and Buddhist logical principles and arguments.
