Intensive practice, study of the Abhidharmakosha, and retransmission of the teaching on the practice of Chenrezig given by Thaye Dorje, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling in August 2023: these were the main aspects of the second annual retreat of the Chenrezig curriculum, which took place from February 25 to March 1 at Dhagpo.
Speaking from KIBI in New Delhi on the first day of the retreat, Lama Jigme Rinpoche emphasized the benefits of group practice:
It is very important to get into the habit of gathering together in one place as a sangha. By doing so, we support each other.
In addition, Jigme Rinpoche emphasized the importance of combining practice and study so that Karmapa’s instructions can ripen in our minds. He reminded us:
Through practice, we seek to reveal the qualities of Chenrezig that are already present within us, the qualities of our Buddha nature.
Studying the texts allows us to understand the direction to follow in order to remain in this natural state of mind. Practice and study allow us to understand the Dharma and thus to actualize Karmapa’s instructions and receive their full blessing.
Thus, intensive sessions on the practice of Chenrezig were held during the first two days. Each afternoon, the Institute’s students continued their repetition of the second chapter of the Abhidharmakosha. Then, in his teaching broadcast over three half-days, Karmapa encouraged practitioners to consider the Buddhadharma as a practice of awareness, of observation without judgment. Comparing formal practice to hoisting sails in an attempt to catch the wind, His Holiness explained that spiritual growth happens very spontaneously, and that we will know for ourselves the benefits of each method. When we aspire to something authentically, practice allows us to support that wish
The next retreat of the curriculum will take place from April 22 to 26.