Recognize that there is no lasting happiness in samsara and that only the Buddha taught methods to free oneself from suffering: such was the starting point of Nendo Rinpoche’s teaching on the practice of Amitabha, given on October 10 and 11 to a packed Institute at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling.
Making this practice accessible to everyone, Nendo Rinpoche emphasized the importance of first observing one’s own mind and engaging in the practice with a vast and open mind. Even if we have little time, the practice will be beneficial for ourselves and others.
Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, is associated with the Pure Land of Dewachen. Sharing his experience, Rinpoche repeatedly encouraged us to familiarize ourselves with the awakened presence of Buddha Amitabha, his retinue, and the Pure Land of Dewachen.
Thus, upon waking in the morning and at bedtime, he recommended that practitioners pray to Buddha Amitabha and make wishes to be reborn in his Pure Land. Through this training, our mental fabrications and our grasping of a self will lose their strength and eventually dissolve. Furthermore, we must cultivate the confidence and conviction that we can be reborn in the Pure Land of Dewachen. Rinpoche explained the various stages of the practice, drawing on the Manual for the Practice of the Land of Great Bliss according to the “Sky Dharma.”
Rinpoche reminded us that we perform this practice—which is both a source of purification and blessing—for ourselves and for others, in order to free ourselves from suffering and go in the direction of enlightenment.
On Sunday afternoon, Nendo Rinpoche conferred the Amitabha empowerment, explaining the meaning of its various stages. He underscored that we are blessed with a golden opportunity to practice the Dharma, which is the key to developing our qualities and living with a happy and peaceful mind.
Below is a photo recap of the weekend, reflecting the warm connection with this master.
