Vajrasattva Retreat Winter 2005

Vajrasattva Retreat - Winter 2005 Vajrasattva statue at Sravasti Abbey
by Venerable Thubten Chodron©
Sravasti Abbey, Washington, USA
5 January 2005 - 1 April 2005

Teachings from the retreat are available below, both as audio files in mp3 format and as transcriptions that have been posted as pdf files. Also see below for photos from the retreat.

1. Vajrasattva Retreat Preparation Materials (November 2004)

This first section contains the preparation materials for all those who would like to support the retreatants during the 3 months, deepen their own practice, as well as make this connection with the Abbey. The sessions will be posted before the retreat starts so that anyone who would like to do sessions at the same time as the participants will have all the necessary information. Please keep checking this site for new materials. They will get posted as they become available.

Download a teaching by Lati Rinpoche in pdf format
Download Vajrasattva Sadhana [in Word format] [in pdf format]

Audio: Preparing for the retreat (mp3 format)
(November 2004)
[31 minutes] : Download

Audio: Vajrasattva Sadhana (mp3 format) (November 2004)
Guided meditation by Venerable Chodron (Note: this version of the Vajrasattva Sadhana has been adapted for the retreat)
[30 minutes] : Download

2. Teachings transcribed (4 January 2005)
Download pdf file

Cultivating our motivation.
To be able to take this retreat is a precious opportunity and we should rejoice that we have the karma to do it.
The four opponent powers.
Structuring the meditation sessions.

2a. Q&A transcribed (18 January 2005)
Download pdf file

Settling in
Dealing with stress
Cultivating joy

2b. Q&A transcribed (1 February 2005)
Download pdf file

Questions about the Vajrasattva initiation/empowerment
Aspects of the meditation

2c. Q&A (13 February 2005)
Audio: Part 1 (mp3 format) [41 minutes] : Download
Audio: Part 2 (mp3 format) [42 minutes] : Download
Transcribed: Download pdf file

2d. Q&A transcribed (21 February 2005)
Download pdf file

The importance of gratitude in the Vajrasattva practice
The Three Jewels and negative actions towards them
Emptiness of inherent existence and attachments

2e. Q&A transcribed (1 March 2005)
Download pdf file

Harmonious living at the Abbey
A letter from Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Appropriate use of food at the Abbey
Discussion of a letter from a prison inmate: Attachment and the Disadvantages of Attachment.

2f. Q&A (9 March 2005)
Audio: Part 1 (mp3 format) [67 minutes] : Download
Audio: Part 2 (mp3 format) [66 minutes] : Download

Clarification of “living in the moment”
Right view and making everyday decisions
Creating negative Karma and wasting time by following our “non-negotiables”

2g. Q&A (15 March 2005)
Audio (mp3 format) [47 minutes] : Download

The laws of karma
Self-centeredness
Loving our self

2h. Q&A (20 March 2005)
Audio (mp3 format) [67 minutes] : Download

Can we purify the karma of others?
The psychological process of Vajrasattva purification.
How purification helps to change negative habits.
Purification for non-Buddhists.

2i. Q&A (25 March 2005)
Audio: Part 1 (mp3 format) [46 minutes] : Download
Audio: Part 2 (mp3 format) [62 minutes] : Download

Contemplating emptiness.
Taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha
Incorporating guru devotion into Vajrasattva practice and
the relationship to a spiritual teacher.

2j. Q&A (30 March 2005)
Audio: Part 1 (mp3 format) [44 minutes] : Download
Audio: Part 2 (mp3 format) [48 minutes] : Download

Advice for coming out of retreat.
How to practice after retreat.
Explanation of Mandala offering.

2k. Q&A transcribed (5 April 2005)
Audio1 (mp3 format) [42 minutes] : Download
Transcribed: Download pdf file

The three vehicles, their meaning, and the three jewels
Guru Yoga off the cushion
Transforming self-cherishing
Commitments

Retreatants

Retreatants, and those who participated from elsewhere

A Card for Venerable