Dharma Talk on Sadhana Practice by Aaron Wickenheiser October 18, 2009

Sunday, Oct. 18: Dharma Talk on Sadhana Practice by Aaron Wickenheiser
Dharma Talk on Sadhana Practice by Aaron Wickenheiser with Q & A. (part 2 of 2)
The vajrayana is sometimes referred to as the path of transformation. At the heart of the skillful means this path is known for is the use of sadhana. These ritualistic liturgies provide a support so that a deep level of transformation can occur - we actually become the deity. This is what is known as creation stage practice. In these two sessions we will look at sadhanas from a practical perspective. A major goal will be to give students a personal understanding of the structure and mechanics used in this type of practice as well as the meaning of the various elements of the liturgy. If you have wondered how to do the hand mudras or what they mean or how exactly to visualize the mantra in your heart or anything else connected to the deity practices you have engaged in, this is a good opportunity to learn more from an experienced practitioner.

Aaron was born in 1978 at Karme Choling in Vermont and grew up in the Shambhala tradition begun there by Ven. Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. He met Garchen Rinpoche in the early 2000's and last November completed the first three year retreat held at Garchen Buddhist Institute in Arizona under the direction of His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche and Venerable Traga Rinpoche. Since that time he has participated in the annual Yamantaka Retreat in Chino Valley, the Five-Fold Path of Mahamudra Retreat at the White Lotus retreat land this summer and is now in his second month-long solo retreat on the WLS land in Canandaigua. Gar Rinpoche told us in June 2009 that Aaron should teach on anything he has had experience with. His commitment to practice is inspiring and his willingness to share what he has learned adds richness to our practice here at White Lotus Society.

Official Website: http://www.whitelotusdharma.org/events.html