Integrating the Three Turnings of Buddhist Practice - In Person

The Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma is a classification of the views and practices expressed by Shakyamuni Buddha in his forty-five years of teaching. In Vajrayana Buddhism as preserved in Tibet, we embrace each of these systems in our study and practice as complementary rather than contradictory. Khenchen Lodrö Donyö Rinpoche shared teachings on the Three Turnings during his visit in late Spring and we will continue this exploration in this retreat.

From the First Turning—closely related to what is often called Early Buddhism—we will review and contemplate the Four Noble Truths, practice the Four Applications of Mindfulness, and reinforce skillful renunciation through the Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma.

The Second Turning teachings are primarily concerned with a deeper insight into wisdom and an embrace of the skillful means of relative bodhicitta. We will reinforce these views by enhancing our understanding and experience of emptiness through various contemplations and recitation of the Heart Sutra. We will also practice the opening of our hearts to others through the practices of the Four Immeasurables and exchanging self and other (tonglen).

The Third Turning is primarily concerned with buddha nature—the view that all beings share the same empty, luminous, and unimpeded nature that is consummate well being and ease. That is, awakening is already present in our being, and the goal of our practice is to recognize and stabilize this insight. Yidam practices, such as Chenrezi, and the traditions of Mahamudra and Dzokchen are pathways to this truth, and we will approach our Buddha nature through guided meditations in these techniques.

This retreat will prove suitable for anyone with even just a few months of practice background. There are no prerequisites to attend other than being present for the entirety of the retreat.

By signing up, you are agreeing to maintaining the integrity of the mandala by attending the entirety of the retreat, whether in person or via Zoom.