The Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma with Khenchen Lodrö Donyö Rinpoche

The Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma outline three approaches to the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni with increasing subtlety and profundity. In the lineages of Vajrayana Buddhism that flourished in Tibet, all three are practiced in unison. Khenchen Rinpoche will teach on the essences of each of these three, explain how we integrate each in our dharma practice, and offer a form of initiation into each: the refuge vow and five precepts for the First Turning, the Bodhisattva Vow for the second, and a White Tara empowerment for the third.

The First Turning approach includes teachings on the Four Noble Truths, impermanence, interdependent origination, the emptiness of self, the truth of karma, and vows for the ordained and lay people. The goal was individual liberation from confused existence, and the ideal was the arhat—one who has overcome the foe of the afflictions. Related to this turning, Khenchen Rinpoche will offer the Refuge Vow for those wishing to formally embark on the Buddhist path and the Five Precepts to refrain from killing, lying, stealing, sexual misconduct, and the taking of intoxicants. One can take one or all of these precepts. The refuge vow is a necessary foundation for the precepts and the following initiations.

The Second Turning corresponds to the advent of Mahayana Buddhism with the bodhisattva ideal where one practices not just for one’s own liberation, but to awaken in order to lead all beings to buddhahood. These teachings include those on absolute and relative bodhichitta (wisdom and skillful means, respectively); the Four Immeasurables of loving kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity; as well as the Six Paramitas of generosity, ethics, patience, diligence, meditation, and insight. From this turning, Rinpoche will offer the Bodhisattva Vow—the commitment to attain awakening to be able to lead all others to the same realization.

The Third Turning emphasizes buddha-nature—that all beings have the same essence as buddhas—and the luminous nature of mind. These teachings are the basis for the traditions of Mahamudra and Dzogchen and all the other aspects of Vajrayana Buddhism with its many esoteric methods. These skillful means include yidam practices where one imagines oneself as an awakened being and recites a mantra to hasten realization. In accordance with this Turning, Khenchen Rinpoche will teach on the nature of mind and offer the empowerment of White Tara.

Refuge Vow and the Five Precepts will be given on Saturday, May 31.
Bodhisattva Vow will be offered on Sunday, June 1.
White Tara Empowerment will be given on Monday, June 2.
Exact times to be determined.

Khenchen Lodrö Donyö Rinpoche was born in the Ngari region of Western Tibet in 1943. At the age of nine he entered Bokar Monastery and began his education under the direct guidance of Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche. In 1959, he accompanied Bokar Rinpoche to India where he completed his education at The Central Institute for Tibetan Studies in Varanasi, always at the top of his class. Rinpoche currently serves as the abbot of Bokar Monastery, overseeing the main monastery in Mirik, its two retreat centers, their nunnery, as well as the Monastic Institute for Higher Studies.

Khenchen Rinpoche always offered teachings at Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche’s Mahamudra Seminars and KCC has enjoyed a close relationship with him since 1996. Rinpoche is renowned for the purity of his monastic discipline, his vast learning, and his deep practice. His joyful enthusiasm for the Dharma and his ability to clearly communicate it are evident in his lively and inspirational teachings.