Training in the Mind of Awakening—Bodhichitta and the Bodhisattva Vow

The two aspects of bodhichitta—ultimate bodhichitta and relative bodhichitta—contain every aspect of the Mahayana teachings. Our training in ultimate bodhichitta is about revealing the wisdom inherent to our minds. And in cultivating relative bodhichitta, we develop the wish to lead every single being to buddhahood and engage in actions to manifest this aspiration. Shantideva spoke of bodhichitta thus:

The cause of every beings’ joy,
The cure for beings’ suffering,
How could one take the measure of
The merit of this precious mind?

This weekend will be precious opportunity to receive teachings on bodhichitta, take or renew the bodhisattva vow, and engage in a practice text devoted to bodhichitta. By training in bodhichitta, all of our virtues are enhanced and become the causes for awakening. It is impossible to overestimate the importance these teachings and practices.

Within the ceremony for the vow, there is a brief refuge ceremony (refuge is a prerequisite for taking the vow) and also a section where one can take the five precepts (for more about the precepts, see Jewel Ornament of Liberation). There is some recitation in the practice we will do, so bring your mala, if you wish.

Please join us for this special opportunity to receive an uninterrupted transmission of the bodhisattva vow in the Drikung Kagyu lineage from Khenchen Konchok Gyaltsen Rinpoche.

Requirements for participation:

• It is important to have taken refuge already, or one can choose to officially take refuge with Kenchen Rinpoche that weekend, or embedded in the practice is a short temporary refuge.
• It is most important to bring correct motivation
• Bring your mala or sacred items if you like

Please contact the registrar (events@kcc.org) if

• You intend to take refuge before the Bodhisattva Vow
• You have accessibility concerns; or
• You have registration-related questions.

Suggested readings: 

• Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra – Shantideva (especially chapter 1)
• 37 practices of a Bodhisattva

Daily schedule: 

Friday, September 9:
6:00-8:00 pm : opening talk and instructions

Saturday, September 10:
10:00-11:30 am : Bodhichitta teachings
11:30 am-12:00 pm : Tea break
12:00-1:30 pm : Teachings
1:30-3:00 pm : Brown Bag Lunch break (or visit our local restaurants)
3:00-5:00 pm : Take refuge and Genyen Vow (5 Precepts)

Sunday, September 11:
10:00-11:30 am : Bodhisattva vow ritual
11:30 am-12:00 pm : Tea break
12:00-1:30pm : Bodhisattva vow sadhana / teachings
1:30-3:00 pm : Brown Bag Lunch break (or visit our local restaurants)
3:00-5:00 pm : Bodhisattva vow sadhana / teachings

Cost
Choose the level that fits your budget:

$300 – Your generous contribution allows these events to be available to those who could not otherwise attend.
$200 – Suggested Donation – Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday events
$120 – Reduced Level – Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday events
$100 – Suggested Donation – Saturday OR Sunday Teaching (Friday evening included)
$60 – Reduced Level – Saturday OR Sunday Teaching (Friday evening included)
$30 – Suggested Donation – Friday evening only
$0 – Give what you can at the door. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.