In the Footsteps of Buddha: Commentary to the Liberating Prayer & Refuge Vow Ceremony
$25.00
Saturday, June 7 from 10:00 AM to 3:45 PM
$25 non-Members
$13 General Members
FREE for Contributors, Supporters & Benefactors
Description
The Liberating Prayer is not an ordinary prayer—it is like a text and has profound meaning. All Lamrim teachings—renunciation, bodhichitta, and correct view of emptiness—are included in this prayer. I can say very few people understand the Liberating Prayer. It definitely needs verbal commentary by a Teacher. If we understand and contemplate its meaning, it is the best method to develop faith in Buddha and his teachings, which is our spiritual life and the root of all Dharma realizations.
For Buddhists, faith in Buddha Shakyamuni is their spiritual life; it is the root of all Dharma realizations. If we have deep faith in Buddha we will naturally develop the strong wish to practice his teachings. With this wish we will definitely apply effort in our Dharma practice, and with strong effort we will accomplish permanent liberation from suffering. Reciting the Liberating Prayer while contemplating its meaning draws us closer to Buddha Shakyamuni because we understand his many excellent qualities, increase our faith and receive powerful blessings. In the afternoon session, we will have the opportunity to make a firm commitment to following the Buddhist path by taking refuge vows. The essence of the vows is to apply effort into receiving Buddha's blessings, putting Dharma into practice, and receiving help from Sangha.
Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary.
Schedule
| 10:00 | – | 11:15 AM | Session 1 |
| 12:00 | – | 1:00 PM | Session 2 |
| 2:30 | – | 3:45 PM | Refuge Vow Ceremony |
The Teacher
This course is taught by Resident Teacher Sarah Frew. Sarah is a long-time student and practitioner of Kadampa Buddhism under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche and has engaged in extensive Dharma study and retreat. Through her joyful and engaging manner, she shares Buddha’s teachings in a kind-hearted and warm way that makes them accessible to everyone.