UPDATE. As a result of a recent meeting with Rinpoche in India, details of the KTC sponsored retreat are herewith updated.

The Very Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche will teach The Third Karmapa’s Treatise “Transcending Ego: Distinguishing Consciousness from Wisdom”, in the Skagit Mountains of British Columbia, July 5-12, 2003. The central daily meditation practice will be the Medicine Buddha sadhana.

 

It is with great pleasure that Karme Thekchen Choling hosts the Very Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche's teachings on The Third Karmapa's Treatise "Transcending Ego: Distinguishing Consciousness from Wisdom". In addition, the Medicine Buddha sadhana will be the special focus of daily mediation practice. These teachings take place in retreat format in a marvelous setting among the mountains east of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

While many of Rinpoche’s students have had some exposure to the eight consciousnesses through Rinpoche’s teachings on Mahamudra, The Third Karmapa’s Treatise goes far beyond this introduction. Here the subject matter is presented in a comprehensive form. The treatise explains in detail on the actual workings of the eight consciousnesses and how the phenomenal world apparently arises with illusory substantial appearance. Specific methods are presented which transform these eight into the five enlightened wisdoms of the five Dhyani Buddhas. It is a rare occasion for students to have access to this profound and esoteric instruction.

In addition to Rinpoche’s two daily lectures on the Treatise, the Medicine Buddha sadhana will be practiced every morning, with instruction from a young tulku accompanying Rinpoche. "One practices the Medicine Buddha in order to attain states of mental and physical health or balance, not merely for our own benefit, but for the benefit of others as well... by doing these practices we actually bless the environment and all the beings in that environment" (Thrangu Rinpoche, Seattle, June 1999). Patrons may sponsor morning practices for the benefit of specific beings.

The fee for the eight-day July 5-July 12 retreat is USD $500 or CDN $770. Accommodation and meals are included. The expected capacity of 120 students will be registered on a first-come basis. A deposit of USD $100 or CDN $170 is required by May 1st 2003 which becomes non-refundable on June 10th when the balance of the fee is due.

Cheques and bank drafts (no mailed cash or postal money orders please) are payable to Karme Thekchen Choling, 3991 Moresby Drive, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada V7C 5G3. Your deposit is to be accompanied by a letter stating your name, address, telephone numbers (day & evening), your email address, and food preference (vegetarian or carnivore). All rooms are shared, and are arranged by gender. If you wish placement with same gender friends, please so indicate in your letter; such requests will be accommodated as much as possible.

Registrants will receive an information package detailing location, travel directions, retreat guide & rules and so forth upon receipt of their deposit. Questions may be sent to ktcvan@shaw.ca or telephone Ping at (604) 271 6322 or Ed at (604) 608 0772.

Our advice is to register early, as space is limited. May all be well and happy!