Schedule
The festival has three blocks or programmes:
- The Outer Aspects of Gesar of Ling
- The Inner Aspects of Gesar of Ling
- Rigden Abhisheka and Werma Training
It is possible to attend the festival for one or more programmes.
During the Gesar Festival there will be also a Dorje Kasung Gar
Public Talk by Sakyong Mipham Rinoche
See the “Events” page for more information about the public talk by Sakyong Mipham rinpoche on May 17
The Outer Aspects of Gesar of LingMay 12 - May 21, 2008
Gesar of Ling—an enlightened warrior—creates harmony and peace in times of crisis and war
The public program, open to all, will start with a Shamatha Intensive retreat and introductory classes by Acharyas (May 12 - May 16). After that, the Rinpoches will give teachings on the life of Gesar of Ling, the great warrior-king of Tibet and ancestral sovereign of Shambhala.
Teachings on the life of Gesar of Ling, the great warrior-king of Tibet and ancestral sovereign of Shambhala.
The Gesar epic discusses recurrently the principles of windhorse (lungta), authentic presence (wangtang), confidence and dignity (ziji), and enriching presence (yang) —the principles that are taught in the Shambhala texts by the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. These principles are applied by many Tibetans to achieve worldly success. The Sakyong commented that these teachings are a “powerhouse for lungta”.
Click here for more information about the Outer Aspects of Gesar of Ling
Vajrayana students who want to finish their ngöndro practice for the Rigden Abhisheka may also do their practice at Dechen Chöling during May 12 - May 16.
The Inner Aspects of Gesar of Ling * May 21 - May 28, 2008
Gesar the bodhisattva-warrior fostering enlightened society
This is our annual vajra sangha gathering with the Sakyong and will include teachings, empowerments and vajrayana group practice. Group practice will include a Gesar sadhana written by the Vidyadhara, Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche.
In his inner aspect, Gesar is seen as a spiritual entity or force that has command over the world of dralas – entities or energies that serve to overcome aggression and negative forces, and to create harmony in human society.
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche encourages vajrayana practitioners to participate in both the Outer and Inner Gesar teachings.
* The inner Gesar program is open to all Shambhala vajrayana students, as well as to experienced practitioners who are members of the Padma Ling or Ripa Ladrang organizations. (Those who have at least attended Gesar teachings with His Eminence Tertön Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, or have received similar teachings from Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, are welcome to register).
Click here for more information about the Inner Aspects of Gesar of Ling
Rigden Abhisheka and Werma Training ** May 27 - June 4, 2008
Empowerment for the Werma Sadhana, with subsequent training and group practice.
The Rigden abhisheka empowers one to practice the sadhana of the great drala Rigden [The Roar of the Werma], which culminates in the practice of The Scorpion Seal. It is for those warriors, humble householder yogins, mothers, fathers, children, and monastics of Shambhala who wish to dispel the darkness of the setting sun and bring about the vajrayana Shambhala teachings.
—from the Preamble to the Primordial Rigden: The Magical Heart of Shambhala, by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
The Rigden Abhisheka itself is from May 27 - May 31, 2008, and will be followed by intensive training in the Werma sadhana, May 30 - June 4, 2008.
** Please read the information on the Shambhala International website for the prerequisites of the Rigden Abhisheka: http://www.shambhala.org/programs/RA/.
Dorje Kasung Gar May 12 to June 1, 2008
All Dorje Kasung are warmly invited to participate in a Gar during the Gesar Festival. Inspired by the view, practice and action of Gesar, we will serve this festival as Dorje Kasung and gather in an encampment on the Lha Meadow of Dechen Chöling. We will fully take part in the Outer and Inner Gesar teachings culminating with the Rigden Abhisheka (*). At the same time, we will engage in our familiar practice of manifesting protector principle and service as an extension of our own bodhisattva activity.
Dates: from May 12 to June 1. Arrival and departure is also possible on May 15, 21 and 27.
Price: 30 € per day (May 12 - 15) / 40 € per day (May 16 - June 1)
For further information contact Khenchen Edwards at rusung@dechencholing.org
