Developing the Big Heart with Venerable Namgyel

Bodhicitta is the essential, universal truth.This most pure thought is the wish and the will to bring all sentient beings to the realization of their highest potential: enlightenment. The Bodhisattva sees the crystal nature that exists in each of us, and by recognizing the beauty of our human potential, always has respect. For the disrespectful mind, human beings are like grass, something to be used. 'Ah, he means nothing to me. Human beings are nothing to me.'

We all try to take advantage of someone else, to profit only for ourselves. The entire world is built on attachment. Big countries overwhelm small countries, big children take candy from small children, husbands take advantage of their wives. I make friends with someone because he can benefit me. It is the same with the rest of the world. Boyfriends, girlfriends. Everybody wants something.

The desire to make friends only for the other person's benefit is extremely rare, however, it is very worthwhile. Buddha explained that even one moment's thought dedicated to enlightenment for the sake of others can destroy a hundred thousand lifetimes of negative karma.

We have attachment that makes us tight and uncomfortable. But even a tiny spark of Bodhicitta's heat makes the heart warm and relaxed. Bodhicitta is the powerful solution, the atomic energy that destroys the kingdom of attachment.

Over the next two Wednesday mornings we will explore how to put Bodhicitta into practice in our everyday lives through the methods of the six causes and one effect, and the giving and taking practice.

Wednesdays 10.30 am - 12 noon, in the Gompa at Chenrezig Institute.

No need to book, entry by donation. All welcome!

Meals in the Big Love Cafe are available separately and must be booked before 10.00 am on the day of the event.

Venerable Namgyel has been been studying Tibetan Buddhism for more than 29 years with such masters as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Denma Locho Rinpoche, Choden Rinpoche and Geshe Sonam Rinchen, and is an accredited teacher with the FPMT. He has completed four years of lam-rim retreats as well as many other tantric retreats. His main teachers are His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Venerable Namgyel has taught at various Buddhist centers around the world and is an integral part of The Song River Dharma Ashram in India. He had the honour of being the attendant and tutor to Osel in 1990.