Buddha Nature: You Are Pure Potential 2

Our retreat will focus on the method of how to combine meditations and teachings on realizing the inherent qualities and Buddhahood present in all beings, otherwise known as Buddha Nature. The elucidation of this potential, the inseparability of luminosity and emptiness, is the bridge between the Sutra and tantric paths, it is the view of Tantra, the ground for Mahamudra, and thus it is an essential understanding that must be gained for all practitioners. The weekend will focus on the third century text, and practice of, The Uttaratantra, which clarifies the Third Turning of the Buddha’s teachings on Enlightened potential or tathagathagarbha, one of the five seminal works of Arya Asanga and Maitreya. The verses are written in exquisite prose and thus require a commentary to explain their unlimited potential and profound meaning. All are welcome to attend, regardless of experience.

All are welcome. May All be well, happy, safe, peaceful, and at ease.

Gen-la Chokyi Dhakpa is the founder of the Summit Dharma Center and has been actively practicing Buddhism for more than twenty five years. For over a decade Gen-la has joyfully instructed a continuous stream of educated and experienced practitioners of all levels and backgrounds in Thailand, India and America and more recently has expanded his teaching and friendship to students, both lay and ordained, in Europe, South America, and Africa. Gen-la has led hundreds of meditation retreats on almost every subject matter related to Dharma, in addition to leading meditative pilgrimmages throughout Thailand, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and India - further connecting students and friends with their studies and practice. Gen-la currently directs the practicing and teaching schedule at the Shantideva Meditation Center in Phuket, Thailand, SDC Colorado and Florida centers, as well as on-line Dharma classes at www.summitdharmacenter.org

Professionally, Gen-la currently works as C.E.O. of International TEFL (private language schools) and Board President of the Summit Dharma Centers; Formerly, Gen-la served as the business manager of a Colorado hospice and also as a the Coordinator for the Boulder Homeless Shelter food voucher program, and SDC’s prison outreach program in several rural counties of Colorado.

Gen-la was ordained as a monk for almost five years in the Thai forest tradition and by H.E. Gylatsab Rinpoche at Rumtek monastery in Sikkim and has received the vast majority of empowerments of both the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages including the Dam Nga Dzod from H.E. Gyaltsab Rinpoche and the Rinchen Terdzod from H.H. Penor Rinpoche. He is also fluent in written Tibetan and is casually proficient in both colloquial Tibetan and Thai languages. Gen-la has also received a degree in Buddhist Studies from the Naropa Buddhist University as well as a certificate in Tibetan language from the University of Virginia. He has also undergone numerous extensive retreats in Thailand and Burma in the Theravadin tradition, and years of group and isolated training in the Indian and Tibetan Himalayas in the Mahayana/Vajrayana traditions.

Gen-la has been blessed to study under a wide variety of teachers including Bokar Rinpoche, Thrangu Rinoche (Mahamudra), and Penor Rinpoche (6 Yogas and Dzogchen) in the Mahayana traditions as well as being heavily practiced in the Thai forest tradition of Ajahn Chah, the Anapanasati tradition of Buddhadassa Bhikku, and the elemental tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw.

Finally, Gen-la is well known for his direct and powerful teaching style stressing Jhana (absorption) meditation practice in combination with the Four Immeasurables of Equanimity, Loving-Kindness, Compassion and Joy and their practical application in daily existence and relationship with oneself and others. His teaching style de-centralizes the role of guru worship as well as the usage of unnecessary rites and rituals and encouraging every being to empower themselves by finding the pure and unlimited potential of this very moment.

Sign-up in classes or contact us, and please pay for the retreat at the time of sign-up.

If you have any other questions email: Thomas@SummitDharmaCenter.org.