Programme
Teachings
Saturday 24th May: 10.30 am and 2.30 pm & Sunday 25th May: 9.30 am
Bringing Meaning to our Lives
When our lives have meaning we are motivated, alive, responsive and responsible - qualities that make us happier and more fulfilled. Over the weekend, the Dalai Lama will give a series of talks exploring these aspects and inspiring questions such as: What is really important in our lives? How can we find lasting fulfillment? What is our relationship to the world we inhabit and what can we do right now to help ourselves and others?
Monday 26th to Wednesday 28th May, 9.30 am and 2.00 pm each day
» Tickets now available for the individual day sessions
Investigating the Nature of Reality
Commentaries on "Praise to the Buddha for His Discourses on Dependent Origination" - (Tendrel Toepa)
and Nagarjuna's "Hymn to (the Buddha) the World Transcendent"
Among the wealth of Tibetan texts that have been written to illuminate Buddhist philosophy and practice, many have been carefully composed for rigorous study in monasteries, while only a few have been written as direct reflections of a Master's inner realisations. One of the most profound examples of the latter is Praise to the Buddha for His Discourses on Dependent Origination - fifty-eight spontaneous verses inspired by meditation, prayers and dreams - composed by one of Tibet's most respected scholars and teachers, Lama Tsongkhapa (1357-1419). A joyous expression of gratitude for the teachings of the Buddha, it addresses in a clear and systematic way the ultimate nature of reality and its relationship with the interdependent conditions that shape our everyday experience. As one of the world's most cherished spiritual teachers who is both an adept of all Tibetan Buddhist traditions as well as an exemplar of wisdom and compassion to countless people across the globe, no-one could be better to elucidate and bring relevance to this teaching on the essence of the Buddhist path to peace and insight than His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet.
Copies of both texts will be handed out at the event.
Ceremony for the Bodhisattva Vow
During the three days of teachings, His Holiness will conduct the ceremony for engendering the Heart of Awakening - or bodhicitta - providing the opportunity for participants to generate the aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings and to enrol on the spiritual career of a Bodhisattva. Bodhicitta is often called the "Wish-fulfilling Jewel", because it has the power to bring true happiness to both ourselves and others, and this ceremony is thus the gateway to practice in Mahayana Buddhism.
Vajrasattva Initiation
On the morning of Wednesday 28th, His Holiness will bestow the Vajrasattva initiation. This practice is essential in all traditions of Vajrayana Buddhism. The meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva is considered supreme among all practices for the purification of all the accumulated negativities, illness and obscurations that are not inherently part of our true nature. This initiation empowers us to cultivate this practice which allows our true nature to manifest, helping us to bring wisdom and compassion into our lives.
Translation
Evening Talks
To precede His Holiness the Dalai Lama's illuminating Buddhist teachings that will take place between Monday 26th and Wednesday 28th May
Saturday 24th May, 6.30 - 7.30pm
'Introduction to Buddhism'Dharma Network is delighted that a number of experienced Buddhist teachers have accepted our invitation to participate in a Panel Forum. Drawing on their personal experience of what the Dharma means to them and how it has shaped their outlook on life in the modern world, this forum will be a chance to learn about the essential teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and their practical significance. The panel will also answer questions from the audience, providing a great opportunity for all to enrich their understanding of the Dharma.
Tuesday 27th May, 6.00 - 7.00pm
'A Talk on Vajrasattva'This is another unmissable addition to our programme, which will precede His Holiness the Dalai Lama's bestowal of the Vajrasattva initiation. Dharma Network is delighted that Venerable Ringu Tulku has accepted our invitation to discourse on the basis, aims, processes and benefits of this practice. Venerable Ringu Tulku underwent a rigorous Buddhist training according to the Rime (borderless) tradition under the guidance of such masters as H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and has gone on to share his wisdom and compassion across Continents. Renowned for his ability to share his profound knowledge of the Dharma in a pragmatic and accessible way for Westerners in fluent English, Ringu Tulku will also answer questions from the audience on the subject of Vajrasattva.
Please note the evening sessions are a free non-ticketed event, so just turn up.
Caring for our World
Additional Talk
Sunday 25th May: 2.30pm-4.00pm
» Buy Online or by calling 0870 163 1781
In Conversation with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Jonathan Dimbleby
In response to the huge demand to hear His Holiness speak, an extra public talk has been arranged for the afternoon of Sunday 25th May at the Nottingham Arena. The afternoon will focus on how as individuals we can meet the challenges of our times, in particular environmental issues and concerns. Jonathan Dimbleby, the well-known TV and radio presenter and President of the Soil Association, will host the event.
The afternoon is open to a general audience but young people will be actively taking part.
Pupils from local schools in Nottingham will open the programme with a dramatic dance presentation on the theme of climate change. The Dalai Lama will give a talk, during which a panel of young people, chosen from the ‘Any Questions’ competition, will individually put their questions to the Dalai Lama. The event will conclude at 4 pm with a reading of poems, by their authors, selected from the many entries received for the ‘Poetry Challenge’.
This special event is being organised by Dharma Network 2008, in collaboration with Nottingham Inter-Faith Council, Nottingham City Council Children's Services and the Nottingham Evening Post.
This event offers young people and their families a wonderful opportunity to attend a very important event for Nottingham.
