Today we’re celebrating Padmasambhava, an important figure in the Buddhist tradition and in the Triratna Buddhist Community.

Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche stands at the mysterious crossroads where history and myth meet and his “Life” transcends space and time. He is especially associated with being able to help us transform demon energies into spiritual qualities. He shape-shifts and fascinates us to go beyond ourselves into unimagined realms.

This is a day in several parts, with a morning session for Order members: a special session of Saturday’s Tools for Living introducing Buddhist ritual, open to everyone who’d like to come; and then the main festival in the afternoon, after a lunch break. The festival is likely to be in person with parts available online too – to be confirmed.

Who is the Event for?

It's suitable for anyone with experience of our two meditation practices, Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana, and open to Buddhist ritual. Please get in touch if you're not sure. and anyone wanting to follow on from this morning’s Tools for Living Padmasambhava Special

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Programme

Please be here for a prompt start in the shrine room at the beginning of the sessions you’re attending

10 am: Sadhana practice for Order members
11 am: Tools for Living: Introduction to Ritual led by Vishangka
12 noon: Tools for Living: Introduction to Padmasambhava led by Lilasuri
1 pm: Lunch: Please bring vegan food to share for lunch - doesn't need to be elaborate - or support one of the local cafés or takeaways
2 pm: Short talks and a workshop on Transformation and the Guru’s Qualities by Lilasuri and Young Buddhists
3 pm: Talk by Arthaketu on The Guru and the Dakini
4 pm: Puja to The Guru and the Dakini led by Arthaketu
5 pm: End (approximate!)

More Information

• We are invited to wear red to invoke Padmasambhava and many of us will do so, but it’s not a problem if you don’t!
• More about Buddhist festivals and ritual
• Listen to the transference of merits and a beautiful rendition of the Padmasambhava Mantra from a young Buddhists weekend retreat

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Can you help with the Organising?

We often need friendly Sangha members to help make this sort of event run smoothly. Much of the work is done before and after, so you'd still be able to join in with everyone else. Please contact us on info@manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk if you are interested in joining the organising team. Thank you!

Health Issues

If there are any health issues, physical, emotional or mental, that could affect your participation in a course or event, please contact the Buddhist Centre at info@manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk, and ask to talk confidentially to one of our Order members, before deciding whether to attend.

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Supporting the Buddhist Centre

Through the pandemic we have lost much of our income, and as a registered charity we need your help! So if you value our Centre and community, please think about making a regular or one-off donation here - choose Donate with Card if you don't have a PayPal account and do get in touch with any queries. Thank you!

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