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An Update on Retreats at Padmaloka

I am very sorry to say that we have decided as a community here at Padmaloka to extend the period of retreat cancellation by another two months, meaning that retreats in July and August are now cancelled. 

Despite the fact that the lockdown periods are starting to ease in many countries, as a retreat centre we are going to be amongst one of the last to be able to re-open;this is because social distancing would be near impossible to maintain here, and we feel a great responsibility to the men who come on retreat here to ensure their health and wellbeing. 

The Perfection of Vigour - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 7

"Like someone hankering for the pleasure and fruit of love-play"

Padmavajra's seventh talk on Shantideva's Bodhicarayvatara is an exploration of chapter seven, the Perfection of Vigour (virya paramita). In this chapter Shantideva, makes it very clear that without virya there is no Enlightenment.

He tells us what virya is, as well as what opposes virya, which include, sloth, laziness and self-contempt. He explains that virya is developed through the application of six powers: desire; pride; delight; letting go; dedication; and self-mastery.

"The More They Beat Us, The Louder We Sang" -The Perfection of Patience- Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 6

'Serenity, freedom from disease, joy and long life, the happiness of an emperor, prosperity; these the patient person receives while continuing in cyclic existence.'

Padmavajra's sixth talk on the Bodhicaryavatara explores Shantideva's thorough exploration of the perfection of patience. In this chapter, Shantideva brings our attention to the seriousness of the faults of hatred and anger.

Vigilance with Regard to the Bodhicitta - Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 4

"The defilements do not dwell in objects, nor in the collection of the senses, nor in the space in between. There is nowhere else for them to dwell and yet they churn up the entire universe." 

In his fourth talk on the Bodhicaryavatara, given on the weekly Padmaloka retreat, Padmavajra explores Shantideva's discussion of vigilance (apramada) in relation to the cultivation of the Bodhicitta.

Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 2: Giving Ourselves Completely to the Buddhas

"And I give myself to the Conquerors completely, and to their sons. Take possession of me Sublime Beings. In devotion I become your servant".

In his second talk on the Bodhicaryavatara, Padmavajra tells us how Shantideva takes to heart, ever more firmly, the Bodhicitta, through his lavish performance of puja and a searing confession of faults. The talk was given in the shrine room on the weekly Padmaloka day retreat. It was given in honour of the anniversary of Sangharakshita's founding of the Triratna Buddhist Order on 7th April 1968.

Essential Meditation - Key Tools for an Effective Meditation Practice

At the beginning of March Satyaraja led a new retreat at Padmaloka, titled 'Essential Meditation'. The aim was to provide people with a foundational toolkit of principles and practical guidance to help them take full ownership of their meditation practice and therefore develop it to the next level.

The retreat covered all areas of working in meditation from posture, balanced effort and working on the hindrances, to access concentration, the dhyanas and insight.

Spreading the Light of Tara - Inspiration from Dhardo Rimpoche for these Fearful Times

A new talk from Padmavajra, given today, 24th March.

On the thirtieth anniversary of death of Urgyen Sangharakshita's teacher - Dhardo Rimpoche, Padmavajra commemorates Rinpoche's life, work and example and how his message might inspire us in these fearful times.

The talk was given in the Padmaloka shrine room to the Padmaloka community on a day devoted to honouring Dhardo Rimpoche.

Click here to watch it: https://bit.ly/TheLightofTara