Inner Potential Practices with different Buddhas & Mahayana Precepts

The potential of our mind is said to be limitless and so is its development.

With Annelies van der Heijden 

1. Inner Potential Practices with different Buddhas

The Buddha has many manifestations as a result of inner development. We might know Chenrezig as the Buddha of Great Compassion and often His Holiness is mentioned as the living example of Great Compassion at this time. The different Buddhas represent specific qualities and potentials that we ourselves like to nourish and further develop in our own mind. Performing practices related to the different Buddhas is a very direct way to do this. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche encourages us to engage in these powerful practices. Not only to engage in both the practices of purification and accumulation, which we very much need on our spiritual journey, but also to take the opportunity and collect mental imprints while these practices are still available.

After the first series of these practices, we’re very happy to offer some extra practice evenings. On request of the students, we will practice again the practices of Green Tara – the mother of all the Buddha’s and representing quick and skillful actions - and the Medicine Buddha – representing healing capacity and especially powerful to accomplish goals in these degenerative times.

2. The Eight Mahayana Precepts for one day

Lama Zopa Rinpoche highly recommends taking the Eight Mahayana precepts for one day. It is always part of retreats held at Kopan and/or during retreats with Rinpoche in the past. Given the power of the practice Rinpoche advice is to take these precepts at least once per month, ideally on the suitable days according to the Tibetan moon calendar.

This is the verse Rinpoche advises us to recite a few times, as inspiration, and before engaging in the actual practice:

‘Though you offer service with a calm mind to

One hundred billion times ten million buddhas,

With food and drink, umbrellas, flags, and garlands of light offerings,

For ten million eons equaling the number of sand grains in the Pacific Ocean,

The merit of someone enjoying living in one vow for one day and night,

When the holy Dharma is degenerating

And the teachings of the One Gone to Bliss are ceasing,

Is particularly more exalted than that.’

Purpose and practice of the precepts

The Eight Mahayana Precepts are a set of vows taken by Buddhist practitioners for a 24-hour period, typically on auspicious days of the lunar calendar. These precepts include abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual activity, lying, intoxicants, eating after noon, sitting on high seats or using adornments, and entertainment. They are practiced as a method of purification and accumulation of merit, allowing practitioners to temporarily live like a monastic and develop greater compassion and mindfulness. By voluntarily restraining ordinary behaviors, practitioners create favorable conditions for spiritual practice, reduce negative mental states, and cultivate greater awareness of harmful habitual patterns. The practice is particularly valued in Mahayana Buddhism as a way to develop bodhicitta (the altruistic intention to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings) and to experience a taste of the monastic discipline without permanent ordination.

Practical Information

Day & timing: Tuesdays from 19.30 – 20.30 hrs

Dates:

• Green Tara: June 3
• Introduction to the Eight Mahayana Precepts: June 17 – with the option to actually take the precepts on either the morning of June 25 or July 3 (in communication with the students)
• Medicine Buddha Healing: July 1
• Taking the precepts together: If there is interest, we can plan a morning (at around 5.30-6.00 hour) to actually take the Mahayana precepts for one day in front of a Buddha image. Potential and suitable dates are Wednesday June 25 or Thursday July 3. This will help and support you to take the Mahayana precepts on your own afterwards if you want.

Language: We will use English practice material but Annelies, who facilitates, can clarify in Dutch if needed.
Location: onsite and online 
Registration: to register, both for online and onsite participation, please send an email to amsterdam@maitreya.nl.  Once registered, you will be provided with inspiring study materials. The classes will be recorded (audio and video) and recordings will be provided to you.

Donation:

Dāna (generosity) is one of the cornerstones of the Buddhist path. With your donation we can uphold our Dharma center, which is managed entirely by volunteers. Participation is free, but a free donation is very much appreciated!