The Immeasurable Wisdom of Mahāyāna Buddhism
Why does an open heart set us free? As we practice compassion we release that which limits us. And as the heart opens more we cultivate qualities that generate even more compassion, thus we expand further and further.
Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton will be teaching Opening the Heart of Compassion Online Program from August 8 to October 3. Click here to learn more.
In this blog post we continue our four-part series, observing how compassion enriches our lives.
Part 2: Opening the Heart of Compassion
In practicing compassion, we are growing into the vulnerability of ourselves and others. Which gives us a sense of peace and comfort. How is this so? It fulfills our innate need for connection, which helps us to become more confident, expressive, and relatable. This growth is boundless.
In Mahāyāna Buddhism we practice The Four Immeasurables: love, compassion, joy, and equanimity. The source of these qualities is immeasurable, so we are able to offer them to the world, without measure. Starting with beings close to our hearts, we gradually expand the circle. We make this possible by practicing The Six Perfections: generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom. Daily life offers us infinite opportunity to practice these perfections, so we are encouraged to meet everything with enthusiasm, and live with joy.
These fundamental teachings are what open the heart. Ultimately, the Mahāyāna path is the way of the “bodhisattva” – working for the enlightenment of all beings, through cultivating “bodhicitta” – which means an awakened heart-mind. And compassion keeps our heart warm.
Tara Mandala will offer the Opening the Heart of Compassion Online Program, from August 8 to October 3, with Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton. Embark on an eight-week journey into Mahāyāna practices and teachings that cultivate compassion and wisdom in your everyday life. Learn more »
August 8 – October 3
The Mahāyāna (Great Vehicle) teachings emphasize the cultivation of compassion and wisdom as a way to walk the path with intelligence and care. We will explore the key historical developments that took place during this great period of development in Buddhist thought, such as the Prajñāpāramitā Sūtras, Madhyamaka and Yogācāra philosophies, the concept of Buddha Nature, and the greater emphasis on compassionate motivation. Meditations on the Four Immeasurables, including Tonglen, and Prajñāpāramitā (Transcendent Wisdom) will also be taught.
Early Bird opportunities until July 29
ABOUT THE RETREAT TEACHER
Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton
Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton, Buddhist teacher and translator, studied Buddhism and Tibetan language at the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives in Dharamsala, India, founded by H.H. Dalai Lama. She later received her degree from UCSB’s religious studies department at which time she co-translated Sublime Dharma, A Compilation of Two Texts on the Great Perfection, published by Vimala Publishing, 2012. From the very beginning of her Buddhist studies, Dorje Lopön Chandra recognized the profound need to bring forth the voice of the sacred feminine in Buddhist theory and practice. Due to this, in 1999 during her first pregnancy, she met and then later began to study with Lama Tsultrim Allione, pioneering female Buddhist teacher, national best selling author, and founder of Tara Mandala Retreat Center. Dorje Lopön Chandra is the Assistant Spiritual Director and Lead Senior Teacher at Tara Mandala Retreat Center. She serves on the Tara Mandala Board of Trustees, develops programs and curricula for Tara Mandala, as well as … Read more »
We hope you enjoyed this second part of our Compassion Series, captivating the spirit of boundless compassion. Join us for part three in the coming weeks.
~With Blessings,
Tara Mandala Retreat Center
