"Mahamudra Prayer" composed by the Third Karmapa, Rangjung  Dorje, belongs to the most important texts of Karma Kagyu tradition. In the synthetic way it shows all teachings about the view, meditation and activities in Mahamudra – the heart of Kagyu teachings. Because of that it is one of the texts that is most frequently studied and recited by Kagyu Lamas.
Full knowing of Mahamudra teachings requires long time and gradual increasing of own understanding. Mahamudra represents the realization  of all other practices. Nevertheless, it is necessary to start from learning the basic terminology of Mahamudra and getting the right view on these teachings. This weekend will be wonderful occasion to make the foundations for future studying of Mahamudra teachings under one of the great realised masters’ tutelage.
The explanations will be based on the commentary of the eighth Tai Situpa, Chokyi Jungne.

Teacher: Lama Rinchen.
Including Medicine Buddha empowerment

The course is an introduction to basic Buddhist teachings i.e. studying the meaning of taking refuge in the Three Jewels and the meaning of self-discipline. We will learn how to enter the path of bodhisattva. The Medicine Buddha  empowerment will be followed by an introduction to vajrayana meditation practice.
During the course the basic notions of Buddhism will be defined and systematized. It happens sometimes, that even if we’ve been practicing Dharma for many years, we still have some problems with clear defining what we understand as a meaning of some notions or to witch category belongs the explanations or practices that we’ve known before. During the course those who have been studying for long time will have the occasion to systematize their knowledge while the beginners will learn the basic elements of Dharma. The lectures will be combined with the meditation. 

Teachers: Lama Rinchen, Lama Mingyur Sonam, Lama Yonten Palsang and Lama Trinley
Including 1000-Armed Chenrezig empowerment

Nyungne is a fasting meditation retreat combined with the intensive practice of 1000-Armed Chenrezig. Firs day only one, vegetarian, meal may be eaten and during the second day completely nothing may be eaten or drunk. During the time of two days retreat it is obligatory to adhere to eight vows: 1. not to kill; 2. not to steal; 3. not to lie; 4. celibacy; 5. not to drink alcohol, not to take drugs and not to smoke; 6. not to beautify one’s body (make-up, perfumes, necklaces, earrings, etc.) it includes also the ban of dancing, singing, playing music and other entertainments; 7. not to eat at improper time; 8. not to take high seats.
Nyungne is a practice of Yidam kriya tantra tradition. It lets purify much of negative karma in short time. It is said that clear practice of one nyungne closes the gates to be reborn in lower realms and the same clear practice of eight nyungne leads to be reborn in the Pure land of Amitabha Buddha.

Teacher: Lama Mingyur Sonam.

Buddha taught in many tantras that offering tormas is an essential element in practicing Vajrayana. It is considered an especially pure offering and leads to quick realization of siddhi, special spiritual powers. Torma is an offering made from special cake. They have various shapes, colours and usually lavishly decorated butter ornaments.
There are tormas representing the presence of Buddhas and other deities, as well as tormas being offerings for them. In every school of Tibetan Buddhism, the tradition of making tormas in specific shapes is cultivated. During this weekend we will learn under the Lama’s eye how to make the basic tormas in Karma Kamtsang tradition. The course will have the form of a workshop.