Course info
Sacred Art: The Practices behind the 8 Auspicious Buddhist Symbols
The symbolism of the sacred art found in Kadampa Buddhist Temples and shrines such as the 8 auspicious signs, and the ornaments that Buddha’s wear, show how to progress along the Buddhist path to Enlightenment. This special weekend course will explore the meaning behind the Sacred Art of Buddhism and how we can put their profound meaning into practice in our daily life.
Friday and Saturday
we will mainly be learning about the 8 Auspicious symbols:
The Precious Umbrella: Learn how to find protection from suffering by going for refuge to Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
The Precious Fish: Learn how to live in harmony and peace through training in loving kindness.
The Precious Vase: Learn how to develop the inner wealth of guarding the mind, concentration and wisdom.
The Precious Lotus: Learn how to rise above the mud of our delusions and become a pure being through the 6 perfections of giving, moral discipline, patience, effort, concentration and wisdom.
The Conch Shell: Learn how to develop the wisdom of listening to spiritual teachings more effectively and with more focus.
The Never-ending Knot: Learn about the extaordinary good qualities of a Buddha and how to receive the powerful blessings of all the Buddhas.
The Victory Banner: Learn how to become victorious over the delusions in the mind.
The Dharma Wheel: Learn how to help others by giving wisdom to others and “turning the wheel of Dharma”.
Sunday
Learn the symbolic meaning of the images of Buddhas in the shrine, how to meditate on them and also how we make the statues and Buddha paintings.
This is also offered as a day course.
Teacher
This event is taught by Gen Kelsang Thekchen, senior Buddhist Monk and Resident Teacher of Bodhisattva KMC.
Schedule
Friday:
(Supper will be served at 6 pm)
7.30pm – 8.30pm: Introduction
Saturday:
10–11.15am: Teaching and Meditation
12–1pm: Teaching and Meditation
1pm: Lunch
2.30-4pm Teaching and Meditation
7-8pm: Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog
Sunday:
10am – 11.15am: Teaching and Meditation
12pm – 1pm: Learn to draw Buddha’s face
Course ends with lunch