AEPE 10 - Taking Refuge, Part 1

Taking Refuge - Part 1. Taking Refuge is the foundation of the buddhist path; it is the demarcation between samsara and the path to liberation and enlightenment. It is the mind that aspires for wisdom leaving behind all the delusions and habitual tendencies that pull us back into samsara. Ultimately, taking refuge is abiding within the undeterred confidence of our own buddha nature, the awakened mind. This month’s live teaching, ‘What is the entranceway to awakening?’ by Rigpa senior teacher Dominique Side.

AEPE 11 - Taking Refuge, Part 2

This month we will unpack our ideas of what we understand by the term “faith,” and study teachings on ‘the three types of faith’, vivid, eager and confident. Reflecting on our eagerness for transformation, we’ll explore what that will look like for us in terms of our personal practice. This month’s live teaching is by Rigpa senior teacher Jan van der Breggen, titled ‘Cultivating Confidence: Exploring the three types of faith on our spiritual path.’

AEPE 12 - Taking Refuge, Part 3

The teachings and explanations on the practice of Taking Refuge emphasize relying upon and working with our mind and motivation. Following the path, we need to be able to withstand the currents of our obscurations and habitual tendencies. In order to leave less wiggle room for our ego and habitual tendencies, developing a strong commitment and resolution in our minds is of paramount importance. That is why the foundation of the path is said to be the refuge vows. The live Sangha Day teaching, ‘Where to find real solace’, is given by Rigpa senior teacher Ruth Seehausen.

AEPE 13 - Taking Refuge, Part 4

Taking Refuge, Part 4. This month we will dive more deeply into taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. There will be a week on visualizing the refuge tree, and also on the significance of prostrations. We will begin to include in our practice ‘A Concise Recitation of the Dudjom Tersar Ngöndro.’

AEPE 14 - Taking Refuge, Part 5

What could endanger us on the path towards the ultimate happiness of enlightenment, and what are the short-term benefits of taking refuge in the Three Jewels? These are the questions we will examine in this month’s weekly study session, together with advice on integrating the practice of Taking Refuge in our daily lives.

The February Live Sangha Day teaching, ‘The freedom of knowing what to do and what not to do’, is given by Rigpa senior teacher Kirsten Czeczor.

 

AEPE 15 - Bodhichitta

Our study and practice this month turns to bodhichitta, the next practice of the ngöndro. This month’s live teachings are given by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, titled ‘The Buddhist Practices of Refuge and Bodhichitta.’

AEPE 16: Healing and Purification through the Practice of Vajrasattva

The entire teaching of the Buddha can be directed towards healing. There is healing through mindfulness, through loving kindness and compassion, and through visualisation and mantra. 
In our approach, the practice of Vajrasattva is central to healing on all levels. On an outer level we heal illnesses, on an inner level we purify negativity and delusion, and on a secret level we remove karmic, intellectual, emotional, and habitual defilements which prevent us from realising omniscience.
The April 2025 Live Sangha Day teaching, ‘The Power of Healing’, is given by Rigpa senior teacher Sebastien Reggiany.


AEPE 17 - The Practice of Mandala Offering

This month we will learn about the profound practice of Mandala Offering in the Dudjom Tersar Ngöndro. What is its essential meaning? And why do we even do this practice? We will explore how important merit is on the Buddhist path – how accumulating merit gives rise to primordial wisdom of realization. This month’s live teaching is by Rigpa senior teacher Seth Dye, titled ‘Generosity is the greatest treasure, Mandala Offering’.

AEPE 18 - Receiving a stream of blessings through the Practice of Devotion and Guru Yoga

Receiving a stream of blessings through the Practice of Devotion and Guru Yoga. All the buddhas and bodhisattvas are present at all moments to help us. All we need to do to receive direct help is to ask. There is no swifter, more powerful practice for invoking their help, for arousing devotion and realising the nature of mind, than the practice of Guru Yoga. The June Live Sangha Day teaching, ‘Guru Yoga—the Most Powerful Practice for Awakening the Realisation of our True Nature’, is given by Rigpa senior teacher Valerie Baker. 

AEPE 19 - Concluding Year 2

AEPE 19 - Concluding Year 2