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Yamantaka meditation
Alternate Wednesdays 7.30 to 9.00pm
Each week the Tibetan Buddhist Society’s Spiritual Head, the Venerable Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden, provides teachings on and leads
the practice of Solitary Hero Yamantaka. Having the opportunity to practise Yamantaka is extremely rare. It is even more
extraordinary to be able to receive regular guidance from such a highly qualified teacher. Geshe-la is a highest level Geshe,
who completed his Geshe training in Tibet.
In addition to his Geshe degree, Geshe-la is a fully qualified vajrayana teacher, having completed the full of course of study at
one of the two main Gelug tantric colleges, Gyumay Tantric College. Teachers fully qualified to teach vajrayana are extremely few,
and Yamantaka teachings are seldom given. So to have the opportunity to be able to receive this weekly instruction is truly
remarkable.
To be able to attend these teachings you must have received Solitary Hero Yamantaka empowerment. Yamantaka is in the class of the
Highest Yoga Tantra practices. Students practising Yamantaka must have a sound basis in the study and meditations of the Path to
Enlightenment, and a deep commitment to their Buddhist practice. In September each year Geshe-la conducts the Yamantaka empowerment
ceremony.
Solitary Hero Yamantaka is a core Gelug practice. Yamantaka is the wrathful manifestation of Manjushri, the Buddha of wisdom. As a wrathful practice, Yamantaka presents the means to quickly overcome obstacles that hinder one’s Dharma practice and to achieve enlightenment. The teachings are drawn from Geshe-la’s extensive commentary on the Yamantaka practice Ocean of Indivisible Method and Wisdom.
As one of the father tantras, Yamantaka teachings emphasise the practice of illusory body.
The Yamantaka practice has five extraordinary features:
1. Our practice will be successful even in the most difficult circumstances.
2. The practice includes the profound paths of the illusory body and clear light as explained in Guhyasamaja tantra.
3. The Solitary Hero Yamantaka tantra has the practices of non-dual bliss and emptiness.
4. The tantra has the methods for achieving enlightenment, even for those who have created extremely heavy negative actions.
5. Through this practice one becomes closer to Manjushri, and more easily receives his blessings.
Classes are held on Wednesdays between 7.30 to 9.00pm. A new series starts in March and finishes in December and suitably qualified
students are welcome to attend any time. Each class includes sadhana practice, instructions and guided meditation in the traditional
Tibetan temple, followed by supper. There is a facility charge of $10, with proceeds going to support the temple.
You should wear loose fitting comfortable and warm clothing. Seating is available in chairs or on meditation cushions. Classes are
held on Wednesdays except for public holidays during the year. Classes are not held the annual retreat period in late September/early
October. Please enquire at the Centre for more details.
In addition to weekly practice, each second year the Tibetan Buddhist Society holds a two week Yamantaka retreat. During the retreat
we complete the mantra commitments, and the retreat concludes with the traditional fire puja.
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