Effortless Liberation, Commitment to Practice

Who is Padmasambhava? Depending on the point of view, "Padmasambhava" can represent a legendary Buddhist yogi/shaman, or the awakened mind of a living Vajra Master, or the indestructible enlightened nature of every sentient being.

The "Vajra Seven Line Song" or "Invocation of Padmasambhava" is practiced throughout the many schools and lineages of Tibetan Buddhism—and in Shambhala Centers, as the "Seven-Line Supplication to Padmakara." A complete method of realization in itself, it contains teachings that touch on the entire spiritual path. Ngak'chang Rinpoche will discuss the Seven Line Song in the light of the Four Naljors of Dzogchen Sem-dé : four approaches to silent sitting meditation practice from the perspective of the Dzogchen tradition. The weekend will consist of talks by Rinpoche and student teachers, questions and answers, and periods of meditation practice and yogic song.

On Friday evening, Rinpoche will give the dBang, or Tantric empowerment, of Mandarava. In the Dzogchen view, a dBang is an orchestrated occasion providing a series of possible glimpses of the enlightened state, with an opportunity for further practice to integrate such glimpses.