“Insight does disclose to you a certain aspect of reality, you experience a certain aspect of reality and that functions, as it were, as a gateway for you. A means of access to total reality. The vimokshas represent those experiences, those doorways, those gateways, those means of ‘access’.”

— SANGHARAKSHITA, 1985 DHARMACHARINI Q&A  ‘cited by Vajradharashini’ 

At this year’s Dharma Day Festival, Nirajadhi and Karunavapi invite members of our sangha to join us in exploring the laksanas and their associated Vimokshas*.

“When a person begins to realise the actual truth that already exists in the self-existing situation, then they are experiencing true dharma. So what is true dharma? It is experiencing things as they are. It’s nothing fancier than that. It’s very plain. That’s true dharma. ”

— Chögyam Trungpa

Exploring the gateways to liberation through talk and meditations

We will do this through a morning of teaching and explorations through meditations facilitated by Nirajadhi who will be sharing how these teachings support her to meet the painful existential truth of the nature of samsara in her dharma practice.

Exploring & making Dharmachakras

During the afternoon, there will be a creative exploration (with Alyson Hurst and Kayāmokṣinī ) of the symbol of the Dharmachakra which symbolises when the Buddha set the wheel of the dharma turning after his enlightenment. We will learn the mudra and make golden Dharmachakras to offer to the shrine. We invite you to bring a short dharma quote.  You may choose to go downstairs to the garden shrine room and engage with this activity in silence there or simply sit and reflect on the morning’s talks.

Celebratory Puja to the Buddha of Infinite Space

Then a Ritual Puja to Akashadhateshvari who is the cosmic archetypal symbol of the buddha in female form, brilliant white like sun light on snow. Led by Karunavapi.

“Goddess of the Golden Wheel

There is no need

To supplicate you to teach

For in all worlds

In all times

It is you who set rolling

The Wheel of the Doctrine.”

 Puja The roar of the lioness, Vessantara

Practical Info

This day will include dharma teaching and meditations which presupposes an established meditation and dharma practice within Triratna’s system of practice.

When to arrive

Please arrive from 9.45 for a prompt start at 10am or by 13.45 if you just wish to come to the afternoon sessions.

What to bring…

You are invited to bring your favourite pithy bit of dharma (one or two lines) to read out in this ritual and/or offer it to the shrine. Please wear white

If staying for lunch, please bring something vegetarian to share.

Triratna Families welcome from lunchtime

Triratna families are welcome from lunchtime(13.30-14.30)  and are encouraged to stay for the afternoon creative activities and the puja (finishing at 18.00).

Children need supervising by their care givers at all times please.

Downstairs Shrine room

This silent space is available for quite reflection and meditation throughout the day.

What to give?

Event by DANA recommended amount for full day £40