2024 Feb 25, Mar 31 | Lama Linda | The Four Reflections (in 2 parts)

Taught by Lama Linda

Feb 25 & Mar 31 from 2:00-3:30 pm

Lama Linda, aka Lama Chodron


Videos of the teaching, posted April 2024
The Four Reflections | Lama Linda | Part 1: on YouTube Part 2: on YouTube | Suggested Practice (PDF) | Recommended readings and texts used during the workshop

In part 1, we considered the first two of the four reflections: the opportunities of a fortunate human rebirth and the reality of impermanence. In part 2 we will consider the third and fourth thoughts: karma and remembering the suffering of samsara, which is the state of not being fully awake to the true nature of our experience.

The four thoughts or four reflections are the starting point and most essential component of all Buddhist practice. Without keeping them in mind, our practice can’t fully take root. We’ll explore and chant two different expressions of the four thoughts: one composed by the Ninth Karmapa in 16th century Tibet as the first four practices of the Kagyu Ngöndro or preliminaries, the other composed several years ago by the current Mingyur Rinpoche as the first contemplations in his “Nectar of the Path” liturgy. We’ll also talk about how to bring them to life in our own words, how to incorporate them into our practice on and off the cushion, and some resources for deeper study. Scroll down for recommended readings and texts we will use during the workshop.

Lama Linda will teach via zoom. You can join us at Ekoji to listen and watch together, or attend via zoom (scroll down for link).

Our resident teacher is Lama Chödron, also known as Lama Linda. Lama Linda’s formal practice in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism began in 1980. She served as resident instructor at Kagyu Samten Chöling in New Hampshire from 2000-2007, and completed the traditional three-year retreat at PTC in 2011. At PTC, she has served on the teaching staff and as an assistant in the three-year retreat. Besides PST, she teaches at other centers, including Palpung Drupchu Chodzong, in Washington, DC.  

Suggested donation $10-20. Any amount is welcome, and no one will be questioned or turned away for lack of funds. Use button in the sidebar to donate via PayPal or credit card, or donate by check/cash/credit card if you come in person. Please add a note to your payment: LL 2/25/24. Thank you!
Questions? email PST@ekojirichmond.org

PST ZOOM ACCESS (for scheduled meetings and events)
Join us – Zoom link
Meeting ID: 645 244 2614 | Passcode: om108soha
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ac5WjzzVGo

Recommended reading and texts (3 PDFs)

Recommended Reading on Four Reflections
Nectar of the Path: the four thoughts
Ngondro Four Thoughts prose and verse