Saturday, Feb. 21st, 2015
9:00am – 4:30pm
at the Insight Meditation Center
108 Birch St.
Redwood City, CA
In this daylong workshop, scholar-practitioner Rita M. Gross will present an introduction to Vajrayana – the form of Buddhism most strongly associated with the Buddhism of Tibet. The day is meant for those curious about this valuable form of Buddhism but know little about it. She will explain both those aspects of Vajrayana Buddhism that most distinguish it from other forms of Buddhism and its underlying similarity with better-known forms of Buddhism. Regarding what is most distinctive about Vajrayana Buddhism, she will explain some of its most common rituals involving visualization practices and mantra recitation. She will also explain its deeper teachings about the nature of mind and reality that Vajrayana shares with other forms of Buddhism. Furthermore, she will explain how the two major aspects of Vajrayana Buddhism, often called the “development stage” and the “completion stage,” are linked with each other and provide an overarching path to awakening.
Rita Gross, or Acharya Rita as she is known, has been studying, practicing and teaching Vajrayana for forty years. Known as a warm, humorous and very clear teacher, she teaches with a rare combination of academic and dharmic perspectives. She is internationally known for her innovative work on gender and religion. She also has extensive training and experience as a professor of comparative studies in religion and is a Buddhist Dharma teacher, appointed to that position by Her Eminence Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche.
This class is offered on a donation basis. Pre-registration not required. Please bring a bag lunch.