Spring Festival 2010

May 28 – 31

The Empowerment and Commentary to the Practice of Enlightened Mother Arya Tara

Arya Tara, or 'Superior Liberator', is a female Buddha who is the manifestation of the wind element of all the Buddhas. Because of this, if we rely upon Tara with strong faith she will quickly protect us from all fears and dangers, grant us her blessings and fulfil all our wishes. She is also the manifestation of the ultimate wisdom of all the Buddhas, and is therefore known as the 'Enlightened Mother of the Conquerors'.

In particular, Arya Tara has a close connection with those who sincerely practise Kadam Lamrim, the stages of the path to enlightenment, and – as she promised to Atisha, the founder of Kadam Lamrim – they will receive her special care, protection and blessings throughout their life, and in life after life.

Gen-la Dekyong will grant the empowerment of Enlightened Mother Arya Tara on Saturday May 29. Receiving this empowerment directly connects us with Arya Tara, giving us the inspiration and confidence to engage in this practice and progress successfully on the path to enlightenment.

Over the next two days, Gen-la Dekyong will give a commentary to the practice of Arya Tara, based on a self-generation sadhana practice called The Yoga of Enlightened Mother Arya Tara, recently composed from traditional sources by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Gen-la Dekyong will explain how we can practise this sadhana and thus continue to receive Arya Tara’s special inspiration in our daily life.