The Bön Mother Tantra is one of the first translated texts from Zhang Zhung into Tibetan. Before it was translated from Tibetan, it was translated into five languages. Originally written earlier, the text was hidden in the 8th century. It was discovered as a terma by Guru Nön tse in the 11th century. There are three parts of the Mother Tantra: 1) How to practice the development stage; 2) How to practice the generation and perfection stages; 3) How to practice the union of the generation and perfection stages.
The principal focus of the development stage is the Father Tantra. The focus of the generation and perfection stages is the Mother Tantra. The main focus of the union stage is the Son Tantra. Especially in the Mother Tantra, we practice the visualization of the three jewels: Lama; the Yidam; and the Khandro (dakini). In this retreat, Geshe Denma will teach the Mother Tantra sadhana, the three visualizations, and the mudras.
The Ma Gyud is a tantric, transformation practice. If we practice the Ma Gyud daily, we will develop special powers of inner wisdom. Tantra is a secret practice. The Mother Tantra deity was one of the yidams of the second king of Tibet, Mu Tri Tsenpo. He had special power which he kept secret for himself as the king. His power decreased after the practice was made secret, and he realized he had the capacity to teach and not to keep it secret anymore. His power increased after this realization. He taught to those who had the capacity to receive the teaching.
All are welcome to attend this precious retreat with Geshe Denma.
He trusts that all have the capacity to receive this special, powerful teaching.
Schedule
SATURDAY and SUNDAY
Central Daylight Time CDT
Session 1 10:00–11:15 am
Session 2 11:30 – 12:30 pm
Meal Break
Session 3 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Registration
Registration is a 2 step process. Step 1 is pay at PayPal. Step 2 is register at Zoom. It is important to complete both steps to assure access to the retreat.
Complete payment through PayPal by clicking the Register button below.
IMPORTANT: After payment is completed, you will be brought back to the Ligmincha Texas website. This may take 10-20 seconds.
IMPORTANT: If you are not returned to the Ligmincha Texas website, go to the bottom of the page and click where it says “Return to Ligmincha Texas, Inc.”
After returning to Ligmincha Texas website, you will 1) get the link to the Retreat Handouts & Recordings (SAVE THE LINK), and 2) get the Zoom Registration Link. You must follow the Zoom Registration Link and fill out the form to register. After you are registered with Zoom, a confirmation email will be sent to you by Zoom that includes your personal link to join the retreat.
IMPORTANT: If, you are not returned to the Ligmincha Texas website (and don’t get the Zoom link), email us at info@ligminchatexas.org. Do not wait until the day of the retreat.
Download the free Zoom app in advance of the retreat by going to https://zoom.us/download
Retreat teachings and practices will be taught in English.
Live translation will be available in Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. Written only translations will be available in German. We are currently working on other securing translators for other languages and will update here as we receive additional commitments.
All recordings will be made available to registered participants.
Registrants can choose the following options: $75, $100, and $125. There is also an option to enter a greater or lesser amount. Financial hardship need not prevent practitioners from attending teachings. If your situation warrants it, please pay any amount you can comfortably afford by typing that in the box that says “Other Amount”.
Registration for Part 1 is over.
For questions or more information, contact us at info@ligminchatexas.org
Joyful Practice of Ancient Bön Teachings for Living Well
Resident Lama
Geshe Denma Gyaltsen is the resident lama of Ligmincha Texas. He arrived in Houston in January 2016 to serve as Ligmincha Texas’s first resident lama.
Geshe Denma was born in northern Nepal. His father brought him to Menri Monastery, India, regarded as the mother Bon monastery in exile, in 1981 to begin his program of study toward the Geshe degree. He received all the Bon teachings, initiations and transmissions in sutra, tantra and dzogchen from His Holiness Lungtok Tenpai Nyima Rinpoche, the 33rd Menri Trizin, and His Eminence Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche.
When he became a senior student, he was asked to teach philosophy to younger students. He successfully completed this degree program in 1996 and was awarded the Geshe certificate, which is considered equivalent to a Ph.D. in Bön Buddhist philosophy and religion.
Geshe Denma was an accomplished teacher and in 1998 was appointed, with the approval of the Tibetan government in exile, first abbot of Zhu Rishing Yungdrung Kundak-Ling Monastery, a Bon Monastery in Sikkim, India by His Holiness. He served two terms in this capacity until 2003. In addition, from the time he graduated until 2008, Geshe Denma also was active in assisting Geshe Nyima Dakpa with the Bon Children’s Home, which houses many children in Dolanji, India, providing them with food, healthcare and free education.