Regular events

Sangha night

There are Buddhist deities?

Padmasambhava - the lotus-born guru
Although Buddhism is a non-theistic religion (in that there is no transcendent creator and ruler of the universe), it doesn't mean that Buddhists don't make use of imaginal or archetypal figures that might represent different elements of spiritual development, characteristics of awakening, and even unconscious processes.

This is the fourth evening in a series in which we look at some Buddhist "deities" often used to further develop positive qualities in practitioners, including through the use of visualisation practices.

Tonight, Cittamuni talks about his relationship with Padmasambhava, who is an historical figure from India in the eighth century, hugely important in the adoption of Buddhism in Tibet, and out of whose life story has grown much myth and symbolism. While thangkas and tantric art depict him as a fierce looking individual accompanied by almost ghoulish accoutrements (he needed a good degree of ferocity to overcome the obstacles that confronted him in Tibet), he uses that side of his character to allow for the spread of a compassionate Dharma. Cittamuni reflects on how he works with these seemingly polar aspects of Padmasambhava.

Wednesday nights are a place for people who have attended our foundation courses to come together and celebrate community as well as an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Buddha's teaching, and their understanding of how to practice it. They generally include a talk and discussion, followed by a cup of tea and then a meditation. Note that we are temporarily meeting at the Ponsonby Community Centre while we find a new permanent home for the centre.

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