7pm | Wed 28th Feb 2024 | By Donation | Kadampa Meditation Centre, 54 Peters Hill, Belfast BT13 1BA
“The main purpose of practising the Mahayana is to attain Buddhahood to benefit all living beings. To accomplish this aim, we must first generate bodhichitta, and then adopt the Bodhisattva’s way of life by receiving and maintaining the Bodhisattva vows.”
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
During the Mahayana Refuge Ceremony we formally go for refuge to the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha; and during the Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony we make the strong determination to become a Bodhisattva – someone who strives towards enlightenment motivated by compassion for all living beings – and engage in all the actions of a Bodhisattva.
Bodhisattva vows are taken with the motivation of bodhichitta – a heartfelt wish to become enlightened to be able to benefit all living beings. Once received, they can be retaken repeatedly. Maintaining the Bodhisattva vows is the basis of the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, which all Kadampas strive to follow.
A prayer booklet for taking part in two ceremonies can be purchased at Kadampa Meditation Centre Belfast or from Tharpa by clicking here. The Bodhisattva vows are explained in detail in the book The Bodhisattva Vow.
Gen Kelsang Chitta, having studied Buddhism since 2002 and ordained as a Buddhist nun in 2009, shares the meditation techniques and practices she herself has found so transformative, in a down to earth, humorous and accessible way.
With over a decade of teaching experience and the benefit of continuous study and teacher training you are in safe hands to help you begin, reinvigorate or continue your meditation journey.
A dedicated student of Buddhist master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, Gen Chitta holds the blessed lineage of Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa and can bring the inspiration and practices of this lineage into our busy, modern and often challenging lives and minds.
Everyone is welcome, beginners and experienced meditators alike. No special clothes are required and seating is provided in chairs and meditation cushions. There is free on street parking on the street just outside, easy access from the Westlink Divis St/ Millfield exit, and we are just 15 min walk from City Hall and the Europa Bus Centre.
Members can attend our centre classes and retreats online or in person. For more information please see our Membership page.
Ongoing classes can be found at Classes By Location with forthcoming special events at Events and Retreats.
If you need help with your booking feel free to Whatsapp / Phone us on +44 (0) 7597 773 096 or email at info@meditateni.org.
Meditation and Modern Buddhism in Northern Ireland 