Join us for a special series of teachings from Geshe Soepa from Sera Jey Monastery, on some of the most positive aspects of Buddhist philosophy! On Friday evening, Geshe-la will teach on how to develop joyful effort. On Saturday and Sunday, Geshe Soepa will teach on Nagarjuna’s In Praise of Dharmadhatu, a celebration of Buddha-nature.

How Do We Develop Joyful Effort?

What holds you back from doing what you know is in your best interest? Lethargy? Distraction? Procrastination? Flagging enthusiasm? Self-doubt? All of the above? If so, you are in good company. This lack of zestful perseverance, referred to in Tibetan as le lo, is shared by all of us—and it has been called the most destructive of all the states of mind that prevent us from finding happiness. Fortunately, the Buddha taught several specific methods for changing and ultimately destroying this mental pattern by giving rise to its antidote—joyful effort, the state of mind in which we long to engage in what is most beneficial to us with the same pleasant longing with which we long to engage in our favorite hobby. In this teaching, Geshe-la will be sharing these precious techniques with us.

Uncovering Your Innate Potential

Join us for a weekend teaching from Geshe Soepa, as he explains the most important points of Nagarjuna’s In Praise of Dharmadhatu.

All living beings have dharmadhatu, the clear light or primordial pure mind. Often described as Buddha-nature, it is beginningless and endless, representing the potential that is in each of us for developing limitless positive qualities. And yet, this potential is obscured by afflictions like ignorance, greed, or hatred. If we don’t recognize this mind, we remain in samsara, but if we can recognize it, we can become enlightened. How do we uncover and awaken this mind?

Geshe Soepa will teach from Nagarjuna’s In Praise of Dharmadhatu on this important question. Geshe-la received the oral transmission of this precious text and commentary from the lineage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He will be generously sharing selections of the oral transmission as part of his teaching. This is a special opportunity to receive genuine Dharma teachings from an unbroken lineage!

Nagarjuna (150–250 C.E.) was a Buddhist scholar, professor, doctor, and alchemist. He is renowned for his innovative presentation of Buddhist philosophy, and is specially acclaimed for his teachings on metaphysics. A founder of the Madhyamika (Middle Way) school, he also developed the profound Perfection of Wisdom philosophy. Unparalleled in clarity, concision, and depth, Nagarjuna’s works are infinitely faceted jewels of Buddhism.

About the Teacher

Geshe Thubten Soepa took his Lharampa geshe degree at Sera Je Monastic University in 1997. After three years as resident teacher at Dzongkha Chode monastery, Lama Zopa Rinpoche invited Geshe-la to be the resident geshe of Aryatara Institut in Munich, Germany, where he taught for ten years. Geshe-la has traveled extensively in Europe and the United States, and teaches at many FPMT centers around the world. He is respected for his teachings on cherishing animals and is well known for his advocacy of animal rights and for leading a vegetarian life. Geshe-la’s book, Protecting the Lives of Helpless Beings, presents a detailed discussion in support of vegetarianism and animal welfare. You can order the e-book from the LYWA, and read more teachings by Geshe Soepa on TeachingsFromTibet.com.