Online Program: 100,000 Songs of Milarepa Livestream

A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT

Milarepa, Tibet’s renowned and beloved enlightened master, was known for his ability to present complex teachings in a simple, approachable manner through song and poetry. Through his famous 100,000 songs he guided his followers along the Buddhist path. This weekend will use Milarepa’s songs as the organizing principal as we read passages of Milarepa’s life, review Buddhist teachings and sing related songs by Milarepa.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Milarepa, known in Tibetan as the Lord of the Yogis, reached the highest attainable illumination. From this achievement he was able to teach untold numbers of people. His story is one of a great sinner who became a great saint. But his story is also the story of Tibetan Buddhist teachings, and a guide to those who search for personal liberation. It is the story of the quest for enlightenment in one lifetime. And his ability to render any lesson into spontaneous song is one of his great legacies.

This weekend program will tell the story of Milarepa accompanied by many of his songs. We will read sections from his biography, discuss related Buddhist teaching, and, throughout the weekend, relate Milarepa’s songs to his life and teachings. Finally, we will meditate on Milarepa’s lessons. The readings and song will be led by Rinpoche’s senior students, with commentary by Rinpoche, who is considered an emanation of Milarepa.

You will leave with a deeper appreciation both for Buddhist teaching and for Milarepa and his legacy of illumination through song.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Interactive sessions with teachings and group song
• Guided meditation
• Tibetan yoga practice
• You are encouraged to engage in Tsa-Tue Yoga, Solitary Meditation, and the singing of vajra songs between sessions

OPEN TO ALL

There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for all.

PRE-READING

There is no requirement to study or read in advance of the program, but many people have asked for recommendations. Over the weekend, the texts and songs will be drawn from these two books:

100,000 Songs of Milarepa

The Life of Milarepa
Tsangnyon Heruka

We will supply the lyrics to the songs during the program.

SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

All times in the schedule below are provided in the Eastern Time Zone. For the first session global starting times are:

USA West: 4:45 PM, October 29
USA East: 7:45 PM, October 29
London: 12:45 AM, October 29
Berlin, Paris: 1:45 AM, October 30
New Delhi: 5:15 AM, October 30
Kathmandu: 5:45 AM, October 30
Bangkok: 6:45 AM, October 30
Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei: 7:45 AM, October 30
Sydney: 9:45 AM, October 30
Auckland: 11:45 AM, October 30

Friday, October 29

Saturday, October 30

Sunday, October 31