JULY 12 TO 18 2003
every night from 8.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
Location: 203-D, Jalan Kenanga, Off Jalan Gajah Berang, Melaka.
(top floor, 5-storey office/shop block next to Catholic Primary School)

MAIN TEACHING
The Profound Instructions on the Definitive Meaning, Mahamudra, Connate Union:
The Radiant Activity of the Essence of the Ocean of Definitive Meaning by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje

Teacher
Most Ven. Drekhung Gyalse Rinpoche

Gyalse Rinpoche is a senior teacher of the Karma Kagyu tradition and is well acquainted with all the Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He studied and practiced Tibetan Medicine and Chinese acupuncture and is a highly respected Doctor. He is an adviser to Rumtek Monastery, teaches higher Buddhist philosophy at the Nalanda Institute in Rumtek and oversees the management of the meditation centre in Rumtek Monastery.

As explained by H.E 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, "The essence of the countless teachings of Buddha is the explanation of buddha-nature, the luminosity that abides in the mind of every single being. As long as one does not recognise one's buddha-nature, one experiences the confusion of samsara. However, realizing the potiential of buddhahood that lies within is in itself buddhahood. Buddha's instructions were basically methods to help one overcome confusion and recognise the true nature of mind. The teaching of Mahamudra, known as the "path of liberation.," represent the pinnacle of the Buddha's teachings.

"The Ocean of Definitive Meaning" is the most extensive in length of the 9th Karmapas Wangchuk Dorje's many texts on Mahamudra and is exceptional for providing not only the general views and practices of Mahamudra, but also the rich methods of the oral instructions for realizing the nature of one's mind, enlightenment. By writing this profound text, the 9th Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje, preserved and passed on many of the oral instructions of the Mahamudra lineage, a living tradition that continues to this day.

This is the 1st yearly session of a study and meditation course on the most profound teachings of Mahamudra, to be completed over 4 years, each year over a 7 days period. Instructions and explanations would be given nightly with practical sessions on Mahamudra meditation.

Commitment to the whole programme is required. Students must be over 18 years of age, in good health, have strong devotion towards the 17th Karmapa Urgyen Trinley Dorje and the Karma Kagyu Lineage, and keen to practise meditation daily according to the teaching instructions received.

Introduction

Ever since Tibetan Buddhism set foot in Malaysia, many Rinpoches and Lamas of different lineages have come and propagated the Dharma. However, as most of them are not able to stay for longer time, the teachings are limited to short Dharma talks or blessing empowerments and pujas. It is thus not surprising that many people harbour all kinds of misconceptions towards Tibetan Buddhism, usually associating it with magic or mysticism for good fortune or change of luck. If compared to Western countries, where teachings are organised systematically on yearly basis, we have yet to make effort to introduce to the devotees the proper treasury of profound teachings of Tibetan Buddhism which is as vast and deep as the Ocean.

Traditionally, every lineage follows its own unique system of profound teachings to attain realisation within one's lifetime. For the Nyingmapas, it is the Maha Ati, Dzogchen or Great perfections. For the Sakyapas, it is the Lam Dre or Path and Fruit cycle. The Gelupas lay great emphasis on the Prasangika Madhyamaka viewpoint. For the Kagyupas, it is the Mahamudra, Chakgya Chenpo or Great Seal, the profound meditation that realises the true nature of the mind.

One of the most important objectives of the KKDS Melaka is to introduce our devotees to the various aspect of Tibetan Buddhism especially the Karma Kagyu Lineage gradually. Many events have been staged and now we are organising a complete teaching course to be taught by the Most Ven. Drikung Gyalse Rinpoche, a senior Master from the Nalanda Institute of Rumtek, Sikkim. on Mahamudra, the pinnacle of Kagyu teachings. It is based on the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje's text "Ocean of Definitive Meaning", the most extensive of all his writings on Mahamudra. This course would be taught over 4 yearly sessions. It is hoped that through this course, students could be gradually introduced to the highest view of Mahamudra in a complete form while practising meditations on the nature of the mind basing on this view and the pointing out instructions given during the course.