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Talk
Bodhicitta is the power and energy that fuels the bodhisattva aspiration or vow: “For as long as space remains, for as long as sentient beings remain, so long may I remain for the alleviation of the suffering of the world” (Shantideva).
This is the mind (citta) that is aimed at awakening (bodhi) with wisdom and compassion for the benefit of all sentient beings, and is often translated as “Awakening Mind.” These two aspects, wisdom and compassion, combine in different ways to achieve what we call absolute and relative bodhicitta. In other words, the ever youthful, fresh, luminous and dynamic nature of mind is inseparable from the aspiration and action of compassion and loving-kindness for all beings. Robin bookends her exploration of emptiness and the skillful means of bodhicitta with two guided meditations, the first being shamatha (calm abiding) and the second being metta, or loving-kindness.
We offer these sessions freely to ensure that anyone can access contemplative techniques for cultivating a healthier, more balanced mind, regardless of income. If you benefit from this teaching and have the means, please consider supporting the CCR.
Additional Resources
About Lopön Robin Gayle
Lopön Robin Gayle, PhD, MDiv, MFT has been practicing Buddhism since 1986. She has been teaching Dharma for 35 years and has been a senior teacher (Lopön) at Tara Mandala Retreat Center and International Buddhist Community for many years. She moved to Crestone and is now White Jewel Mountain’s resident Buddhist teacher. She has studied under many renowned Buddhist masters including the H. H. Dalai Lama, Ven. Yangthang Tulku Rinpoche, Ven. Gyaltrul Rinpoche, Dr. B. Alan Wallace, and Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche, among others.
What is Ghatika Monthly?
Ghatika Monthly is an in-person and virtual gathering held on the 2nd Saturday of every month, in which CCR expert teachers offer accessible guidance in foundational yet transformative contemplative practices. Ghatika is the Sanskrit term for one 24-minute meditation session, which is a recommended length for beginning meditators. While most of the CCR’s expert teachers come from a Buddhist background, these sessions are designed to be secular, informative, and welcoming to beginning and advanced practitioners alike. At Ghatika Monthly, we hope to offer a taste of the contemplative technology that our full-time contemplatives cultivate for 8–12 hours per day at Miyo Samten Ling Hermitage in Crestone. Subscribe to never miss a session!
