What actually takes place during the empowerment ritual

OVERVIEW:

When one first enters the path of Highest Yoga Tantra via this ritual, there is little previous knowledge of what actually takes place—it unfolds and is revealed during the ritual itself.

Further, the complex, elaborate, and detailed nature of the empowerment ritual can often be overwhelming, resulting in much of it going right past you as the ritual moves along through the course of the various activities, visualizations and meditations. There is simply so much that one has to focus on and participate in, ideally with single pointed concentration as the whole ritual is a very deep meditation.

In this course, each step of the empowerment’s preparatory and main section is explained in detail, enabling the practitioner to enhance their understanding of Tantra in general and Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments in particular. This directly empowers one to engage more fully in the ritual itself and to actually receive the empowerments which are the gateway and foundation that makes possible the successful practices that follow.

The text use for this presentation is based on the General Commentary on Tantra by Lhundrup Pandita (1704-1788) and provides an introduction to the entire system of the Tantras. It is widely read and studied in the Gelugpa lineage. Further explanations are provided through commentary by Kelsang Gyatso, the 7th Dalai Lama, and Khedrup Je’s “Explanation of the Essence of the Meaning of Empowerment” (dban-don de-nyid rab-gsal).

NOTE PREREQUISITE: One must have previously received at least one “great” empowerment in the Gelugpa tradition such as Guhyasamaja, Chakrasamvara, or Yamantaka (Vajrabhairava).

Presenter: John Cerullo

Dates: August 10, 17 and 24, 7:00-8:30pm

Registration: to register, email John Cerullo at jcerullo13@gmail.com. Please include your full name and confirmation that you have received one or more of the required “great” empowerments. You’ll then receive confirmation of acceptance into this course and details on how to attend via Zoom.