The Tibetan Buddhist teacher and scholar, Khentrul Lodro Thaye Rinpoche, will offer instruction and commentary on The Heart Sutra on January 7-8 from 10-12 a.m. and 2-5 p.m. The teachings will be given at Katog Choling Rit'hrod Mountain Retreat Center near Parthenon, Arkansas. For more information, visit their website or call 870-446-2952. Email inquiries may be sent, as well, to katogmtnretreat@gmail.com. Suggested donations for the weekend's teachings range from $40-$65, but no one will be turned away, of course, for lack of funds. All are welcome to this extraordinary event.
Born and educated in Tibet, Rinpoche has been widely recognized as one of the great scholars, teachers, and tulkus of the Tibetan tradition. His instruction, counsel, and example continue to inspire and educate students and practitioners all over the world. To have Rinpoche teaching on The Heart Sutra as the new year commences is indeed a great blessing.
The very short Buddhist scripture often referred to simply as The Heart Sutra represents one of the most revered texts in Mahayana Buddhism. The Heart Sutra, most likely composed between 100 B.C.E. and 600 C.E., has been memorized, chanted, analyzed, commented on, and expounded upon around the world for two millennia. It is a core text, and its meaning and significance for those who seek a fuller understanding of the Buddhist way of life are essential. But because it is a text that addresses the challenging Buddhist doctrine of emptiness, it is also a text whose many layers of meaning are typically revealed through the skillful exposition of a qualified teacher. Rinpoche is, of course, just such a teacher, and those who are able to listen to his explanation of this central work will receive immeasurable benefit.
