u/AcceptableDesk415

Hi all,

Before I start, I want to be clear: I am not asking or looking to compare these qualified and expert teachers in anyway. I’m querying what is best to do given our situation. And, I don’t want to fall into the trap of ‘gotta catch them all‘* with meeting these lamas.

This also isn’t about me; I have taken refuge and I’m currently doing the ngondro.

But, my partner met Pakchok Rinpoche in 2025 where (I believe) she received empowerment to do this ngondro. we need to check this. He blessed her mala and patted her on the shoulder. Pakchok Rinpoche said he was a traditional teacher and he needs time to get to know you before taking you on as a student. Although, I probably assume this is similar with all qualified lamas.

We are hopefully seeing Chokyi Niyma Rinpoche next month at a seminar. Will she be able to take refuge with him here?

Now, we also have the opportunity to travel to Nepal in November. I suggested we visit the Tsoknyi Gechak Ling monastery and receive teachings from Tsoknyi Rinpoche.

Or, should we visit Pakchok Rinpoche and take refuge with him?

the only issue is, we won’t be able to keep making trips to Nepal. We don’t have a huge amount of money or time outside of work and time dedicated to practise. We want to make best use of the trip. Would we be able to zoom call him after?

But, we understand that this is something that cannot be rushed.

I'm also treading lightly to avoid ‘stepping on her journey and path’. I want to facilitate rather than create, if this makes sense.

Advice would be appreciate. hope everyone is okay and best Wishes.

*someone’s quote on here I read recently

ps: I would link part 1 but I can’t find it.

Is Frank here from Gomde, Pyrenees? If so, would you mind DM’ing me? don’t worry if not 🙂

hope everyone is okay

I am going to ask my lama for a sadhana practise that I can do everyday. I have stopped practising some days and I am struggling to find time. I am starting a slightly easier job this summer, but I want to practise every single day without fail.

Can I promise my lama that I will practise the sadhana practise everyday?

thank you all, best wishes

Hi All,

Did Vajrayana online used to have a 'retreat' course? Is it still there?

Does anyone have a useful resource online concerning retreat.

thanks all

In two months, I am meeting one of my teachers who is a qualified lama. How do I ask for a samaya/ sadhana to commit to a daily practise.

Is this even a thing, and what would I ask here?

thanks

I have stopped practising for a week and worried about restarting properly. I am seeing my teacher in early July. I am doing the Ngondro so I know it is a case of just cutting out time in the day again.

In the meantime, does anyone have a suggestion for something I should do every day? Like for example, make offerings at the altar. I have a chant book, what chants should I do out of these everyday before I go to bed for example.

Thanks

Hi All.

I know the ngondro is not something to rush through. But, I have a couple of retreats booked in 2028 and ideally I want to complete the ngondro within 2 years. I am quite strict with my practise. but, I have a bit of a dilemma:

I am about to finish my teacher training year (PGCE) here in the UK. So, I can start my early careers training (ECT) or, do cover supervisor. Cover supervisor would be a guaranteed daily practise of 2-3 hours. ECT would not.

For those that don't know, the ECT years (first two years of teaching) can be quite demanding on time. It is not like normal teaching years.

I am super excited to start ECT eventually, but, should I do cover supervisor for 2 years, then start ECT?

>
Form is emptiness. Emptiness is form. Form is no other than emptiness, emptiness no other than form.

What does the sutras/ tantras say about form specifically here.

Thanks all.