Loading Events

Join us for the first talk launching a new Buddhist Scholar-Practitioner Speaker Series! We are excited to welcome Patrick Lambelet, PhD to discuss Atiśa’s tantric “songs” and works that newly reveal his complex role in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. Atiśa is famously known as a major figure in the transmission of Buddhism to Tibet, seeding the unique development of the bodhisattva path there. However, his numerous and lesser-known writings on Vajrayāna and Mahāmudrā show his close connection to the esoteric writings of mahāsiddhas, offer commentary on controversial traditions, and espouse unexpected views of emptiness. Join us for the first talk in this new series, to discuss Atiśa’s tantric “songs” and works that newly reveal his complex role in the history of Tibetan Buddhism.

Open to all; registration required for both in-person and online attendance:

More About Atiśa

Atiśa Dīpaṃkara Śrījñāna (982–1054) was one of the main figures in the later dissemination of Buddhism in Tibet (tenpa chidar), as well as a major influence on the Geluk school, nearly four centuries later, who saw him as a “reformer” of Buddhism. Atiśa is primarily known for works such as the Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment (Bodhipathapradīpa), the prototype for later works on the stages of the path to enlightenment (lam rim), as well as his many writings on other topics related to the bodhisattva path. Less known, however, are Atiśa’s numerous writings on Vajrayāna (the tantric vehicle) and Mahāmudrā (the great seal), in which he showed his affinity for, and close connection to, the esoteric writings of mahāsiddhas such as Saraha. In such works, Atiśa commented on tantric traditions that were widely controversial in Tibet, while also espousing views of emptiness that contrast with later (especially Geluk) interpretations of Madhyamaka.

About the Maitripa College Buddhist Scholar-Practitioner Speaker Series, Spring 2025

Maitripa College presents a series of talks by esteemed Buddhist scholar-practitioners who will share their decades of scholarship and meditation for today’s audiences.  This spring, we explore lineages of philosophers and meditators who have developed methods for investigating the nature of mind, with a particular focus on mahamudra. We are grateful to the accomplished Buddhist Studies professors and friends of Maitripa College who will present talks in person and online, and we invite you to please join us for learning, insight, and dialogue!

Talks in the Series:
February 26: Buddhist Scholar-Practitioner Speaker Series: The Tantric Songs of Atiśa with Patrick Lambelet, PhD
April 26: Saraha Has Stretched His Bow: The Life and Teachings of a Tantric Poet with Roger Jackson, PhD
May 10: Enlightened in One Lifetime; Ganden Mahamudra Oral Tradition Masters with Dr. Jan Willis, PhD

Details

Date:
February 26
Time:
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Event Categories:
,

Organizer

Maitripa College
Phone
503-235-2477
View Organizer Website

Venue

Maitripa College
1119 SE Market St.
Portland, OR 97214 United States
+ Google Map
Phone
503-235-2477
View Venue Website

Share This Page, Choose Your Platform!