A public lecture, co-sponsored by the Ho Centre for Buddhist Studies, will be held on Monday May 14, 2018 at the Institute for Traditional Medicine, 553 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B6. The event is free but with a $10 suggested donation to the Institute of Traditional Medicine.
RSVP
Abstract:
Throughout the history of Buddhism precise formulas of sacred images, words and sounds known as dhāraṇī’s have been recited, visualized, worn and even consumed for physical and mental and healing and prevention. While the use of dhāraṇīs were also popular prior to the advent of tantric Buddhism, Dr. Bajracharya will discuss the history, theory and contemporary practice of dhāraṇī in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism and how it is linked to alternative concepts of medicine which consider, empathy, the subtle body and concentration fundamental to healing processes. He will also give a traditional reading of dhāraṇī practice to participants who will be invited to participate in the meditative and psycho-physical process of utilizing dhāraṇī for the benefit of self and others. Dr. Bajracharya, will be providing us with an introduction to the perspective this ancient form of healing which he suggests may enrich various approaches to the practice of traditional medicine and our understanding of “how healing works”.
Speaker:
Dr. Naresh Man Bajracharya was the founding chair and the distinguished first professor of Buddhist Studies of the Central Department of Buddhist Studies at Tribhuvan University, Nepal. He is the lineage holder for vajrācārya tantric Buddhist priests of Kathmandu and one of the foremost masters of Newar Vajrayāna Buddhism in the tradition of Sanskritic Buddhism. He was named Fulbright Scholar in Residence for 2009-2010 and has authored several articles and books on Newar Buddhism in English, Newar and Nepali languages. He has played a vital role in introducing the academic study of Buddhism to Nepal and preserving and revitalizing Newar Vajrayāna Buddhism. In addition to a world-wide teaching and pilgrimage schedule, he is currently devoting his time and energy to establish the first Newar Buddhist Monastery constructed outside of the Kathmandu Valley in over 400 years, Vajrayana Mahavihar of Lumbini. He currently serves as Vice-Chancellor at the Lumbini Buddhist University, Nepal and maintains his position as the abbot of his monastery in Kathmandu. Newar vajrācāryas maintain their role simultaneously as ordained Buddhist monks, householder yogins and tantric priests.
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