The Path of Transformation
Wellbeing | Compassion Training | Meditation
Overview
Over two decades, Phakchok Rinpoche has tailored Buddhist meditation and compassion techniques to meet the diverse interests and inclinations of individuals. These techniques are part of the Path of Transformation, which focuses on transforming feelings, emotions, and thoughts through a detailed two-year meditation course. The second line of the Buddha’s teaching was “cultivate a wealth of virtue”. The Path of Transformation enables students to cultivate a wealth of meditation and compassion techniques, aiming to reduce negative emotions and enhance positive qualities.
Phakchok Rinpoche has identified character transformation as a crucial element. First, we must transform and balance our body and mind. This path offers guided physical and breathing exercises and tips on general well-being. As we begin to transform, we also open our awareness and come to understand the suffering of others. Compassion naturally arises, and we learn techniques to train in kindness, caring, and love. To do this, our minds should be clear and calm, and thus we train in meditation.
Introducing the Path of Transformation
In this video, Phakchok Rinpoche introduces the second of the three student pathways: The Path of Transformation.
Wellbeing
In the Wellbeing modules, Phakchok Rinpoche emphasizes a healthy diet and physical and breathing exercises from ancient traditions. Participants are also guided through techniques to develop emotional wellbeing.
Physical Wellbeing
Emotional Wellbeing
Why is transformation important?
In this video, Phakchok Rinpoche explains why we need to observe our character and habits to know what to transform. This self-observation allows us to grow and avoid becoming stuck or confused on the spiritual path.
The Mind-Body Connection
In this video, Phakchok Rinpoche discusses the importance of balance for our bodies and minds. He explains how the five elements of the body also need to be balanced for us to function well. Rinpoche also notes the importance of exercise, diet, sleep, and hydration for maintaining physical and mental health. We develop a relaxed and stable body once we have addressed our physical health. On this basis, we can begin to address our feelings and emotions.
Compassion Training
The Compassion modules train participants in developing and extending kindness, love, and compassion. The teachings are rooted in traditional Indian and Tibetan mind training texts. Instructors guide students through contemplations that are relevant to our modern world.
The Seven Points of Mind Training
The Eightfold Supreme Path of Mind Training
The Kadamapa master Geshe Langri Thangpa composed an instruction manual that is widely used as a practical guide for training in compassion.
Love, Compassion, and Care
Meditation
The Meditation element is structured as a two-year course. Participants are advised to spend 100 hours of dedicated practice in each course. The first-year course leads participants through shamatha meditation. Here, students learn to focus the mind and develop one-pointedness. The modules also introduce mantras to purify negative character habits. The second-year course introduces vipashyana (insight) meditation. Here the focus is on observing, re-noticing, and letting go of feelings, emotions, and thoughts.
Mahamudra Level One
A one-year program offering step-by-step instruction by Phakchok Rinpoche. The student is introduced to the ground of Buddhanature and the benefits of meditation. The course offers guided meditations and a gradual progression of training through the stages of calm abiding focused meditation. Next, one is introduced to the practice of non-focused meditation which is a core element of training.
Mahamudra Level Two
A one-year program offering meditation instruction and guided practice by Phakchok Rinpoche. Here, the student learns the difference between calm abiding and insight meditation. One learns how to analyze thoughts and to search for the self. The course also offers advice on enhancing the practice and dispelling obstacles.
Interested in the Path of Transformation?
We are working on a new membership area to allow you to easily access all the materials for your study and practice. There will be a monthly fee with scholarships available to all who need them.
Register your interest below and we’ll let you know when it’s ready.