About the Nyingma tradition
The Nyingma tradition is the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It traces its origins back to the Indian Lotus Born Master (Sanscrit: Pamasambhava, Tibetan: Guru Rinpoche) see picture to the left. Renowned as the second Buddha, Guru rinpoche transmitted Tantric Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan in the 8th Century. See below for all information about our meetings.
Tsok Practice
We meet twice a month on special practice days at the Nyingma Buddhist centre for Tsok (Tibetan) or Gana Chakra Puja (Sanskrit) – a Circle Gathering Feast offering. Dates are according to powerful astrological days – the 10th day of the waxing moon (Guru Rinpoche Day) and the 25th day of the waning moon (Dakini Day).
Tsok is primarily a practice of offering. It is a very rich practice with many layers of meaning, and it can be practised on various levels. Further it can be explained: “Ganapuja is a tantric ritual, made up of various phases, whose aim is the reconfirming of the “promise” or commitment (samaya) between the disciple and the master, and also between disciple and disciple. In addition to this, through consuming food and drink in the ganapuja, the practitioners develop their capacity to integrate contemplation with the sense-pleasures, as well as entering into the state beyond dualism, which is the inner meaning of the samaya” – Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, Dzogchen – The Self Perfected State, 1989.
See tsok practice schedule for dates
Directions:
269 Mt Pleasant Rd, Mt Pleasant, Christchurch.
From the city, take Ferry road that goes towards Sumner beach. Just after Ferrymead turn right up the hill onto Mt Pleasant road. Keep going up for about 10 minutes it is a long windey road. We are located on the left just after Craigeyburg Lane. Watch out for Tibetan Flags then you will spot us.
We gather together in the meditation room located under the house (follow the small foot path).