BECOMe A FRIEND OF THE WORLD
Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony
SATURDAY 27 September | 10.30am - 4pm
WIth RESIDENT TEACHER
GEN KELSANG TUBCHEN
Become a friend of the World
In a world full of uncertainty, a peaceful and compassionate heart is more important than ever. According to Buddha’s teachings, each of us has the potential to become someone who brings real benefit to others.
On this deeply meaningful day, Gen Kelsang Tubchen will guide us in discovering the path of the Bodhisattva: someone who is motivated by great compassion and aspires to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all living beings.
Come and discover the beauty and transformative power of the Bodhisattva ideal — and how it can guide you to become a true friend of the world.
Who Can Attend?
Everyone is welcome. Whether you’re new to Buddhism or wish to deepen your existing practice, this special day offers a powerful opportunity to open your heart, clarify your intention, and connect with a profound spiritual purpose.
Schedule:
Session 1 | 10.30am – 1pm
Session 2 | 2.30 – 4pm
Fee: £30 | members £21
Venue: KMC Edinburgh | 172 Leith Walk, EH6 5EA
Session 1 (10.30am – 1pm)
In the morning session, senior Buddhist teacher, Gen Tubchen will explore how we can become a modern-day Bodhisattva — someone who is motivated by love and compassion and wishes to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all living beings.
Gen Tubchen will explain how to:
● Develop the altruistic mind of bodhichitta, the wish to become enlightened for others
● Practise the six perfections — giving, moral discipline, patience, effort, concentration, and wisdom — in daily life
● Follow the Bodhisattva path with courage, purpose, and joy
● Understand the meaning and benefits of taking the Bodhisattva Vow, and how this commitment enables us to follow in Buddha’s footsteps.
The session is open and accessible to everyone, from complete beginners to long-time practitioners.
Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony (2:30 – 4:00pm)
In the afternoon, those who wish may join the Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony — a beautiful and transformative ritual of beautiful sung prayer, extensive offerings and dedication.
By taking the vow, we make a heartfelt promise to work for the freedom and happiness of all living beings. Laying the foundation for a life filled with spiritual meaning, strength, and joy. Even those who simply wish to attend and observe the ceremony will find it a profoundly inspiring experience.
“When we meet others we should display a smiling face towards them, abandon all frowns, and as a friend of the world, generate love and compassion. A Bodhisattva communicates with others honestly, and, motivated by a kind heart, speaks gently and endearingly to them.”
— Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
THE TEACHER
Gen Kelsang Tubchen is the Resident Teacher at KMC Edinburgh. She began practising Kadampa Buddhism in Scotland in 2000 and spent seven years living at Tharpaland International Retreat Centre when it was in Scotland. She helped establish the first Kadampa centre in Norway and was the National Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition in the Nordic region from 2013 – 2018 teaching through-out the area. She was the Resident Teacher at KMC Glasgow and, for the last 5 years, has been the Resident Teacher at KMC Aberdeen.
Gen Tubchen has been a dedicated, close disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for many years, receiving ordination from him in 2003. An inspiring and gifted teacher, she is loved for her clear, powerful and practical teachings and her insightful retreat experience. She has a deep wish to share the benefits of meditation with others and her teachings touch the hearts of listeners and illuminate the profound meaning of Dharma.
THE VENUE
Kadampa Meditation Centre Edinburgh
172 Leith Walk,
Edinburgh
EH6 5EA
TRAVEL
Trams & Buses: nearest stop is Balfour Street (one block from Centre).
Street parking: free Mon-Fri after 5:30pm and weekends.
