Day 2 of 'Shinran and Re Imagining Practice' retreat. What do we regard as reliable? Maitrisiddhi explores what self-power and Other Power really is. What if we realised that all the actions of the Dharma life flow naturally from 'placing our heart' on the measureless? What if we saw delusion as non-personal - an existential situation that we share - which connects us rather than separating us? For experienced Dharma practitioners.

Day 1 of 'Shinran and Re Imagining Practice' retreat. Suitable for experienced Dharma practitioners. How do we relate to the Bodhisattva myth? Are we inspired to become a bodhisattva and be part of saving all other beings through our practice? Or do we experience our limitedness and karmic conditionedness and realise we need the adhisthana of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas? Maitrisiddhi evokes and retells the mythic history of Bodhisattva Dharmakara creating Sukhavati and becoming Amitabha Buddha, using parts of Sraddhapa's translation of the Longer Sukhavativyuha Sutra, then contrasts the story of Shinran.

Padmasambhava’s final counsel to the Three Fortunate Women—from six fierce hammer blows of renunciation, through wholehearted offering, to reflecting on “the great dry misery of the cycle”. Practical pointers to stop chasing mirage water, live more lightly, and keep confidence when the teacher is no longer in the room.

This talk continues to explore Canto 103 through the central act of Going for Refuge and how we may live with a less fragmented experience of life. We also touch upon the practice of gratitude and the importance for directing our aspirations towards Enlightenment to deepen our communication with the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and wider spiritual community.