Phagma Nyingtik Sadhana Ritual Date: 4-11 January 2004 Location: Taipei Youth Activity Center No reservation required Countless aeons ago, the princess Yeshe Dawa--'Moon of Wisdom,' developed great faith in and devotion in the Buddhist teaching. When, by virtue of her vast accumulation of merit and wisdom, the thought of supreme enlightenment awakened in her, she vowed to be always reborn in a female body, to demonstrate that there is no inherent reality in either male or female form. Upon attaining enlightenment, she became known as Tara, or Lady of Liberation. In our own world system, the Green and White forms of Tara manifested as a tear shed from each all-seeing eye of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, upon seeing the misery and suffering of confused beings in this world. Tara is invoked for her compassion and swift action, and particularly White Tara is the embodiment of long life and wisdom. This particular sadhana of White Tara comes from a cycle of teachings known as Chime Phagma Nyingtik--'Heart Essence of the Immortal Noble Tara' a 'treasure' teaching that was revealed by the great 19th century master Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. This cycle of teachings is regarded as particularly profound, and was one of the main practices of the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. The sadhana ritual will be performed as a group practice, and anyone who feels a connection with this teaching may come. The great master Guru Padmasambhava emphasized the benefits of spiritual practice done in a group, saying, "It may be difficult for an individual to lift a boulder, but as a group effort, it can be achieved with ease." Merely attending the ritual is said to bring immense spiritual benefit. It is also said that by contributing to the ritual by cleaning the area, or donating flowers, incense, lamps, or any other kind of offering, establishes a connection with this teaching, creates great merit, and plants the seeds of enlightenment. Schedule 4-11 January, 2004 7:30AM to 8PM daily (exception, first and final day) Fees Free. Any contributions towards the cost of holding this event (which includes renting a venue in a central location and inviting eleven monks from Bhutan) are most welcome. Funds received over the costs will be offered to Dzongsar Institute. Registration No registration required. Requirements A vegetarian diet on days that the ceremony is attended. No empowerment authorization required.   Attendance There are no restrictions. People may arrive and leave at their convenience. Accommodation/Meals No accommodation or meals provided. The venue is convenietly located for hotels, restaurants, and public transportation. For information on hotels in the area, please contact Deva Shih: deva@tp.edu.tw. Venue Address Taipei Youth Activity Center 4 floor, 17 Ren-Ai Road, section 1 Taipei Tel: 2343 2388 (Venue is located on the corner of Ren-Ai Road, sec 1 and Lin-Sen South Road)