David Brazier, Dharmavidya of the Amida Order
will give teachings on“The Sukhavativyuha Sutra: The Pureland Manifesto”
Summer Retreat is an ancient Buddhist custom. In Buddha's day his followers spent much of the year travelling from place to place or staffing the various centres from which the movement reached out to society bringing peace and relief to people, giving teaching, counsel and healing. In the summer rainy season, when travel was more difficult, they gathered in retreat together. It was during these retreat periods that the Buddha gave new teachings and the disciples shared their stories and renewed their friendships and sense of mutual support. In the Amida community we honour this ancient tradition by gathering at our French Retreat Centre in July to deepen our practice, strengthen our sense of being a sangha and receive teachings.
This year's teachings ellucidate The Larger Pureland Sutra, the most important text in the Amidist tradition. This text has been revered since the earliest times by all those who followed the Pureland path. Here, the Buddha, approaching the end of his life, sets out both his metaphysical and existential commitments, his manifesto for the Dharma revolution in this and all worlds, here and hereafter. This great scripture makes plain both the religious and worldly nature of Buddhism and has been the fount of major populist movements through Buddhist history. Dr. Brazier will explain the text in detail and give expositions on the significance of its many themes, dramatic allegories and inspirational passages. The retreat will also include a full schedule of Pureland Buddhist practice, life in community, seminars and outdoor activities.