Living the Awakened Heart, the training developed by Lama Shenpen, under guidance from Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, is a training in meditation, reflection and insight based on some of the most profound Mahamudra and Dzogchen teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Living the Awakened Heart training allows anyone with an open and enquiring mind to discover the truth of Buddhism through their own experience. It is a search for truth, a process of exploring our experience and coming to understand and relax into our true nature, the Awakened Heart.
Students of the Awakened Heart Sangha explore the materials at their own depth and pace, guided by the teachings of Lama Shenpen and senior teachers within the sangha and with support from mentors.
Ideas introduced are purposefully revisited and so it is equally suitable for those who have studied/practised Buddhism for some time and for complete newcomers. With the concept of ‘spiral learning’ at its core, LAH training has been designed to develop understanding through connecting and reconnecting experientially with interrelated themes in an ever-deepening path of discovery.
Students explore the Living the Awakened Heart (LAH) training in a structured way. It contains the core courses Discovering the Heart of Buddhism (DHB) and Trusting the Heart of Buddhism (THB), which form the main body of teachings by Lama Shenpen, designed for Western students to access the most profound teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.
Students continue to spiral around this core training whilst exploring further themes in the overarching structure of Living the Awakened Heart.
Discovering the Heart of Buddhism (DHB) is the essence of the training. DHB introduces students to the practice of formless meditation and daily life awareness through seven interrelated themes, involving teachings and reflections from Lama Shenpen: Indestructible Heart Essence, Confidence, Heart Wish, Openness, Clarity, Sensitivity, Mandala Principle. Learn more about these DHB themes here
Trusting the Heart of Buddhism (THB) is recommended as a next step for students completing DHB. It builds on DHB to bring in the vaster vision of the Buddhist tradition and the principles that underlie it. It also involves teachings and reflections from Lama Shenpen. Find out more about THB here
Living the Awakened Heart (LAH) encompasses all of the training in the Awakened Heart Sangha. However, there is no single common pathway for everyone. After DHB training, students are encouraged to chart their own way, deepening Dharma practice in the areas they feel drawn. The overall structure of Living the Awakened Heart encompasses the themes of Love & Compassion, Daily Life Awareness, Insight into Emptiness, Vaster Vision, Pranidhanas and Ritual & the Mandala of Sacred Space. Discover more about Living the Awakened Heart here
Find out more about becoming a student of Lama Shenpen and joining the Living the Awakened Heart training at www.ahs.org.uk/training.