POWA
The practice & the 7-days retreat
The practice of Powa is one of the six yogas of Naropa, disciple of Tilopa, a great Indian achiever of the eleventh century, who was the master of Marpa Lotsawa, founder of the Karma Kagyu school to which our Institute is attached.
The practice of Powa is linked to the understanding of intermediate state or bardo. Its practice allows us to break the chain of bardos at the time of the "bardo of the moment of death", which has the effect of freeing our spirit in Dewatchen, thus avoiding an uncontrolled rebirth under the effect of karma. The practice of Powa is therefore a skillful means, a method of liberation using the subtle processes manifested during death.
L’utilisation de termes tels que « transfert de conscience » ou même «éjection du principe conscient » peut effrayer, toutefois cette pratique est sans risque. C’est seulement lors du décès que l’esprit se sépare effectivement du corps pour entrer dans le « bardo du moment de la mort » : les énergies vitales empêchent que cela ne se produise accidentellement de notre vivant.
La pratique régulière de Powa prépare donc progressivement notre esprit à cette échéance inévitable qu'est notre mort. En cas de mort accidentelle ou violente, ell pourra aussi nous aider à nous souvenir de la relation établie avec le bouddha Amitabha.
The practice of Powa and the connection we develop with Amitabha Buddha allows us to come to terms with the idea of our death. Far from being morbid, this approach allows us to see death as an opportunity for spiritual progress and promotes detachment from our fear of death.
Finally, the benefits provided by the practice of Powa are not limited to the prospect of our death. Whether it becomes our main practice or an additional practice, it helps to strengthen the stability of our mind, to purify it and to promote an understanding of emptiness and Clear Light. Powa therefore proves to be a means of spiritual progression in this very life.
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Pour celles et ceux qui voudraient poursuivre et approfondir leur pratique et uniquement après avoir suivi l'entièretè de la retraite Powa avec Lama, tous les premiers dimanches du mois, une matinée de pratique est organisée par l’Institut. Il n’y a pas de Lama présent lors des sessions, la pratique est guidée par le membre le plus ancien présent.
Lama Zeupa has given his agreement so that transfers can be made online for those who live far away and cannot travel regularly (preference for face-to-face when possible).
Please note: on site it is always possible to receive help you "pick up in the text", online this will not be possible, you must therefore be 100% independent in practice.
Registration for on-site participation is done via the website.
Powa on-line is not done through the website but by contacting the secretariat by mail who will transfer it to the group.