The Major General Empowerment of the Three Buddha Families
We warmly invite you on Friday, August 1st, and Saturday, August 2nd, to a two-day initiation into the mandala of the protectors of the Three Buddha Families — Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara, and Vajrapani — who embody and encompass the wisdom, compassion, and power of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, bestowed by
His Eminence Ngor Thartse Khen Rinpoche
This is a rare opportunity to be introduced to the true nature of our mind by a respected spiritual teacher — the 77th throne holder of the Ngor lineage of the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
Friday, August 1, and Saturday, August 2, 2025, on both days from 6 p.m. (approx. till 8 p.m.)
Venue: Tibet Open House, Školská 28, Prague, Czechia
Language: Tibetan with interpretation into Czech, or possibly simultaneously into English.
Contact: info@siddhartha.cz, +420 777 178 129
His Eminence Ngor Thartse Khen Rinpoche
His Eminence Ngor Thartse Khen Rinpoche is the 77th throne holder, or the highest representative, of the Ngor lineage of the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Rinpoche was born in 1968 into a royal family in Mustang, Nepal. At the age of eight, he was ordained as a monk by H.E. Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, and at the age of thirteen, he was recognized by H.H. the 41st Sakya Trizin as Ngor Thartse Shabdrung Rinpoche. In 2001, he was officially appointed as the 77th throne holder of Ngor by H.H. the 41st Sakya Trichen and H.E. Luding Khenchen Rinpoche. He currently shares the responsibilities of the throne holder of the Ngor lineage with H.E. Luding Khen Rinpoche. Rinpoche does not travel to the West very often, and this is his first time visiting Europe.
What is an Empowerment?
A tantric empowerment is a sacred ritual through which one receives the blessing of the Buddha. This blessing activates the enlightened qualities of our innate Buddha-nature and enables us to cultivate them through a series of transformative practices and meditations.
The blessing is transmitted through an unbroken lineage that traces directly back to the Buddha himself, passed from master to student up to the present day.
During the ritual, the master offers instructions on the visualizations and prayers necessary to receive the empowerment. By receiving it, one establishes a special karmic connection with the teacher, the lineage of masters, and the specific Buddha associated with the empowerment. This also grants permission to engage in meditations and other practices designed to help us realize the same enlightened state. Empowerment supports the development of deeper compassion for all sentient beings, the purification of negative karma and obscurations, and the cultivation of wisdom and insight into the true nature of reality.
The full benefit of empowerment usually unfolds through ongoing study, practice, and guidance from a qualified teacher.
About the Major General Empowerment of the Three Buddha Families
The Major General Empowerment of the Three Buddha Families is a two-day mandala initiation involving the Lords of the Three Buddha Families — Mañjushri, Avalokiteśvara, and Vajrapāṇī. These deities embody the wisdom, loving-kindness, and power of all the buddhas and bodhisattvas. The wisdom of understanding emptiness, non-dualistic loving-kindness and compassion, and the power to overcome all obstacles are the essence of the path, leading to the state of omniscience and ultimate awakening. Through this empowerment, participants gain insight into the true nature of their mind, endowed with these qualities, which is essential for swiftly attaining Buddhahood.
The ritual of this empowerment is in accordance with the Kriya and Charya Tantra. All yidams within these Tantras, including transcendental deities such as Tārā, are encompassed by the Three Buddha Families — the Tathāgata Family, the Padma Family, and the Vajra Family. As the principal deities of these families are Mañjuśrī, Avalokiteśvara, and Vajrapāṇī, this empowerment provides participants with the authorization to study, practice, and lead practices of the sadhanas of all transcendental deities associated with the Kriya and Charya Tantras.
Given the comprehensive nature of this initiation, attendance for the entire two-day program is necessary.
Vows and Commitments
As an integral part of the empowerment, both refuge vows and bodhisattva vows are bestowed. Tantric commitments accompany the practice of Tantra.
For this reason, this event is exclusively for Buddhists or those who wish to become Buddhists.
Refuge Vows
Taking refuge is the foundation of all Buddhist practices and the gateway to all vows. It involves taking refuge in the Three Jewels—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. The motivation to take refuge arises from the fear of suffering in samsara, compassion for others, and confidence in the Three Jewels. By taking refuge, we formally become Buddhists, committing to regard the Buddha as our teacher, the Dharma as our path, and the Sangha as our companions. After taking refuge, we must refrain from harming any being.
Bodhisattva Vows
The Bodhisattva vows commit one to the path of a bodhisattva, aspiring to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings. This vow involves a commitment to selflessness, prioritizing the well-being of others, and practicing accordingly. There are two kinds of bodhicitta:
- Relative Bodhicitta: The aspiration to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings and the determination to train in the methods necessary to achieve this goal.
- Absolute Bodhicitta: The direct realization of the absolute nature of phenomena, or primordial wisdom.
Tantric Commitments
In addition to the Refuge and Bodhisattva vows, Tantric practice involves specific commitments. These include respecting all beings, avoiding harm, and actively striving to help others.
While there is no requirement for a daily sadhana practice after receiving this empowerment, participants may choose to voluntarily commit to a regular practice.
How to participate
→ In-person only – this event will not be streamed
→ On Friday, July 1, and Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
→ in Tibet Open House, Školská 28, Prague, Czechia
→ Read the practical information and register at this link
