Poetry of Practice: Mind Training for Modern Times
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With Lopön Chandra Easton
April 23-26, 2021 Netherlands Location: Bosoord, Hoofdweg 109, 7371 GE Loenen In person and Online participation options are available. At the heart of all practices of Tibetan Buddhism, Mind Training (Lojong) puts special emphasis on transforming all hardships and happiness into the path of awakening, meaning that all of life’s joys and sorrows can be fuel for the ultimate journey home. Mind Training consists of inspiring pithy slogans that help us dive deeply and intimately into our own capacity to develop wisdom and compassion in our lives. Mind Training encourages us to move away from self-centeredness and towards developing bodhicitta, the heart-felt aspiration that all beings be happy and free of suffering. In this unique retreat, Lopön Chandra will share the classical text called The Seven Points of Mind Training by Chekawa Yeshe Dorje (1102-1176), while supplementing the root text with devotional poetry and songs of realization, called dohās, to inspire us along the way. Here is one such poem by Atīśa (982-1054), the beloved Indian Buddhist teacher who brought the Lojong teachings to Tibet: “Originally pure nature of mind Is imbued with an overwhelming compassion for all beings. That compassion is born from emptiness, And it is to emptiness that it returns.” With the aim of integrating study with practice, this retreat will balance discussion with guided meditations on Shamatha (Calm Abiding), Vipashyana (Insight) and Tonglen (Sending & Receiving) meditations. 
Teacher Lopön Chandra Easton
Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton is a teacher and translator of Tibetan Buddhism and the assistant spiritual director and lead authorized teacher for Tara Mandala Retreat Center founded by Lama Tsultrim Allione. She has taught Buddhism and Yoga since 2001 and co-translated Sublime Dharma: A Compilation of Two Texts on the Great Perfection, published in 2012. She lives in Berkeley, CA, with her family. For more information, visit www.shunyatayoga.com. www.chandraeaston.com (coming soon). Click here to learn more about Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton |
Corona pandemic
Up to 30 people are welcome at the conference venue in Loenen. In this way, hygiene measures can be reliably monitored. If the retreat cannot continue live, it will be converted into an online event. If you do not wish to participate in this form, your application will be returned to you in full. Who should attend
This retreat is open to everyone. No prior meditation experience is required. Suggested reading 'Buddhism with an Attitude' by B. Alan Wallace. Registration
Registration starts February 12 2021. Due to the pandemic, it is still uncertain whether the in person option for this retreat can proceed. Practical information
The cost of the retreat including teachings and materials, accommodation for 3 nights, and vegetarian meals is: € 320,- in a shared double room € 400,- in a single room (there are few single rooms available) € 280,- Scholarship: yogi-jobs & shared room € 280,- teachings and vegetarian meals (no accommodation) € 280,- virtual retreat (online program via Zoom) Time details: This retreat begins with registration from 2.00 to 3.00 pm on the first day and ends after lunch on the last day. How to get there: Bosoord can be reached by public transport. From Schiphol airport it is easy and fast to take the train to Apeldoorn and continue by bus or taxi. Coming from Germany take the train to Arnhem and continue by bus or taxi. More information. Diet
All meals are standard vegetarian and almost entirely organic. We can take into account vegan, gluten free and/or lactose free diet requirements if imposed by health circumstances. |
