Poetry of Practice: Mind Training for Modern Times
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With Lopön Chandra Easton
June 28 -July 1, 2024 Netherlands In person retreat Location: Bosoord, Hoofdweg 109, 7371 GE Loenen 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 is currently writing a book on the twenty-one Taras, to be published by Shambhala in the Fall of 2023. She lives in Berkeley, CA, with her family. For more information, visit www.chandraeaston.com. Click here to learn more about Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton |
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. 'Start where you are' by Pema Chödrön Practical information
The cost of the retreat including a base fee for the teachings, materials, accommodation for 3 nights, and vegetarian meals is: € 395,- in a shared double room € 515,- in a single room (fully booked) € 335,- Scholarship: yogi-jobs & shared room € 335,- teachings and vegetarian meals, no accommodation Campsite
Dana means 'generosity' and is the traditional offering the student makes to the teacher at the end of receiving precious teachings. In the retreat-cost there is only a small fee included for the teachings of € 45,- per person. At the end of the retreat there will be an additional Dana offering for the teacher. Time details: This retreat begins with registration from 3.30 to 5.00 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. |
