October 2019
This Cushion Is Free. Are You? Sit, Walk, Share
It is crucial to sit every day and become acquainted with one’s mind. This will become increasingly profound and simple if one can dedicate longer periods of time in a retreat situation. During the sessions we will explore the techniques to help settle the mind in itself, and how to uncover our own basic kindness and natural clarity. Moments of exchange with questions and answers will enable us to assist each other in developing a deeper experience of our mind.…
Find out more »Fall Meditation and Study Retreat. The Third Karmapa’s Mahamudra Prayer Part Three
We continue our exploration of the natural state of mind through meditation and the study of the Mahamudra Prayer by the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje. The Mahamudra Prayer by the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje is a short yet thorough and profound text, which presents all the essential points of Mahamudra teaching in terms of view, practice, and fruition. It is a classic that, especially in the tradition of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, has been and is widely…
Find out more »November 2019
Laziness and Procrastination
How many of us have a sincere desire to progress on the spiritual path but get carried away by their daily activities and never approach the meditation cushion or contemplative reading? What we might call "too busy" is indeed a form of procrastination - active laziness. Some Tibetan masters like to compare different styles of sloth. In the East, they say jokingly, laziness consists of hanging out all day, chatting for hours while sipping tea and doing nothing. Our western…
Find out more »The Four Immeasurables (Brahmavihara/Apramanas) as Aspiration Bodhicitta. Part One
Two Weekends about the Four Immeasurables Saturday 9: Equanimity Sunday 10: Love Saturday 16: Compassion Sunday 17: Joy Bodhicitta, the awakened mind, Is known in brief to have two aspects: First, aspiring, bodhicitta in intention; Then active bodhicitta, practical engagement. Bodhicaryavatara 1/15. If the simple thought to be of help to others Exceeds in worth the worship of the Buddhas, What need is there to speak of actual deeds That bring about the weal and benefit…
Find out more »The Four Immeasurables (Brahmavihara/Apramanas) as Aspiration Bodhicitta. Part Two
Two Weekends about the Four Immeasurables Saturday 9: Equanimity Sunday 10: Love Saturday 16: Compassion Sunday 17: Joy Bodhicitta, the awakened mind, Is known in brief to have two aspects: First, aspiring, bodhicitta in intention; Then active bodhicitta, practical engagement. Bodhicaryavatara 1/15. If the simple thought to be of help to others Exceeds in worth the worship of the Buddhas, What need is there to speak of actual deeds That bring about the weal and benefit…
Find out more »August 2020
This Cushion Is Free. Are You?
Sit. Walk. Share It is crucial to sit every day and become acquainted with one’s mind. This will become increasingly profound and simple if one can dedicate longer periods of time in a retreat situation. During the sessions we will explore the techniques to help settle the mind in itself, and how to uncover our own basic kindness and natural clarity. Moments of exchange with questions and answers will enable us to assist each other in developing a deeper experience…
Find out more »