September 25-26
Refuge Retreat
with Gen Kelsang Chenma
Refuge Retreat is the first of the four great preliminary guides that we need to practice if we want to enter into Buddhism and make progress on our spiritual path to enlightenment. Through training in sincerely going for refuge we enter the gateway to Buddhism; and training in the compassionate mind of bodhichitta we enter the gateway to the Mahayana – the main path to the state of enlightenment.
If we do not have a practice of refuge in the Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma and Sangha – we will not enter Buddhism and this means we have no opportunity to attain permanent liberation from suffering or the supreme happiness of Enlightenment. Then we will have lost the meaning of human life.
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$20 for the whole retreat or $5/session
free for supporting members
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Friday
Session 1, 6-7:30pm Refuge Vow Ceremony
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Saturday Retreat Sessions
Session 1, 9:15-10:30am
Session 2,11:30am - 12:45pm
Session 3, 2:30-3:45pm
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December 18-20
Vajrasattva Purification
with Gen Kelsang Chenma
We dedicate most of our time and energy trying to avoid problems by making changes to the external world. However, the main cause of our unhappiness and difficulties cannot be found in external conditions. It is caused by the negative karma we have created in the past through performing harmful actions.
By relying upon Vajrasattva, the Buddha of purification we will cleanse our mind of delusions, negativity and obstacles. Through special meditation and mantra recitation we have the great opportunity to purify our mind quickly, so that we can make swift progress on our spiritual path.
March 13-15
Guru Yoga Retreat
with Gen Kelsang Chenma
Guru Yoga is a special way of viewing our Spiritual Guide. Through this practice we deepen our connection with him and recite his mantra with strong faith to receive blessings and request help with our spiritual goals.
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This retreat will be focused on the Migstema prayer in Heart Jewel Book.
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Friday 6-7:30pm Introduction
Saturday (guided sessions)
Session 1, 9:15-10:30am
Session 2,11:30am - 12:45pm
Session 3, 2:30-3:45pm
Sunday (self guided sessions)
Session 1, 9:15-10:30am
Session 2,11:30am - 12:45pm
Session 3, 2:30-3:45pm
