Refuge Retreat
April 26 - 27th
with Kelsang Tharden
$50 | Member benefits apply
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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.
There will be four guided sessions a day, except when there are tsog offering Pujas, and the practice is accomplished within the sadhana Essence of Good Fortune.
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Friday, April 26th
Introduction: 6:30 - 8pm
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Saturday, April 27th
Session 1: 9:30 - 11am
Session 2: 11:45am - 1:15pm
Session 3: 2:30 - 4pm
Session 4: 4:30 - 5:45pm
About the teacher
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Kelsang Tharden is a Kadampa Buddhist monk with over eight years of study and practice. Kelsang Tharden's understanding of Dharma and his practical approach make him a good teacher and role model for those seeking to integrate Buddhism into their daily lives. He is known for his calm and compassionate demeanor, and his ability to guide students with patience and wisdom.
About the teacher
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Patti Blanco has been a student of Kadampa Buddhism, and a member of Kadampa Meditation Center Phoenix, for almost 20 years. She is delighted to share her understanding, experience, and love of Dharma with others.