| Preceded by a Tchenrezi Blessing on the first day of the retreat and ending with a transmission of the Bodhisattva Vows, with Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche.
Different Buddhist traditions offer various methods to work and train the mind. For instance, in the Theravada tradition, Shamatha–calm abiding and Vipassana–insight meditation help practitioners gain insights into the true nature of the mind and the three characteristics of existence–suffering, impermanence and non-self. Metta or loving-kindness–one of the Four Incommensurable Thoughts, anchored in the Mahayana tradition, brings in the Boddhisattva perspective by expanding altruistic motivation for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Tonglen, a meditative practice pertaining to the Lojong training of the mind in seven points, goes a step further by inviting the practitioner to exchange himself for others and take on sentient beings’ suffering. One of the functions of this powerful practice of the Vajrayana school of Buddhism is to reverse the habitual tendency to turn away from difficult experiences, a tendency well rooted in self-clinging and open up to reality as it is.
Throughout the course of this retreat, which is open to beginners and advanced meditators alike, Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche will explain the roots of mind training in the various Buddhist schools and will guide the various stages of meditation from Shamatha to Tonglen. |
