Tonglen Retreat

Led By: 
Lama Michael Conklin
Location: 
Ser Chö Ösel Ling
Date: 
Jul 27 2012 6:00pm - Jul 30 2012 1:00pm

Registration opens three months prior to events.

As you turn the mind from personal benefit toward the welfare of others, compassion beyond ordinary sentimentality develops. As you let go of personal projections & territory, insight into the true nature of phenomena becomes possible. The union of these two is liberation itself. 

In the practice of mind training, as we turn our habitual focus from our own interests, perception is more clear, and we surrender to "things as they are" more willingly. Using the aphorisms of the "7-Point Mind Training" as focal points, we meet ordinary situations in a context of continuous meditation and attention to our moment by moment conduct, thus making every situation practice. The eventual fruit is the realization of non-self, and compassion beyond the narrow boundaries of sentimentality and pity.

The retreat includes formal instruction in meditation and contemplation practices specific to the "Mind Training" tradition. The emphasis in this tradition is the application of dharma to everyday life. Rather than calcifying practice into rote learning, liturgical chanting, or a series of set responses and practices, this system leads individuals to the employment of intelligence and compassion in every aspect of their life. 

There will be some limited opportunity for personal interviews.

Pre-requisites: This retreat is suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners, regardless of background. If you have not been to this retreat before, it is necessary to contact Lama Michael before registering:conklin@kcc.org – or – 503-890-4243.  

Participants must: 1) arrive between 4 and 7 pm on Friday, 2) attend the orientation session, and 3) stay through the close of the retreat on Monday, 12:00 noon

Recommended Readings

The following books are recommended for this retreat, but not required:

Buddhism with an Attitude, by Alan Wallace

Start Where You Are, by Pema Chodron

The Four Immeasurables, by Alan Wallace

If you order books online please go to http://kcc.org/resources and then type the name of the book you are looking for into the Amazon or Powell’s search box. Accessing Amazon or Powell’s web sites via the KCC website allows KCC to receive a portion of the profits from such sales.   

More information regarding cost, schedule and more coming soon. Registration opens three months prior to events.