Bodhichitta Weekthün
with Richard John
August 5 - 13, 2022
This seven-day meditation intensive will focus on the mahayana teachings of bodhichitta, known as “awakened heart”– the mind of enlightenment. Mahayana, the “great vehicle,” challenges us to outgrow self-centered preoccupations, and develop the wisdom and compassion by which we can actually make a difference in the world.
With emphasis on direct personal experience, our practice and conversations will be guided by some of the mind-training slogans of Lojong, and we will address these questions:
- What is the crucial first step, again and again?
- What does emptiness have to do with helping others?
- How do you know if you are progressing on the path?
“Before you cultivate compassion, you first need to understand how to be properly…When you begin to realize nonexistence, then you can afford to be more compassionate, more giving.”
– Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
This
Who Should Attend
This seven-day retreat (weekthün) is open to all practitioners who wish to further their dharma path.
While there is no prerequisite per se to attend, it is strongly recommended that participants have an established meditation practice.
All participants must begin at the beginning and commit to the entire week. Exceptions may be considered case by case. However, in order to qualify for a “weekthün practice credit” in the Way of Shambhala curriculum, you must attend the full seven days.
If you have any questions about your eligibility, please email the Program Manager at [email protected].
Covid Considerations
The teacher for this retreat has requested that all participants be fully vaccinated. We therefore request that you register only if you are (or will be) fully vaccinated by the time the retreat begins. This will help us to provide a safe and comfortable teaching container for this retreat.
As stated in our Covid Policy, we strongly recommend that all visitors to the land be fully vaccinated, and we reserve the right to modify restrictions if a situation arises — such as this one, where it seems appropriate to do so. Please review all of the recommendations and conditions of our Covid Policy before visiting Dorje Denma Ling.
Schedule
NOTE: All times listed are Atlantic Times. Go here for a Time Converter
August 5
Arrival Day
6:30 pm Dinner
7:45 pm Orientation & Opening Talk
August 6 – 12
7:00 to 9:00 pm
Each day will include breaks for meals, mid-day break, and tea.
August 12 we will conclude with a celebratory dinner.
August 13
8:00 Breakfast & Departure
Costs
Tuition: $450 CAD
Meals: $120 CAD
Accommodations: Extra. Prices vary according to your choice. (For a list of options, please visit the Registration Page.)
Heart Gifts
There will be an opportunity to offer a monetary heart gift towards the end of this program, as is customary at retreats. Most teachers have experienced a loss of income during the pandemic, and Acharya John is taking a reduced honorarium in order to help DDL.
The heart gift is completely voluntary according to your inspiration and financial means, and there is no suggested amount. We will provide you with link where you can offer a gift if you are inspired to do so.
Useful Links
Leader
An early student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Richard served as acharya for Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche for 20 years. He completed the traditional Buddhist three-year retreat at Gampo Abbey, and has led mahamudra retreats for 25 years. Richard and his wife Liz reside in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Learn more about Richard John
