The retreat is conducted in the style of the famous Lam Rim (Graduated Path
to Enlightenment) meditation courses that first began at Kopan
Monastery, Kathmandu in the early seventies. The whole day is
divided into guided meditation sessions, discussion groups, and
explanations of the Buddhist world-view, including psychology, rebirth,
karma, and how to cultivate wisdom and compassion, the two goals of the
path to enlightenment.
The retreat is suitable for both new and old students. It is an
intense group event during which everyone must stay at Atisha Centre and
attend every session. There should be no need to contact the outside
world: no visitors, phones, internet, or radio. Vegetarian food and all
needs are provided. On some days the 8 Mahayana
Precepts to avoid killing, stealing, lying, sexual activity,
intoxicants, eating after midday, and so on, are taken for 24 hours.
These
courses have been greatly appreciated by many thousands of people as
being an excellent means for clarifying their direction in life, no
matter their religion or philosophy. Gyatso attended his first course in
1974 and, over the years, has led many such retreats at Kopan Monastery
and many other countries around the world. Don’t miss it.
This Retreat was held from 21st April - 29th April, 2012.