Insight into Emptiness week retreat

Ultimately, resting in our own true nature, the Awakened Heart, is to penetrate its depths, to see it in its fullness, clearly, without obstruction.  However, this seeing does not come naturally.  We are too hide-bound by our assumptions about the nature of the Universe and of our experience.  We take it as given, for example, that the mind is inside the head without noticing that the inside of our head is an idea or thought that arises in the mind – this fact is extremely mysterious! Asking ourselves questions such as 'where is the mind?' helps us to focus on the true nature of experience.  We have to ask ourselves such seemingly naive questions, in order to start to focus on the assumptions that veil our understanding and let them go.  In this way the mysterious Openness of our being can gradually reveal itself. 

This retreat will focus on teachings from Lama Shenpen on developing insight into our true nature. Lama Shenpen will teach on different approaches to meditation on Emptiness, and how to relate to pointing out instructions. Lama Shenpen will bring in aspects of teaching from Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche and Trungpa Rinpoche.

Meditating in this way isn't always easy for everyone. To support each student where they are, we will host a series of discussion and instruction groups through the week, which will be led by senior students.

There may also be a chance for one to one interviews with Lama Shenpen, depending on her availability.

By committing to this retreat, you are choosing to: 

• Attend Lama Shenpen's teachings each day (or catching up with the recordings if your time zone makes that difficult)
• Joining at least one of the morning or evening prayer sessions.
• Meditating at least two sessions through the day (in the group or on your own)

You are invited to join one of the discussion groups, but it is not a requirement.

It is understood that your home life might make some of these commitments difficult. In which case, you are encouraged to consider what exceptions you will need through the week and build those into your retreat boundaries.

The week will start with an introductory talk and retreat vows in the evening on Friday 9th July before our Evening Practice and end on Saturday 17th July in the morning at around 10:30.

To help you plan here's the timetable

Morning Prayers and meditation - 7 am - 8 am

Teaching session 9.30 am - 11.00 am

Meditation session 11.30am - 12.30 pm

Meditation Session - 2.30 pm - 4.00 pm

Discussion group/Meditation Session - 4.30 pm - 5.30 pm

Evening Prayers and Meditation - 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm

See above for retreat commitment guidelines.

Book here to register your interest. 

Zoom links and other information will be sent to those who've registered nearer the time.

If you have any questions email the Events Team at [email protected]ku.gro.sha@stneve