Mind Training/Tonglen Retreat - SCOL in person

If there is “self,” recognition of “others” arises; 

On this division into self and others, grasping and anger arise; 

And in relation to these two emotions, 

All calamities come into being.

~ Dharmakirti

Those who desire shelter quickly

For themselves and for all others

Should use this sacred mystery:

The exchange of self and other. 

~ Shantideva

The tradition of Mind Training—the essence of bodhisattva training—is a complete path for overcoming confusion resultant suffering. Accepting us as we are and where we find ourselves, the practices of Mind Training offer us powerful means for training in compassion and wisdom in the context of our daily lives. 

Central to this path is the practice of tonglen, sending and taking, which is a powerful tool for overcoming our most entrenched habits of attachment and aversion, helping us to open our hearts to others. By learning to compassionately lean into our own suffering and the suffering of others, we discover our limitless strength and courage and a new way to relate with the world. By offering our gifts freely, we unlock the limitless generosity of loving-kindness and awaken to the refuge experiencing love and compassion with every breath. 

Join Lama Eric Triebelhorn, and Tim Campbell as we explore the living lineage of the Mind Training teachings. On this weekend we will delve into the relative bodhichitta practices of guru yoga, the four thoughts that turn the mind to dharma, the four immeasurables, and sending and taking, as well as the ultimate bodhichitta practices of approaching the nature of mind. 

There are in-person and Zoom options for this retreat, and there are no prerequisites.  The retreat will be held at our retreat center SCOL, near Goldendale, WA, from the evening of Friday, October 6^th till lunch on Sunday, October 8^th. 

If you would like to read in the Mind Training tradition, some options are Buddhism with An Attitude, by B. Alan Wallace, The Practice of Lojong, by Traleg Kyabgon, Start Where You Are, by Pema Chodron, and Training in Compassion, by Norman Fischer. It is not necessary to buy or read to participate.