Tonglen: Training the Mind with Compassion

Event Information

Title of event:   Liberation Through Tonglen:  Non-dual Wisdom and Compassion

Description of event:     KCC Retreat through Zoom, August 14-15.

Tonglen, (giving and taking) is a powerful practice of deep and joyful compassion coupled with ultimate wisdom. This method comes from the Seven Point Mind Training teachings, based on experiences of revered masters such as Nagarjuna, Shantideva and Langri Tampa. Tonglen profoundly challenges our habitual self-centered experience, which is founded on delusion. It is a potent method of developing bodhicitta — the fully awakened, joyful heart.  

Please join us for a two day immersion in this potent compassion practice.

Logistical information

Date(s):  August 14 and 15

Times:  9:00am to 4:30pm

Location: Zoom conference call from your own space

Daily schedule:

Morning Session 9.00-12 noon

Lunch break approximately 12 noon-1:15pm

Afternoon Session 1.15-4.00

Breaks will occur in the flow of each session

This will be a silent  retreat.  We will meet from 9-4 pm each day with short opportunities to engage in self-guided practice once you learn the methods.

As you are able, you will be encouraged to carry forth the silent retreat in your own home from 4pm Friday up to 9am Saturday morning when you return to zoom with the group.

It is supportive for you and others if you can attend the entire retreat. Please email Zopa at katyohern@gmail.com to discuss a shorter time, if you need it.

Make yourself tea and nourishing snacks each day during breaks, to keep up your energy and enthusiasm. And please make yourself a hearty lunch to practice self care and joyous effort.

It will be beneficial if you can keep silence at lunch. This will enhance your practice and support the efforts of the whole group.

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Suggested readings: 

Supplemental Readings and Online:  (Not required for this class, but encouraged as you continue  to practice tonglen)

-The Great Path of Awakening by Jamgon Kongtrul

-Enlightened Courage by Dilgo Khyentse

-Buddhism with an Attitude, by Alan Wallace

-Start Where You Are by Pema Chodron

-Essential Mind Training, Translated by Thubten Jinpa

-The Practice of Lojong, by Traleg Rinpoche

Also, you can find many interesting online teachings at “YouTube Sravasti Abbey”, search for Tonglen by Venerable Thubten Chodron and other guest teachers there.  Enjoy.

Tim Campbell and Zopa look forward to joining you on this heartwarming, time of learning together.

Printouts before class, during class?      Yes X☐        No ☐

LG – The printout before retreat will be Lama Michael’s Tonglen booklet, to be mailed out before the retreat. We do not need a single page file, as we will not be screensharing the booklet during the retreat. Those without the booklet – who join late – will also be sent a booklet after retreat so they can carry on the practice.

Texts or aspiration prayers required to be screenshared ?    Yes X☐        No ☐

Please list:  Refuge and Bodhicitta prayer and Dedication from LMC’s Tonglen Booklet. Tim will be typing these up and have them ready to screen share.

Requirements for participation, such as meditation experience or practice history:

There are no special requirements or practice history required for this retreat. It is suitable for beginning and advanced practitioners.

Additional information: 

For question please contract Zopa at katyohern@gmail.com.

ZOOM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89576077830?pwd=NmUyOUJnbkpjdUE5RG10VWpjd0lKZz09

Meeting ID: 895 7607 7830
Passcode: 342199