Brahmaviharā Shamatha Retreat

Guided by Venerable Losang Gendun

Theme of the retreat

Like the wings of a bird, the path to Awakening requires wisdom and compassion. Wisdom heals our mind; compassion heals our heart. Wisdom frees ourselves, and compassion holds the promise to free all living beings.

While these two are tightly intertwined, this retreat will focus on the development of a compassionate heart and the necessary conditions for keeping it healthy in times of war, polarization, ecological degradation, and racism.

We will progress through the successive practices of the four divine thoughts and bodhicitta to cultivate a renewed connection with our environment, a boundlessness of mind, and a tranquil calm.

Equanimity cultivates an awareness of the natural value of every living being; sympathetic joy, a trust in their beneficial qualities; love, a recognition of their longing for happiness; and compassion, the urge to remove every obstacle from their path.

When these four divine states of mind have shown their true faces as both a bond with others and a refuge and oasis to ourselves, we are ready to make that leap of faith that is the aspiration to become a Buddha for a living beings.

General description

The retreat is suitable for both beginning and seasoned meditators, although a basic familiarity with the Dharma is advisable. As we will use the techniques of shamatha to stabilize our attention on these qualities of the heart, the days will be passed in silence, alternating sitting and walking meditation, and opportunities for a personal conversation with the teacher. In the evenings there will be good stories and lectures on technique and theory, with plenty of room for questions from participants.

As retreats involve boundaries for our body, speech and mind, within which they can flourish amidst the community of meditators, it is necessary to participate in the entirety of the retreat, while remaining on the grounds of the Institute.