City Weekend: Impermanence & death - Ven. Amy Miller

This is going to happen to you, so start focusing on what makes your life truly worthwhile.

The incredibly moving poem, Heart Spoon, by Kyabje Pabongkha Rinpoche clearly illustrates what happens to you when you die. The text repeats again and again, “This is going to happen to you.” So this weekend retreat will explore this heart-wrenching poem along with a variety of practices that can help us start focusing on what makes life truly meaningful. 

"Death is not something to be afraid of; it is a natural transition, like changing clothes. Understanding impermanence inspires us to live meaningfully, to cherish every moment, and to use this precious life to benefit others and attain enlightenment." – Lama Zopa Rinpoche

We often make the profound mistake of ignoring and denying the reality of death as we continually immerse ourselves in a multitude of worldly experiences. Teachings on impermanence and death are not meant to frighten us, but can serve as a powerful motivator to practice as well as a significant reminder of how extraordinary this human life truly is. Right now, we have the rare opportunity to develop our minds in the most positive ways, to practice virtue, and to live with great purpose. NOW is the perfect time.

During this weekend, Ven. Amy Miller will guide us through teachings and meditations on profound Buddhist concepts drawn from the unique teachings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, one of the founders of the FPMT. Ven. Amy will also offer study and meditation techniques of daily mindfulness practices to take home. This program is ideal for anyone who wishes to ignite or deepen their personal practice by relying on Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s heart advice. 

Your teacher

Venerable Amy Miller is a beloved spiritual teacher, practitioner and Buddhist nun in the Tibetan tradition. She has dedicated her life to sharing the profound teachings of Buddhism with the world. With her gentle presence, insightful wisdom and compassionate heart, she has touched the lives of many around the world, inspiring them to find inner peace and help transform their minds. 

More information about Ven. Amy Miller, click here. 

Practical information

• Dates and times: 
  • Friday May 16: 19.00 – 20.30 hrs (only online)
  • Saturday May 17: 10.00 – 16.00 hrs
  • Sunday May 18: 10.00 – 16.00 hrs 
• Location: both at our center in Amsterdam and via Zoom.
• Language: English 
• Study materials & recordings: The classes will be recorded (audio and video) and provided to you as well as the study materials
• Registration: You can register for the whole weekend 
• Last-minute registration: Please also send an email to amsterdam@maitreya.nl, to ensure we can send you the necessary Zoomlink and materials in time to join the class.

Donation

Dāna (generosity) is one of the cornerstones of the Buddhist path. By virtue of their generosity, the Buddha and the ordained sangha offer us the teachings, and in exchange, the lay community supports Dharma centers and the monastic community. This interdependence is essential for us to share the Dharma and continue our work to benefit all sentient beings. With your donation we support our teachers in their cost of living and we uphold our dharma center, which is managed entirely by volunteers.

The suggested donation for this weekend is €85. For students and people with low income, the suggested donation is €60. Please send us an email if you'd like to make use of this option. Keep in mind that the donation amount should never be an obstacle to your access to the Dharma. Please contact us if it might be an obstacle for you.