Weekend Retreat: The Heart of Compassion - Ven. Amy Miller

Lojong mind training & 1000-Armed Chenrezig practice

"Compassion is not just a feeling. It is a state of mind, an attitude that is developed through training, and the more we develop it, the more we can help others." – Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Lojong or “mind training” is an essential part of Buddhist training that teaches us how to transform problems into opportunities for deep spiritual growth. It helps us:

• Cultivate mental resilience
• Develop compassion
• Shift focus from external blame to self-reflection and accountability
• Reduce anxiety, increase inner peace, and develop healthier behavior overall.

"When we train our mind, we stop blaming others for our difficulties. Instead, we recognize that our own afflictions are the real enemy, and we cultivate love and compassion even in challenging situations." – Ven. Thubten Chödron

This weekend will be a thorough exploration of the profound Lojong (mind training) text ‘The Eight Verses of Mind Transformation’ written by the Tibetan Buddhist master Geshe Langri Tangpa along with a practice of the 1000-Armed Chenrezig, the Buddha of Infinite Compassion. Both visualization as well as the mantra are included. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is said to be an emanation of this form of Chenrezig and it’s a particularly powerful practice to do in these challenging times. In a world where polarization, individualism and fear for others become bigger, it teaches us to see others as fellow human beings rather than enemies, fostering peace through personal transformation.

Ven. Amy Miller will help us expand our view beyond our own boundaries of self-reflection and will also help us develop a greater sense of compassion for ourselves and others. 

This weekend is also a great supplement to the Lojong teachings she will be leading on Tuesdays in April and May. 

This full weekend includes lodging at our retreat center and wonderful vegetarian meals. 

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

• Weekend: Friday June 6 20.00 hrs through Sunday June 8 16.00 hrs
• Location: both at our retreat center in Loenen 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 only
• Last-minute registration: Please also send an email to amsterdam@maitreya.nl, to ensure we can send you the necessary Zoomlink 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.

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.