Summer Retreat 2024

Introduction to Buddhism, Following the Lam Rim

16 – 30 June

with Geshema Dawa Dolma

Join Geshema Dawa Dolma in this retreat who will guide you through the complete path of the teachings of the Buddha and with the help of Ven. Tenzin Wangmo lak there will be discussion sessions and meditation practices connected with the instructions given by Geshema Dawa Dolma. The Lam Rim teachings are found in all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

Geshema la will present the Lam Rim teachings based on the great Tibetan scholar-adept Je Tsongkhapa’s Songs of Spiritual Experience, a poetic text condensing the complete path to enlightenment in 45 inspirational verses.

What is Lamrim?

The Buddha explained that to uncover our mind from ignorance and delusions we need to develop our wisdom and compassion. We need to do this in stages, whereby every step becomes the ground for the next step. This is described in the Lamrim text, which is also called the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment.

The topics that will be covered during the retreat include our precious human rebirth, impermanence and death, the four Noble Truths, refuge in the Three Jewels, the law of cause and effect, the twelve links of dependent origination, how to develop the mind of bodhichitta, and the training in the six perfections – generosity, ethics, patience, joyful effort, concentration and wisdom.

In order to gain realizations in our mind we engage in the three trainings of listening, reflecting, and meditating. This means that we first need to listen to the teachings and study them. Then we contemplate the meaning, for instance by discussing the teachings with our fellow practitioners. Once all our doubts are removed, we can engage in meditation and gain an experience of the meaning of the teachings.

Structure of the retreat

In this retreat you will engage in the three trainings of listening, reflecting, and meditating every day. In the morning, after our morning meditation and breakfast, there will be teachings, while in the afternoon there will be time for discussion. The day will be concluded with a Q&A and an evening meditation.

The summer retreat is for both beginners and more experienced students.

The teachings will be translated from Tibetan to English.

Before signing up, please read about  the meaning of retreat and what it means  to stay at Thosamling Nunnery in a retreat environment.

To register for the summer retreat, please get in touch with us at [email protected]