1 – 30 June

At the time of the Buddha the heavy rains during monsoon made it difficult for the Buddha and his followers to go out every day and beg for their food as the muddy footpaths and jungle were full of insects. In order to prevent trampling and squashing these creatures and also the crops of the farmers, the Buddha decided it was best to spend this time in a single place in retreat.

Following in the footsteps of the Buddha, Thosamling organizes every year a summer retreat during the monsoon.

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.

The Buddha explained that in order 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.

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.

06:00 – 07:00 – Morning prayers and meditation
07:00 – 08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – 11:30 –Teachings
11:30 – 12:30 – Lunch
14:00 – 15:00 – Discussion
15:00 – 15:30 – Tea Break
15:30 – 17:00 – Teachings
17:00 – 18:00 – Dinner
18:30 – 20:00 – Q&A, followed by a guided meditation and dedications

The teachings are for both beginners and more experienced students.

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 contact us at [email protected].