Past Retreats

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Weeklong retreat – Training in insight (Vipassana) with Anne Teich

Retreat Dates: Jan 14-21, 2011

Retreat Location: 307 Arthur’s Court, Fairplay, Colorado

Driving Directions: From Fairplay, take 9 south towards Hartsel. Go about 7 miles on 9 and take what is basically the first left on Redhill Rd.  Turn left into the first driveway (which is the first left), to the house.  As much as possible, people should car pool.

Mapquest Map

Accommodations: Limited space is available at the retreat house; bring bedding. Camping ok.

Contact: Steve Ring 303.679.0915

Retreat Schedule: Friday – Prayers and Aspirations 5-6 PM, and community dinner
Saturday & Sunday- Registration starting at 8:00 AM, retreat start at 9 AM
Monday – Friday – Detailed schedule to be provided

Description:

Insight Meditation is a practice of self-transformation that focuses on using introspection and deep analysis of the interconnection between mind and body to achieve a balanced state of love and compassion.

“Vipassana,” a Pali word meaning “extraordinary seeing,” was prescribed by the Buddha as a sure-fire way to end ignorance. Jetavana Mingon Sayadaw, one of Burma’s exemplary forest monks, compared this practice to climbing a high mountain. It is only by walking step-by-step that we reach the summit.

Our retreat time will be dedicated to this ‘high mountain’ path. It is the path of all great practitioners throughout history: silence, sitting, walking, contemplating the great teachings. Awakening from hypnotic habits of the discursive mind to the unbounded awareness of the present moment. Together in guided meditation sessions we will build momentum to cultivate calm-and-clarity, the Buddha’s antidote to all suffering states. For this journey, we will take with us the Four Pillars of Mindfulness, the Path of Purification, and forgiveness and loving kindness practice.

A donation of $400/single or $700/couple is suggested

A donation of $150/single or $250/couple is suggested for the weekend

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Teachings based on Pratyutpanna Samadhi Sutra with Ven. Tenzin Priyadarshi

Free Public Talk:  Achieving Happiness Through Generosity in Times of Financial Uncertainty
The holiday season invites us to reflect on the benefits of giving and generosity, yet these times of financial uncertainty impose new challenges on our ability to fulfill expectations. In this lecture, Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi will explore the impact of generosity on our own happiness and collective well-being and will consider how true generosity can support happiness and well-being by reducing clinging and promoting a healthy mindset of cherishing others and ourselves.

Friday, December 10th – 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Buena Vista Community Center
715 E Main St Buena Vista, CO 81211
(Take Highway 24 to Main Street, turn east on Main. The road turns to gravel, the Community Center is on the right.)
Talk  with Q&A to follow

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Retreat Dates: Saturday & Sunday Dec 11-12, 2010

Retreat Location: Colorado Mountain College
27900 County Road 319
Buena Vista, CO 81211

Directions: Hwy 24 (South of the Buena Vista town limits) to Steele Drive (also called Gregg Drive) near the town airport. Turn left on County Road 319.

Accommodations: Free lodging with local sangha members can generally be arranged in advance by calling Michael at 888.550.1777.

Contact: Michael at 888.550.1777

Retreat Schedule:
Saturday: Registration at 9:00, Retreat from 10:00 – 3:30
Sunday: Registration at 9:00, Retreat from 10:00 – 12:30

Retreat Topic:

The Pratyutpanna Samadhi Sutra (“The Samadhi of being in the presence of all the Buddhas”) is one of the early, prominent Mahayana Buddhist texts that was translated into Chinese around 150 A.D. This sutra focuses on visions and visualizations contemplating on the qualities of the Buddha. These spiritual exercises challenge one’s view of reality and help (re)familiarize our minds with its enlightened nature through practices of mindfulness.

The text for the retreat can be downloaded from this link.

This retreat is suitable for all levels of students.

A donation of $150/single or $250/couple is suggested

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Training on meditative serenity (Shamata) with Ven. Tenzin Priyadarshi

Retreat Dates: Saturday & Sunday Nov 13-14, 2010

Retreat Location: Miller Ranch Community Center
25 Mill Loft Rd.
Edwards, CO

DIRECTIONS: Exit I-70 number 163 into Edwards, RIGHT turn at bottom of off ramp if eastbound or LEFT if westbound, Shell Station will be on your left, take a LEFT at the light onto Miller Ranch Road, follow Miller Ranch Road approx. 1.3 miles, the Community Center will be on your RIGHT just after the ball fields. Stairs are on the south side of the building.

Accommodations: Free lodging with local sangha members can generally be arranged in advance by calling Ben at 970.390.9299.

Contact: Ben Gaylord 970.390.9299

Retreat Schedule:
Saturday: Registration at 9:30, Retreat from 10:30 – 3:30
Sunday: Registration at 9:30, Retreat from 10:30 – 12:30

Retreat Topic:
In this retreat Venerable Tenzin continues with teachings based on the Lamrim (stages of the path). Shamatha or “meditative serenity/ calm abiding”, helps to protect the mind from disturbing emotions and conceptual thinking processes. It brings the mind to a balanced state of alertness, clarity and control, which can lead to inner peace and harmony. Shamatha meditation cuts through the confusion of ordinary appearances and perceptions and gives rise to deeper levels of understanding and wisdom. This allows one to see the ultimate reality of phenomena.

Everyone is welcome to study and practice Shamata meditation, no matter what your background or experience.

A donation of $150/single or $250/couple is suggested

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Cultivating the Six Perfections with Ven. Tenzin Priyadarshi

Retreat Dates: Oct 22-24, 2010

Retreat Location: 307 Arthur’s Court, Fairplay, Colorado

Driving Directions: From Fairplay, take 9 south towards Hartsel. Go about 7 miles on 9 and take what is basically the first left on Redhill Rd.  Turn left into the first driveway (which is the first left), to the house.  As much as possible, people should car pool.

Mapquest Map

Accommodations: Limited space is available at the retreat house; bring bedding. Camping ok.

Contact: Steve Ring 303.679.0915

Retreat Schedule: Friday – Prayers and Aspirations 5-6 PM, and community dinner
Saturday & Sunday- Registration starting at 8:00 AM, retreat start at 9 AM

Description:

The Six Perfections (Paramitas-meaning “to transcend” ) are the precepts of the bodhicitta of commitment.  The first four, which relate to right living, are generosity, patience, right conduct, and diligence.  The fifth is meditation; the sixth is wisdom.  The six perfections are at the heart of all the actions of a bodhisattva, someone who is training to truly work for the well being of others.

Practicing the Six Perfections allows us to overcome our mental poisons, to transcend all concepts, and to see the true nature of things.  They are the methods through which we can reach enlightenment.  This retreat will go into depth on the practices that we can use to have prosperity in this life, achieve happiness, and liberate ourselves from the sufferings of samsara.

This retreat will be conducted online from Boston.

A donation of $100/single or $150/couple is suggested

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One Thousand Arm Avalokitesvara Sadhana (Nyungne) with Ven. Tenzin Priyadarshi

Retreat Dates: Sept 17-19, 2010

Retreat Location: 307 Arthur’s Court, Fairplay, Colorado

Driving Directions: From Fairplay, take 9 south towards Hartsel. Go about 7 miles on 9 and take what is basically the first left on Redhill Rd.  Turn left into the first driveway (which is the first left), to the house.  As much as possible, people should car pool.

Mapquest Map

Accommodations: Limited space is available at the retreat house; bring bedding. Camping ok.

Contact: Steve Ring 303.679.0915

Retreat Schedule: Friday – Prayers and Aspirations 5-6 PM, and dinner
Saturday & Sunday- Registration starting at 8:30 AM, retreat start at 10 AM

Description:

Nyug ne: Purification and Rejuvenation Practice
A Retreat on the 1000 Arm Manifestation of Avalokiteshvara

Nyungne is a profound two-and-a-half-day practice, a length of time especially helpful for people whose schedules cannot accommodate long-term retreat. The meditation centers on the recitations, mantras, and guided visualizations of the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of all the buddhas’ loving-kindness and compassion. Translated as “abiding in the fast,” Nyungne is said to be effective in the healing of illness, the nurturing of compassion, and the purification of negative karma.

This intensive practice involves maintaining the eight Mahayana precepts, as well as additional vows on the second full day to abstain from eating, drinking or talking for 24 hours (taking into consideration health of participant).

The tenth-century Indian Buddhist nun, Bhikshuni Lakshmi, received this practice directly from Avalokiteshvara. Through practicing it, she achieved spiritual accomplishments, such as curing leprosy, and the extraordinary attainment of full enlightenment. The practice was then popularized by the Seventh Dalai Lama, whereupon it spread throughout Tibet, Nepal, India and Bhutan. It has become one of the most popular practices in Tibetan lay communities, and is considered one of the most effective practices for communal and environmental healing, including overcoming epidemics and other large-scale natural disasters.

The Tibetan Buddhist practice of Nyungne (“nyoong-nay”) has been gaining increased attention in Buddhist centers across North America. Participants say the practice purifies them both physically and spiritually.

A donation of $150/single or $250/couple is suggested

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Compassion and its causes with Ven. Tenzin Priyadarshi

Free Public Talk:  Practicing Compassion, Generating Happiness

Friday, August 20th – 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Edwards Ambi Building Community Classroom
1055 Edwards Village Blvd.  (behind the Edwards Post Office)
Talk  with Q&A to follow
RSVP to Ben Gaylord 970.390.9299
Seating is limited.

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Retreat Dates: Saturday & Sunday August 21-22, 2010

Retreat Location:Miller Ranch Community Center
25 Mill Loft Rd.
Edwards, CO

DIRECTIONS: Exit I-70 number 163 into Edwards, RIGHT turn at bottom of off ramp if eastbound or LEFT if westbound, Shell Station will be on your left, take a LEFT at the light onto Miller Ranch Road, follow Miller Ranch Road approx. 1.3 miles, the Community Center will be on your RIGHT just after the ball fields. Stairs are on the south side of the building.

Accommodations: Free lodging with local sangha members can generally be arranged in advance by calling Ben at 970.390.9299.

Contact: Ben Gaylord 970.390.9299

Retreat Schedule:
Saturday: Registration at 9:30, Retreat from 10:30 – 3:30, Meditation until 6PM
Sunday: Registration at 9:30, Retreat from 10:30 – 12:30

Retreat Topic:

Compassion and its causes as presented in The Great Treatise On the Stages of the Path To Enlightenment, Vol. 1 by Tsong-Kha-Pa

Description:
This retreat by Ven. Tenzin will be based on The Lam Rim by Tsong-kha-pa, the great Tibetan Master.  He will discuss the causes of compassion, as well as ways to generate and practice sustained compassion that leads to personal happiness and well being. In these challenging times surrounded by insecurity and fear, we will learn practices that we can use in our everyday lives to make a difference with our families and  friends, and all sentient beings, as well as ourselves.

Volume 1 of The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment establishes that the central focus is the development of the spirit of enlightenment (Bodhicitta –compassion and wisdom) which is the heart of the Mahayana tradition.  The practices that are prerequisite for developing enlightenment are covered, making this indispensable reading for anyone who wishes to understand and practice Tibetan Buddhism.

“It expounds the entire path from the way one should rely on a spiritual teacher, which is the very root, right up to the attainment of Buddhahood, which is the final fruit.  The various stages are presented so clearly and systematically that they can be easily understood and are inspiring to put into practice.” –H.H. the Dalai Lama

This retreat is part of the Foundation of Buddhism series and is open to all.

A donation of $150/single or $250/couple is suggested

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Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland with Ven. Tenzin Priyadarshi

Retreat Dates: Friday, July 30th – Sunday, August 1st

Retreat Location: 947 H St., Salida, Colorado

Driving Directions: Drive south on 285, turn left on 291. Follow it into town till coming to G st, then turn right. Follow G St to 10th then turn right again and go one block to 947 H St.

Accommodations: Free lodging with local sangha members can generally be arranged in advance by calling Mary at 719-239-1262.

Contact: Mary Gage 719-239-1262

Retreat Schedule:
Friday: Prayers and Pot Luck 6PM
Saturday: Registration at 9:30, Retreat from 10:00 – 5:00
Sunday: Registration at 9:30, Retreat from 10:00 – 3:00

Description:

This retreat by Ven. Tenzin will be based on Nagarjuna’s book titled PRECIOUS GARLAND. Nargarjuna, a famous Buddhist master and teacher, is renowned for his analysis of reality, and in PRECIOUS GARLAND he offers up ideas on how to live a life reflecting Buddhist principles. From improving one’s condition over the course of a lifetime to achieving spiritual and social satisfaction, this retreat will bring you more than spiritual philosophy. It offers up a formula applying Buddhist thinking and principles to everyday life and personal evolution.

Nagarjuna is renowned for his penetrating analysis of reality. In the Precious Garland, he offers intimate counsel on how to conduct one’s life and how to construct social policies that reflect Buddhist ideals. The advice for personal happiness is concerned first with improving one’s condition over the course of lifetimes and then with release from all kinds of suffering, culminating in Buddhahood. Nagarjuna describes the cause and effect sequences for the development of happiness within ordinary life as well as the practices of wisdom realizing emptiness and compassion that lead to enlightenment. He describes a Buddha’s qualities and offers encouraging advice on the effectiveness of practices that reveal the vast attributes of Buddhahood.

The Precious Garland includes a detailed analysis of attachment to sensual objects as a preparation for realization of the profound truth that, when realized, makes attachment impossible.

In the Precious Garland, Nagarjuna offers intimate counsel on how to conduct one’s life and construct social policy that reflects Buddhist ideals. The advice for personal happiness is concerned first with improving one’s condition over the course of lifetimes and then with release from all types of suffering, culminating in Buddhahood.

This retreat is part of the Foundation of Buddhism series and is open to all.

A donation of $150/single or $250/couple is suggested

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Weeklong Retreat Lam Rim – From Suffering to Liberation – with Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi

Retreat Dates: Saturday, June 12th – Friday, June 18th

Retreat Location: 307 Arthur’s Court, Fairplay, Colorado

Driving Directions: From Fairplay, take 9 south towards Hartsel. Go about 7 miles on 9 and take what is basically the first left on Redhill Rd.  Turn left into the first driveway (which is the first left), to the house.  As much as possible, people should car pool.

Mapquest Map

Accommodations: Limited space is available at the retreat house; bring bedding and eating utensils.

Contact: Steve Ring 303.679.0915

Retreat Schedule: Friday – Prayers and Aspirations 5-6 PM, and dinner
Saturday & Sunday- Registration starting at 8:30 AM, retreat start at 10 AM

Detailed schedule to be provided

Description:
Lam Rim (Tibetan: lam “path”, rim “stages”) is a Tibetan Buddhist textual form for presenting the complete path to enlightenment as taught by Gautama Buddha. In Tibetan Buddhist history, there have been many different versions of the Lam Rim, presented by different teachers. However all the versions of the Lam Rim are based on extensions of Atisha‘s 11th Century root text A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment.

Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi will provide a brief history of the Lam Rim starting with Atisha, and including Gampopa (Jewel Ornament of Liberation) and Tsongkhapa (The Great Treatise on the Stages on the Path of Enlightenment). He will also provide a detailed exploration of the Abhidharma, which in the West, is generally considered to be the core of what is referred to as Buddhist psychology.

Important concepts of the Lam Rim include the three kinds of motivation, karma, rebirth, Buddhist cosmology, the practice of meditation, up to and including tantra.

This retreat is part of the Foundation of Buddhism series and is open to all.

A donation of $400/single or $700/couple is suggested

A donation of $150/single or $250/couple is suggested for the weekend

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Lam Rim – Guide to Meditation With Venerable Tenzin Priyardarshi

Retreat Dates: Saturday, May 15th – Sunday, May 16th

Retreat Location: 947 H St., Salida, Colorado

Driving Directions: Drive south on 285, turn left on 291. Follow it into town till coming to G st, then turn right. Follow G St to 10th then turn right again and go one block to 947 H St.

Accommodations: Free lodging with local sangha members can generally be arranged in advance by calling Mary at 719-239-1262.

Contact: Mary Gage 719-239-1262

Retreat Schedule:
Saturday: Registration at 9:30, Retreat from 10:00 – 5:00
Sunday: Registration at 9:30, Retreat from 10:00 – 3:00

Description:

Lam Rim (Tibetan: lam “path”, rim “stages”) is a Tibetan Buddhist textual form for presenting the complete path to enlightenment as taught by Gautama Buddha. In Tibetan Buddhist history, there have been many different versions of the Lam Rim, presented by different teachers. However all the versions of the Lam Rim are based on extensions of Atisha’s 11th Century root text A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment.

Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi will provide a brief history of the Lam Rim starting with Atisha, and including Gampopa (Jewel Ornament of Liberation) and Tsongkhapa (The Great Treatise on the Stages on the Path of Enlightenment). He will also provide a detailed exploration of the Abhidharma, which in the West, is generally considered to be the core of what is referred to as Buddhist psychology.

Important concepts of the Lam Rim include the three kinds of motivation, karma, rebirth, Buddhist cosmology, the practice of meditation, up to and including tantra.

This retreat is part of the Foundation of Buddhism series and is open to all.

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Enlightening Our Activity: Deepening compassion and wisdom for service in the world

Retreat Dates: Saturday, March 13th – Sunday, March 14th

Retreat Location:
16417 CR 325
Buena Vista, Colorado

Driving Directions:

Directions from the corner of Main St. and Hwy. 24, the only traffic light in town:
Go west on Main St. (towards Cottonwood Pass) for 7 tenths of a mile. Turn left on CR 321 (Rodeo Rd.) and go 5.9 miles. Turn right on CR 325. At 9 tenths of a mile the road will make a 90° curve to the left. Turn into the 2nd driveway on the right. The sign will say “16417 Benvenuto”. Please park so as to not block the circular drive.

Accommodations: Free lodging with local sangha members can generally be arranged in advance by calling Michael at 888.550.1777.

Contact: Michael  at 888.550.1777

Retreat Schedule:
Saturday: Registration at 8:30, Retreat from 9:30 – 5:00
Sunday: Registration at 8:30, Retreat from 9:30 – 1:00

Description: This guided meditation retreat will use simple techniques of sustained observation to help transform our way of looking at and engaging the world. As the ancient practitioners have demonstrated, stepping away from the whirlwind of outer activity is necessary to increase the special kind of concentration which leads to calm and clarity. Let us take this opportunity to exert ourselves out of compassion for the suffering of ourselves and others; this meditation is the meritorious activity which will bring peace to our mind and success in the world.

A donation of $150/single or $250/couple is suggested

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