Meditation Practice Retreat
2:00pm 06 October 2019 - 12:30pm 13 October 2019
Cost: £0.00
Venue: Samye Ling
Everyone who wishes to participate in this retreat must register even if Samye Ling accommodation is not required. Please use the online booking system to book both accommodation and a place on the course. If you are not staying with us, select “No Accommodation” as the room type.
Please click here to book - remember to select the course on the Additional Extras page after selecting your room type.
For the 6th Anniversary since Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche passed away, there are changes in the timing and also the format of this commemorative Meditation Practice Retreat.
Akong Rinpoche’s anniversary on 8th October will be mid-week in 2019, also there is a tradition of commemorating such anniversaries early, though not later. Therefore, Drupon Rinpoche has kindly offered to begin the Retreat on Sunday 6th October to make it easier for participants to arrange holiday time from work and so on.
There will also be a change in the format of the meditation sessions – Drupon Rinpoche will guide the retreatants in an exploration of mind and thoughts by posing questions and highlighting possible issues with some of the answers we might assume to be correct.
In his teachings in Samye Ling in the past, Drupon Rinpoche has often pointed out that meditation is not traditionally taught through explanations but by the master asking the disciples questions and thus letting them come to find the truth of real meditation for themselves. This year, for the first time, Rinpoche will provide a rare opportunity to experience this unique, traditional means of teaching authentic Buddhist meditation. The emphasis will be on developing an understanding of what meditation really is, rather than on learning different methods.
This revised format will be especially insightful for those who are slightly more experienced in meditation. Anyone who is genuinely interested in developing an authentic and effective meditation practice is strongly encouraged to come – but please be aware that the condition is that all the sessions must be attended. If you feel you may not be able to keep that commitment then better not come.
In previous years the practice sessions have included recitation of the Karma Kamtsang Guru Yoga practice, and this will be scaled back to just a few preliminary prayers at the start of each practice session to make time for the questions to be presented and investigated.
Everyone who participates in the Retreat must register and must undertake to attend ALL teaching and practice sessions. Due to the nature of the meditation instructions only those registered may attend, there will be no option to attend a part of the retreat.
Drupon Rinpoche will continue teaching from Nagarjuna's ‘Letter to a Friend’ and anyone who attended last year's retreat should bring their text with them.
If you have them please also bring Prayers for Teachings (used during all teaching sessions).
As in previous years, this retreat will follow a full retreat schedule, with two teaching sessions and four meditation sessions each day
Daily Programme:
05.30 – 07.00 Teaching & Meditation Session
07.00 Breakfast
08.00 – 10.00 Teaching & Meditation Session
10.30 – 12.00 Teaching & Meditation Session
12.30 Lunch
14.00 – 16.00 Teaching & Meditation Session
16.30 – 17.30 Teaching & Meditation Session
17.30 – 18.00 Mahakala Prayers
18.00 Soup
19.00 – 20.30 Teaching & Meditation Session
The Retreat will begin at 2pm on 6th October and finish at lunchtime on 13th October.
It is essential to register before joining the retreat – even if you are a resident of Samye Ling or if you are not staying in Samye Ling.
There is no course fee, though donations towards overheads are most welcome. Donations may be made in the Reception Office.
Tariff and Charges Guest Info