Programs Group Retreats Chenrezig Tong-len Retreat

Chenrezig Tong-len Retreat

with an Introduction to Tantra

Dates to be determined

This group tantric retreat is most suitable for those who are Buddhist (having formally taken Refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), have taken the Bodhisattva Vows and have received a Chenrezig Initiation. However, our Chenrezig/Tong-len retreat is also suitable for those who might not be ready to make these commitments usually involved with a tantric retreat.

This retreat will consist of five practice sessions of the Chenrezig Yoga method per day. This involves reciting the mantra of Great Compassion: Om Mani Padme Hum many times together with visualization of Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion.

One session a day will include teaching and answering questions about the Chenrezig Yoga Tantra practice, as well as the traditional methods of developing compassion leading up to the Tong-Len practice.

The very basic requirements to join this retreat are:

  • You must be familiar with the Lam Rim (the Graduated Path to Enlightenment) and have attended at least one introductory course in Tibetan Buddhism (at Tushita, Kopan, Root Institute or an equivalent Lam Rim course).
  • Know about Chenrezig and Tong-len practice and have a deep wish and/or commitment to doing this practice, which includes Guru Yoga and many prayers and practices (as described above).

Reading List

  • Introduction to Tantra – by Lama Yeshe (Wisdom Publications)
  • Becoming the Compassion Buddha – by Lama Yeshe (Wisdom Publications)
  • Chenresig Lord of Love – by Bokar Rinpoche (ClearPoint Press)

Guidelines for Behaviour

Rules of Discipline
It is only possible to stay at Tushita if you are taking one of our residential courses/retreats or are an established Buddhist practitioner doing your own formal Buddhist retreat of a minimum of 10 days duration.

Since Tushita is a semi-monastic meditation centre and not a guesthouse, we ask all of our retreatants and visitors to observe the following rules of discipline in order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to inner reflection and meditation:

  • Respect all life: do not intentionally kill any living being, even small insects.
  • Respect others’ property: do not steal or take anything not freely given.
  • Be honest and straightforward: do not lie or intentionally deceive others. This is easy when observing silence!
  • Be celibate: no sexual activity. This also includes no holding hands, hugging, massages and other physical displays of affection.
  • Be alert and mindful: avoid intoxicants such as alcohol, drugs and cigarettes (we encourage you to stop smoking while here, but if this is impossible, one can smoke at a designated place within the centre boundary).
  • Be considerate of others’ silence: keep silence in the appropriate areas and at all times during residential courses, especially in the Gompa and the dormitories. No singing or playing music and in general, maintain a quiet demeanor while on the property.
  • Be considerate of the monks and nuns: dress respectfully (please no shorts above the knee, tank-top shirts or tight and revealing clothing).
Basic Retreat Discipline
In order to keep the atmosphere conducive to inner reflection and spiritual pursuit and to minimise distractions during the course, students on our residential courses and retreats are asked to abide by our basic code of discipline listed below.

  • Please settle all outside communication before the course begins. Telling friends and family that you will be out of contact for the duration of the course and sticking by that decision significantly reduces distraction from investigation into the workings of your own mind! Likewise, please settle your travel arrangements etc before you come to Tushita!
  • You are expected to observe silence (no talking at all) from the evening of the first day until the end of the course.
  • Do not leave Tushita property for the entire course.
  • Participants must attend all sessions of the course and come to sessions on time.
  • Please put all communication / entertainment devices (laptop / mobile phones /cameras / MP3/CD players) etc into our safe at check-in.
  • Please be gentle in your behaviour and sensitive to fellow group members.
Gompa Etiquette
“Gompa” is a Tibetan word which we use for Meditation Hall. Because a Gompa is the location of study, meditation and devotional practices, Buddhists consider them to be holy places. In this tradition, the following modes of behaviour are considered respectful in a Gompa and we ask you to follow them while here:

  • Do not point your feet towards the teachers, the altar or any holy object.
  • Do not put Dharma materials – prayer books, texts, Dharma books or notebooks with Dharma in them – on the floor, or sit or step over them.
  • Do not lie down or do any yoga exercises in the Gompa at any time.
  • No idle chit-chat in the Gompa (ie. You can ask the teacher questions during class, but do not talk with other students).

Registration

For more information about Intermediate courses, including how to register, see our page – Intermediate Courses.