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SAT CHIT ANAND - RETREAT INFORMATION - |
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HEART OF ENLIGHTENMENT Retreat with Geshe Phende
Tibetan
Buddhist monk
Friday 22 - Monday 25 September 2006
Tibetan Buddhism
Buddhism assures us that no matter how ignorant we are, no matter how thick the veils of delusion, no matter how gross the obscurations, no matter how defiled, full of mind poisons and negativity, we all have the potential to become enlightened, because this is our true nature. The world of ignorance and suffering (called Samsara in Sanskrit) is not a fundamental condition of existence, but a mental universe based on our mistaken conception of reality. Breaking free from this illusion is called Enlightenment. It gives rise to a condition of supreme and transcendental well-being, characterised by unconditional love for all beings, for one knows that they are part of oneself.
There arises a happiness so deep that nothing can change it. This is true happiness (called sukha in Sanskrit). It is a state of lasting well-being that manifests itself when we have freed ourselves of mental blindness and afflictive emotions. It is the wisdom that allows us to see the world without veils or distortions. It is the joy of moving toward an inner freedom and the loving-kindness that radiates towards others. This retreat will examine the qualities and states of mind/heart that one needs to cultivate on the Path to Enlightenment. Bodhichitta is like the fuel needed for a journey. Without sufficient fuel, you wont get to your destination, and enlightenment is the Ultimate destination, the Ultimate happiness.
GESHE PHENDE ordained as a Buddhist monk at the age of 12 years. He studied Buddhism at monasteries in Nepal and India, and obtained the prestigious Geshe Degree (Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy) after 18 years of monastic study, training and practice. Thereafter he went to Tantric College to further study the (secret) higher Buddhist teachings. Geshe-la is presently resident teacher at the LAM RIM Buddhist Centres in Johannesburg and Durban. We are privileged to host such a highly qualified teacher. His understanding of advanced Buddhist philosophy is unsurpassed, and he conveys this knowledge with great warmth, friendliness and so much positive energy.
GESHE-LA did our MARCH and NOVEMBER retreats last year
SAT CHIT ANAND is a Buddhist Centre and Guesthouse in Plettenberg Bay. It is our delight to host meditations, Buddhist teachings and weekend retreats, which may be attended on a residential or non-residential basis. A retreat is a treat for yourself. It is a time to cultivate and strengthen your spiritual practice, which leads to inner well-being. Traditionally this involves receiving and contemplating teachings, meditating and doing spiritual practices.
WEEKEND RETREAT SCHEDULE
THURSDAY: 19h00: Free talk by Geshe Phende
FRIDAY: 19h00 21h00: Retreat introduction and meditation Residents maintain noble silence in evenings and portion of day
SATURDAY: 08h00: BREAKFAST (residents only) 09h00 10h00: Dharma teaching 10h00 11h00: Question and answer session TEA BREAK 11h30 12h30: Guided meditation 12h30: LUNCH 14h00 15h00: Dharma teaching 15h00 16h00: Question and answer session TEA BREAK 16h30 - 17h30: Private interviews by arrangement 18h00: SUPPER (residents only) 19h00 20h30: Chanting, evening meditation
SUNDAY: 08h00: BREAKFAST (residents only) 09h00 10h00: Dharma teaching 10h00 11h00: Question and answer session TEA BREAK 11h30 12h30: Guided meditation 12h30: LUNCH 14h00 15h00: Dharma teaching 15h00 16h00: Question and answer session TEA BREAK 16h30 - 17h30: Private interviews by arrangement 18h00: SUPPER (residents only) 19h00 20h30: Chanting, evening meditation
MONDAY :08h00: BREAKFAST (residents only) 09h00 10h00: Dharma teaching 10h00 11h00: Question and answer session TEA BREAK 11h30 12h30: Guided meditation 12h30: LUNCH 14h00 15h00: Dharma teaching 15h00 16h00: Questions, sharing, dedication of merits TEA and depart home
COST
RESIDENTIAL: Retreat commences on Friday evening and finishes on Monday afternoon. Price includes 3 nights shared accommodation in garden cottages and vegetarian meals. Residential: R800
NON-RESIDENTIAL: Special price for local residents who wish to attend the retreats, excluding accommodation, but including specified vegetarian meals. Non-residential: R400
Deposit of 50% is payable upon reservation of place for residential retreats, and balance payable in cash or cheque upon arrival. Deposit to be paid into bank account, details of which will be provided. If booking is cancelled, half of the deposit will be refunded.
Plettenberg Bay is a popular holiday destination. It is possible to come early and/or stay after the retreat. Special rates for retreatants participating in our conducted retreats, who wish to stay longer in our self-catering cottages, are R200 per cottage per night.
GENERAL
SCA is a non-smoking space. Retreatants to uphold the 5 Buddhist Precepts (see Code of Conduct). We hope you can join us on the retreat. You dont have to be a Buddhist, because anyone can benefit from the Buddhas teachings. Number of places limited, so early booking is advisable: phone (044) 533 0453 or email satchitanand@global.co.za for further enquiries and bookings.
DIRECTIONS
There are 3 entrances to Plett: Coming from Cape Town side, take first entrance into Piesang Valley. Coming from Port Elizabeth side, take third entrance into Piesang Valley. Drive down the valley, till end of the road. There is a traffic circle, garage and some shops. Turn right towards the BI Hotel (left goes up the hill into town). Pass 1st right being Longships Road. Take 2nd right into Longstone Road. There will be a small park on your left hand side, and we are in the road that runs behind this park: no 16 Great Basses Road, large sea-sand coloured house. NB please phone on arrival, because we do not always hear the doorbell.
J SAT CHIT ANAND namaste to you Buddha-to-be! Please forward this email to friends who might be interested.Please notify us if you wish to be added or removed from our mailing list.
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