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SAT CHIT ANAND - RETREAT INFORMATION - |
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EMPTINESS EXPLAINED Retreat with Geshe Phende
Tibetan
Buddhist monk
Friday 24 - Sunday 26 March 2006 Tibetan Buddhism
Wisdom realising emptiness results in enlightenment, the permanent release from all forms of suffering, and the attainment of nirvana and everlasting peace. We suffer because we are not aware of our true nature, which is emptiness, clarity and luminosity. Realising emptiness means seeing through the illusion of self and the attainment of selflessness. This is what sets us free. The topic of emptiness is not easy to properly and correctly understand. This will be an advanced retreat for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the paradox of being and non-being. The question is not to be or not to be. The question is how to inter-be.
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 spiritual retreats, which may be attended on a residential or non-residential basis. A retreat is a time to remove oneself from the distractions of the world, and focus on one’s spiritual practice. 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
SATURDAY: 07h00 - 08h00: Chanting, morning meditation 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: 07h00 - 08h00: Chanting, morning meditation 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 retreat ends 16h30 - 18h00: Explanation of Refuge and Refuge Ceremony 18h30: CELEBRATORY SUPPER
SPECIAL EVENTS SUNDAY 26 October: Explanation of Refuge and Refuge Ceremony MONDAY 27 October 19h00: Green Tara Puja
COST
RESIDENTIAL: Retreats commence on Friday evening and finish on Sunday afternoon. Price includes 2 nights shared accommodation in garden cottages, all meals (vegetarian food only), and teacher’s dana. Residential: R600
NON-RESIDENTIAL: Special price for local residents who wish to attend the retreats, excluding accommodation, but including specified vegetarian meals, and teacher’s dana. 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 may be posted or paid into bank account, details of which will be provided when booking is made. If booking is cancelled 2 weeks prior to retreat, the deposit will be refunded, less cancellation fee of R100.
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 R150 per person 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 don’t have to be a Buddhist, because anyone can benefit from the Buddha’s 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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