Meditation Course on the Nature of Mind – Developing Balance and Wisdom

Based on the practices of concentration and insight as taught in the Gelug/Kagyu Tradition of Mahamudra

When? 28^th of June (15.00) to 5^th of July (13.00) 2014 

Where? Männiku Metsatalu in Central Estonia, 15 kilometers from Viljandi. http://www.metsatalu.ee/  - a beautiful and inspiring location

Registration? As soon as possible, preferably before 31^st of March

Group size? Maximum 30 people

Teacher? Glen Svensson http://www.glensvensson.org/

Course language? English

For whom?  Everyone interested in learning methods for living a more peaceful, joyful, and successful life through greater insight and willing to devote at least this week for learning about their mind.

The course is open to those who do not know anything about Buddhism as well as to those who have learned previously about Buddhist Philosophy – everyone with an open-minded wish to engage in cultivating their mind will benefit.

Do you think your life would be better:

1. if you were relaxed rather than uptight and stressed?

2. if you have a mind that is stable rather than agitated and not focused?

3. if you have a clear mind rather than a dull mind constantly needing stimulation?

4. if you recognize the impermanence of all instead of hoping things not to change?

5. if you clearly know the causes of our happiness and discontent?

6. if you realize the nature of the self we so much identify with almost every moment of our life?

Is there anything we do in our lives that would not benefit from a focused mind and an open heart full of wisdom? 

Spiritual practice, relationships with kids, friends, partner, colleagues, and all meaningful endeavours in our life benefit from sustained attention joined with wisdom.

What is the course about?

 Mahamudra, the great seal, refers to systems of meditation on the nature of the mind. This course investigates the Gelug tradition of Mahamudra using the First Panchen Lama's text "A Root Text for the Precious Gelug/Kagyu Tradition of Mahamudra".

The main topics covered are how to develop single-pointed concentration (shamatha) through focussing on the mind and how to gain insight into the ultimate nature of the mind (vipashyana). Instructions are in accordance with Arya Nagarjuna's view of emptiness (shunyata) – the nature of reality as taught in Buddhist Philosophy and experienced directly through meditation practice.

The course also highlights the preliminary practices which act as a foundation for an effective spiritual practice as well as Mahamudra practice along with a brief discussion of the tantra or vajrayana level of practice.

Over 8 days we will become familiar with/and practice various methods for shamatha and vipashyana meditations and learn how to develop an effective daily practice. The retreat is aimed to give us a great boost and confidence for developing our mind in our everyday life.

Teacher

 Glen (originally from Queensland, Australia) has been a student and practitioner of Buddhism since 1995 and graduated from the seven-year Masters Program in Advanced Buddhist Studies of Sutra and Tantra at the Lama Tsongkhapa Institute in Italy in 2004.

Since 2005, with a teaching style emphasizing clarity and simplicity, he has taught extensively at Dharma Centres in Australia and India where he frequently leads courses on many topics in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. He is based at Tushita Meditation Center in the town of McLeod Ganj (Dharamsala), home-in-exile of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

 General daily Schedule

05.45 – Wake up

06.15 – 06.35 – Eight Form Moving Meditation

06.45 – 07.30 – Shamatha/Concentration Meditation

07.30 – Breakfast

09.00 – 10.00 – Teaching Session

10.00 – 10.30 – Break

10.30 – 11.45 – Teaching Session and Meditation

12.00 – Lunch

14.00 – 15.00 – Teaching Session

15.00 – 15.30 – Break

15.30 – 16.45 – Teaching Session and Meditation

16.45 – 17.15 – Break

17.15 – 18.00 – Guided Meditation

18.00 – Dinner

19.30 – 20.15 – Guided Meditation

20.30 – 21.00 – QA session about Meditation Practice

Practicalities

 The course is run as a meditation retreat meaning that during the week there will be silence – both between the course participants and with the outside world. No phones, computers, internet, talking.

The accommodation is in rooms with 2-3 people. Most rooms have private bathroom. Men and women are in separate rooms.

Delicious vegetarian food three times a day is offered.

People should be dressed moderately and loosely so sitting would be comfortable. Intoxicants that cloud the mind are prohibited.

The fee for the retreat is 300€ that covers accommodation, food, meditation room, and the teacher’s flight to Estonia. Participants can leave a donation for the teacher. Limited number of single rooms are available for an extra fee.

In case there is genuine interest to participate but financial problems inhibit, please do contact the organizers and we will see what can be done. The retreat is not organized for profit but out of the organizers wish to share beneficial teachings with others.

Recommended reading:

-       The Gelug/Kagyu Tradition of Mahamudra - His Holiness the Dalai Lama (free to read online: http://goo.gl/DSqLUT)

-       The Attention Revolution – B. Alan Wallace

-       The Mahamudra Eliminating the Darkness of Ignorance - 9th Karmapa

-       Crystal Clear: Practical Advice for Mahamudra Meditators – Thrangu Rinpoche

-       Mind at Ease: Self-liberation Through Mahamudra Meditation – Traleg Kyabgon

-       Pointing Out the Great Way - Daniel P. Brown

You can also listen to Glen’s 9-day Gelug Mahamudra course at Tushita Meditation Centre: http://www.glensvensson.org/gelug-mahamudra.html

Registration and info:

To register please contact Mikk Tamme

mikk.tamme@gmail.com

Phone: +3725531133

 Ideally register before 31^st of March! Last year the space filled up quickly so don’t wait too long.