Saturday 22 – Friday 28 August 2020
Venue
24 Rugby St, Merivale, Christchurch
What is Refuge?
We can find true refuge from our problems and suffering by developing positive minds such as love, compassion and wisdom. This inner experience is the Dharma – a Sanskrit word which means “protection”. Gaining a deep inner experience of these virtuous minds can completely protect us from suffering and enable us to experience a deep inner happiness no matter what is happening in our life. We cultivate this precious mind of refuge by relying upon enlightened beings (Buddhas) and genuine spiritual friends (Sangha). On this retreat, we will have the opportunity to develop and improve our inner wealth of refuge.
Everybody is welcome to this retreat. There is no pre-required knowledge or experience in order to engage in this retreat. Whether you are a Buddhist or not, beginner or a more advanced practitioner, EVERYBODY WELCOME.
Retreat
There are three to four sessions per day. Each session lasts for one and a half hours and consists of chanted prayers in English and silent mantra recitation. During retreat everyone is asked to maintain silence from after the last session at night until after the second session the next morning. You are welcome to drop in for any or all of the retreat sessions. There is no charge for retreat sessions – donations welcome. Introduction is $10.
Session Times
Friday 21 August – Introduction with Kelsang Luma – 8 – 9.00pm
Saturday 22nd – Friday 28th
Ses 1: 7.30 – 9.00am
Ses 2: 10.30 – 12.00pm
Ses 3: 4.00 – 5.30pm
Ses 4: 7.30 – 9.00pm
Sunday 23rd August – session 2 begins 11.00pm – 12.30pm
No 4th Session Monday 24th August – FP class 6.30 – 9.00pm
No 3rd & 4th session Tuesday 25th August – OTSG Puja 4.30 – 6.30pm & GP class 7.30 – 9.00pm
No 4th session Friday 28th August – WFJ with Tsog 6.00 – 7.30pm & Refuge Vow Ceremony 8.00 – 9.00pm
Please note that session times vary. Please check our calendar on our homepage for updated session times.
Refuge Vow Ceremony
Friday 28th August 8.00 – 9.00pm
The Refuge Vow Ceremony is a special opportunity to formally take or renew the Refuge Vows and enter Buddhism. The Ceremony is open to everyone who seeks to follow the Buddhist path . There will be a short teaching on refuge followed by a beautiful chanted prayer practice and vow ceremony. You are welcome to bring an offering.