Adopting the Heart of Compassion

The teachings are based on Shantideva's classic work Bodhicaryavatara (The Bodhisattva Way of Life). During the weekend, we'll study Chapter 3, and during the week, Chapter 4. Chapter 3 inspires us to take on the broad perspective of a Bodhisattva, one who heroically strives toward enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Chapter 4 lets us see that without diligence we're unable to maintain our commitment to spiritual growth. Diligence can be likened to a patient that applies the advice of his or her doctor steadfastly. It is necessary if we'd like to solve our problems and develop compassion.

Lama Jigmé Namgyal

Lama Jigmé Namgyal was born into a nomadic family in 1973 in Amdo, in Eastern Tibet. He grew up with the Buddhist teachings, and studied at Serthar Larung Gar Buddhist Institute, which was founded by Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, whom Lama Jigmé considers one of his foremost teachers. At the request of his teachers, Lama Jigmé came to Europe and founded Phuntsok Chö Ling in Luxembourg, and in Rotterdam. Lama Jigmé speaks quite humoristically, and knows how to present the Buddhist teachings in a way that's accessable to everyone.

Pratical Information

Location

The retreat will be held in the Schiedams Schoolbuitenhuis in Oosterhout. This is a simple location situated in a beautiful nature reserve in Brabant with woods, and sand dunes. The building, and its surroundings invite one to quietly come into contact with nature.

Participants of the retreat will sleep in large dormitories of 4-6 people. There are a limited number of small one-two person rooms. You'll have to bring your own sleeping bag, fitted sheet, and pillowcase. All of the rooms are on the ground floor.

Dates

The entire retreat is from Friday 24 February – 4 March 2012. You can choose from three options: weekend retreat, a week retreat, or a combination of both.

The weekend: Friday 24 February from 18:00 – 26 February at 15:00.

The week: Sunday 26 February from 16:00 – Sunday 4 March at 16:00.

Teachings

Lama Jigmé will speak in Tibetan and English. His teachings will be translated into Dutch.

Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara

In earlier retreats, chapters 1 and 2 of Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara were addressed. This retreat will be easily understood, even if you didn't attend the first two retreats. The book is available in the Netherlands under the title, Het pad van de Bodhisattva-krijger. We recommend that you bring a copy with you.

Silence

It's possible that we'll observe several days of total silence, in which case, it will only be possible to speak during the teachings. Lama Jigmé will decide when and if this will happen at time of the retreat itself.

The minimum tarrief is applicable to people with a minimum income. All prices include lodgings, and vegetarian meals.

Diet

People with a special diet can take their own food with them, and cook for themselves. Unfortunately, this does not entail a discount.

Registration/more information

To register, send an email to aanmelden@phuntsokcholing.org by 10 February 2012. If you'd like more information first, send an email to info@phuntsokcholing.org, or call 06-17905061. More information about Phuntsok Chö Ling can be found on our website:www.phuntsokcholing.org.

Address

Schiedamse Schoolbuitenhuis

Vrachelseheide 155

4904 TJ Oosterhout

Website: www.groepsgebouw.nl