Introductory
To Monday, 9. October 2023
All living beings are the same in that we all want to be happy and free of suffering. The Buddha, out of great compassion for all living beings, found a way to achieve this aim. He introduced us to his teachings by explaining that our existence is in the nature of suffering, and that this suffering has a cause. The amazing consequence of this truth is that, once we realize the cause of our suffering to its fullest, we can (and will) completely eliminate all the suffering from our body and mind. According to the Buddha, all living being have the potential to realize this truth and to become fully enlightened, experiencing only happiness and being completely free of suffering.
This 5-day course will give an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, its basic philosophy and principles in accordance with the Gelug tradition, and to Buddhist meditation. We’ll explore the Four Noble Truths, the first teaching of the Buddha, and relate it to our daily experience and the workings of our own mind.
An overview of the Buddhist path and tools to develop our wisdom and compassion will be conveyed by:
- teachings
- discussions, and
- meditations.
This course is suitable for beginners and also for those who have some knowledge and would like to refresh it.
Teacher
Venerable Lhundup Jamyang, originally from the Netherlands, first came into contact with Tibetan Buddhism in 1997 at Tushita Meditation Centre in Dharamsala. She soon realised that she had a strong connection with both Tibetan Buddhism and Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Over the next few years, she did several retreats and was ordained in 2000 at Kopan Monastery in Nepal. She has studied extensively and has completed the five-year Basic Programme at Chenrezig Institute, Australia and the seven-year Masters Programme in Advanced Buddhist Studies at Instituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Italy, including the one-year retreat requirement. In between these studies she worked at Buddha House in Australia as both an SPC and a teacher during 2007–2009.
Schedule
| Thurs Oct 5 | |
| 5:30 pm | Welcome to the course by the Spiritual Programme Coordinator |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner/Supper |
| 7:00 pm | Evening Meditation |
| Fri Oct 6 – Sun Oct 8 | |
| 6:45 am | Morning meditation |
| 7:30 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 am | Teachings with with Ven. Jamyang |
| 10:15 am | Break |
| 10:45 am | Teachings with Ven. Jamyang |
| 12:00 noon | Lunch |
| 2:00 pm | Teachings with Ven. Jamyang |
| 3:30 pm | Break |
| 4:00 pm | Discussion and Q&A with Ven. Jamyang |
| 6:00 pm | Supper |
| 7:00 pm | Evening meditation |
| Mon Oct 9 | |
| 6:15 am | Morning meditation with Ven. Jamyang at Mahabodhi Stupa |
| 7:30 am | Breakfast – takeaway picnic |
| 8:30 am | Final Teachings with Ven. Jamyang at Mahabodhi Stupa |
| 10:00 am | Break |
| 10:30 am | Tour of Root Institute and introduction to the charitible projects – Maitreya School, Shakyamuni Buddha Clinic and the Stupa Garden |
| 12:00 noon | Big Lunch |
| 2:00 pm | Film screening on Lama Zopa Rinpoche |
Note: This schedule is subject to change.
Please note: Participants are expected maintain silence between supper and lunch
Students are most welcome to apply for individual or groups retreats here. To make the most of this special time, we would like to suggest the following:
It is good to settle all outside communication before you begin your retreat. Telling friends and family that you will be out of contact for the duration will significantly help to reduce distractions. Likewise, settling your travel arrangements, etc. before you come to Root Institute is highly advisable.
To maintain a healthy, calm, clear mind, observing silence will also bring you the mental space most conducive to retreat.
Practicing Dharma is a source of happiness, so rejoice in your efforts!
Thank you for thinking of Root Institute as your place for retreat. We will do our best to support you!
Root Institute is a delightful, semi-monastic meditation centre.
To maintain a conducive, spiritually harmonious atmosphere for inner reflection and meditation, we kindly ask all our students, guests and visitors to observe the following guidelines:
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Respect all life: do not intentionally kill any living being, even small insects.
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Respect others' property: do not steal or take anything not freely given.
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Be honest and straightforward: do not lie or intentionally deceive others.
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Be celibate: no sexual activity; this also includes no romantic holding hands, hugging, massages and other physical displays of affection.
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Be alert and mindful:* avoid intoxicants such as alcohol, drugs and cigarettes; we encourage you to stop smoking while here, but if this is impossible, you can smoke outside the gates.
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Be considerate of others' silence: keep silence in the appropriate areas and at all times during residential courses, especially in the meditation hall (gompa) and dormitories; no singing or playing music and, in general, maintain a quiet demeanour while on the property.
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Be considerate of the monks and nuns: dress respectfully; please no shorts above the knee, tank-top shirts, or tight and revealing clothing.
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Couples: can stay in the same room for two weeks or less under the celibacy policy.
Please be aware:
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* The Bihar state government has passed laws totally prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state, with very severe penalties! Please ensure that you do not carry any alcohol with you in Bihar.
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Also, please note that those in service or teaching in FPMT centers and projects do not engage in the practice of Shugden and, due to our commitment to follow His Holiness the Dalai Lama's advice and support his work, we do not share our materials and facilities with those who knowingly continue to practice Shugden against his advice.