In the footsteps of the Buddha’s core teachings, we invite you to an illuminating weekend retreat with Khen Rinpoche where we journey from the realm of conventional perception to the boundless expanse of ultimate reality. Join us as we explore the layers of the nature of mind, guided by the wisdom that leads to true freedom and liberation.
The Conventional Lens:
The foundation of our journey begins by understanding the conventional nature of our minds. Through insightful teachings, we’ll uncover the mechanics of karma—the intricate process by which our thoughts and actions create the tapestry of our experiences. By recognizing this conventional interplay, we gain the power to choose thoughts and actions that lead to happiness and contentment, while relinquishing those that fuel suffering.
Stepping Beyond: The Ultimate Nature:
Yet, this is just the preliminary step. Delving deeper, we’ll explore the ultimate nature of our minds—the Buddha Nature that resides within us all. Beyond the dualistic fixation of pleasure and pain, we’ll explore the realm where suffering ceases to exist. Through meditation and contemplation, we’ll gradually unveil/uncover the innate state of Buddhahood, our authentic essence that transcends all forms of suffering.
Weekend Insights: Embark on a journey of discovery as we dive into:
- Mistaken Perceptions: Understand how our minds often misinterpret reality and how these misperceptions lead to suffering.
- The Root of Afflictions: Explore the origins of afflictive mental states like attachment, aversion, and jealousy, and how they shape our experiences.
- Breaking the Cycle: Recognize how afflictions drive the cycle of karma, and how breaking this cycle leads to freedom from dissatisfaction.
- Transcending Ordinary Thinking: Realize that the experiences of happiness and suffering, rooted in ordinary thinking, are not the ultimate reality of the mind.
- Buddha Nature Unveiled: Contemplate the profound concept of Buddha Nature, the timeless truth that resides within us, waiting to be uncovered.
- Living Buddha Nature: Learn how to integrate your innate Buddha Nature into daily life, turning it into a lived experience.
Details:
Online – Zoom link provided upon registration.
Friday, Sept 22: 5:30pm – 8pm MDT
Saturday, Sept 23: 9:30am – noon; 2pm – 4pm MDT
Sunday, Sept 24: 9:30am – noon; 2– 4pm MDT
Invite a Friend! Sangha or community, is one of our favorite elements of the Buddhist path. That’s why we’re happy to share that when you register for the Nature of Mind teaching, you can bring a friend, family member, or loved one to the teaching for free!
Upon registering for the retreat, you’ll receive a discount code via email for your guest to use for complimentary registration. They simply have to register for the teaching through our website and use the promotional code that you received in your email. We look forward to seeing you and your friend at the retreat! Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Tuition: Our intention is to make this workshop financially accessible to all, so we offer a tiered fee structure. Please choose whichever level works best for you. If program costs present a financial barrier or you are interested in a stipend to offset the cost of childcare, please contact [email protected].
What students are saying:
“Khen Rinpoche’s teaching style, warm humor and fantastic stories helped to bring the foundational teachings to life and made them deeply meaningful and relevant for the times.” – Dave W.
“Khen Rinpoche is one of my favorite teachers. His ability to weave humor and stories into these profound teachings makes it an absolute joy to learn with him.” – Joe P.
“Khen Rinpoche is light and wisdom. And he has the best laugh ever!” – Patti C.
“Khen Rinpoche is a master at distilling complex situations and ideas into simple timeless truths with his teaching. As I sit listening to him, I await the translation. This process slows down my mind and heart rate to take notice of what IS at that moment. Seconds later, I comprehend. Since learning from him, I see the world more clearly, and I am happier.” – Huey-Min C.
FAQs
- How much time do we spend meditating? This teaching is dedicated to learn the philosophical foundation of the Buddhist path. No specific time will be allotted for meditation.
- Is this retreat suitable for beginners? Yes! This program is suitable for those who are already practicing Buddhists or for those who are interested in beginning to walk the Buddhist path to enlightenment.
About Namchak Khen Rinpoche:
Khen Rinpoche completed the study of all the Indian Buddhist philosophical traditions and the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism under numerous great teachers. He also completed the nine years of rigorous training and served at the Namdroling monastery for several years. Enthroned as Khenpo by HH Penor Rinpoche, he taught at the Shedras of Ringo Tulku and Shechen Monastery for many years. Khen Rinpoche strictly abides by his precepts in everyday life and is diligent in his practice. He visits and teaches a variety of places around the world, including the Namchak Foundation and the Namchak Retreat Ranch, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other locations. While in the U.S., he resides and meditates at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Arlee, Montana.
About Namchak:
Namchak brings ancient meditation practices to modern life through online learning, in-person retreat, and a vibrant community guided by Tibetan masters and Western teachers. We support students on every step of the path, from those exploring mindfulness for the first time to more experienced students looking to deepen their practice. We offer a variety of learning programs, including in-person teaching, small group learning, online courses, and soon-to-be established residential retreats at the Namchak Retreat Ranch in western Montana.
Our Community Commitments
In order to co-create a brave, inclusive, anti-oppressive and learning centered space, in our community we each agree to:
- Be inclusive of diverse opinions and backgrounds through treating each other with respect and appreciation.
- Commit to words and actions of non-harm within our group interactions.
- Learn by immersing in and committing to the practices at hand.
- Hold personal sharing in confidence.
- Be present, practice mindful listening, and not offer unsolicited advice.
- Allow and invite for equal sharing of voices as well as the right to pass.
- Take care not to speak for others in the group.
- Assume good intent and come from a place of curiosity and care.
- Come as we are with permission to be “raggedy.”
- Be mindful of and take personal and collective responsibility for our own biases including the use of language that may “other,” “cancel,” or dehumanize any person, groups of people, and/or their experiences.
- Ask for consent before hugging or initiating physical contact during in-person gatherings.
- Use the “Ouch/Oops” tool to address hurtful comments and language in the moment and to allow space for repair.*
We aspire for this sangha to be a place of refuge
*Ouch/Oops . This is a tool for addressing hurtful comments/language in the moment. If someone says something hurtful, anyone can bring attention to it in the moment by saying “Ouch” and then explaining what was hurtful. If it is a word choice issue, be sure to give the first speaker the chance to rephrase and try again (remember, it’s okay to be raggedy, and we are all assuming good intent!) When someone says something that comes out wrong or hurts someone else, they should start with “Oops” – first, acknowledge the impact of their words, and then try again. This can also be done outside of the event if someone feels an “Ouch,” but does not feel comfortable sharing it with the group at that time.