Retreat Full

Exploring the Nature of Mind

ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY, MN

May 30 to June 6, 2013 

A Path of Liberation Meditation Retreat with Tsoknyi Rinpoche

This practice retreat presents a rare opportunity to receive in-depth teachings on the nature of mind from Tsoknyi Rinpoche. The nature of mind teachings are drawn from the paths of Mahamudra and Dzogchen, the highest and most profound meditative teachings of the Kagyü and Nyingma Schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The retreat is a practice intensive, and each day will include 6-8 hours of formal meditation practice.

Tsoknyi Rinpoche will arrive at St. John's on the evening of May 31st and will lead the retreat from June 1 to June 6, 2013, during which time he will give teachings twice daily. The first two days of the retreat will include teachings by Khenpo Kunga, along with instruction and group practices led by Tergar instructors.

TEACHINGS & CURRICULUM

The teachings at this retreat will explore an important text on nature of mind practice entitled The Lamp that Dispels Darkness. The subtitle of this text, Instructions that Point Directly to the Nature of the Mind According to the Tradition of the Old Meditators, succinctly captures the spirit of these teachings. Composed in 1906 by one of the most brilliant scholars and luminaries of Tibetan Buddhism in modern times, Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche, this extremely short and pithy text is a profound Dzogchen practice manual. It is presented in a direct way and was written especially for the benefit of “town yogis,” those who have little time to devote to study and contemplation but still wish to train in mind-essence. Dzogchen, or the Great Perfection as it is known, is considered the most direct path to awakening in the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.

To prepare for this retreat we recommend that you maintain a daily practice. Audio or video recordings of any of Rinpoche's teachings will not be permitted.  

For over 21 years, Tsoknyi Rinpoche has been teaching students worldwide about the innermost nature of mind in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Rinpoche is one of those rare teachers whose lighthearted, yet illuminating style appeals to both beginners and advanced practitioners alike. He is truly a bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern mind. Read more....

Tsoknyi Rinpoche's schedule...

DETAILS
When: May 30 - June 6, 2013 

Where: St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota, USA

Cost:

Single Room
Basic $975
Sponsor $1,185

Double Room
Basic $775
Sponsor $945

Contact:stjohns@tergar.org
Registration: Please follow the link below to register for this program

DEPOSIT
In order for your registration to be accepted you must include a deposit of $300. The balance of your retreat fee is due, payable by cash, check or credit card when you check in on opening day. The minimum deposit is the same regardless of what room, rate or length of time you choose. If you prefer, you may include the full payment when you register.

QUALIFICATIONS
This retreat is open to all individuals who meet at least one of the following criteria:

1) Have attended Joy of Living Levels 1, 2, and 3 (all three levels) and completed the practise requirements
2) Have attended the Path of Liberation Level I or Mahamudra Level I with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and completed its practice requirements or will complete them prior to the retreat (attendance at last year's month long retreat or the advanced track of last year's weeklong retreat fulfills this criteria)
3)  Have completed the full preliminary practices (the 4 x 100,000 ngondro)
4)  Have received pointing out teachings from a qualified Buddhist lineage holder (a tulku or rinpoche)
5)  Have had a daily meditation practice for at least five years and attended either group or solitary practice retreats (with 6+ hours of formal meditation practice each day) under the guidance of a Buddhist teacher for a total of at least thirty days

ACCOMMODATION & RETREAT FEES
In order to attend the retreat, you will need to arrive no later than the opening day. It will not be possible to commence your retreat later in the program. Retreat fees are inclusive of room, meals, and teachings. 

Both single and double rooms are available. The only difference between these two options is the number of occupants per room. All bathrooms are shared (with separate bathrooms for male/female on each floor).

There are also two levels to the fee structure, a base level for people who have less means, and a sponsor level for people who can afford to support the Tergar Meditation Community's activities at a greater level. Please indicate your room preference and the level at which you are paying in the appropriate place on the registration form. If a lack of resources makes it impossible for you to attend the retreat please contact us at stjohns@tergar.org or +1-952-232-0633.

TEACHER SUPPORT
In an effort to keep the cost of this retreat as low as possible, we set the retreat rate such that it just covers the cost of room and board at the retreat and additional operating overheads. This includes a modest honorarium to Tsoknyi Rinpoche and attendent lamas. You will have the opportunity to make a personal offering to support Tsoknyi Rinpoche and his activities.

CANCELLATION POLICY
An administrative fee of $50 will be charged for all cancellations prior to April 15, 2013. After April 15th, the cancellation fee will be $300.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE INFO
Check-in will be from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the opening day of the retreat, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm. The retreat will end by lunchtime on Thursday, June 6, 2013. 

PRECEPTS & SILENCE
While attending this retreat all participants are expected to abide by the ethical precepts for lay practitioners. This includes the abstinence from sexual activity. We will maintain periods of silence throughout this retreat, the length of which will vary so that their will be less silence in the beginning and end of the retreat and a period of complete silence in the middle.

INTERNET
While it is possible to access internet on campus (at the library and even in the dorm rooms), we ask that—in keeping with the spirit of an intensive meditation retreat—that you minimize internet activity, limiting it altogether if possible.

FOOD
Three vegetarian meals will be served each day. The kitchen at St. John's University is not able to cater to special dietary needs.

LOCATION
St. John's University is situated about 80 miles northwest of Minneapolis, Minnesota, just off Interstate 94 in the town of Collegeville. The closest major airport is Minneapolis/St. Paul International (MSP).

TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM
St. John's University is situated in a rural setting approximately 80 miles northwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Executive Express provides a shuttle service from Minneapolis/St Paul airport (MSP) to St. John's. They will pick you up from the airport and take you to the campus. They are offering a $10 discount each way for people attending the retreat. In order to make a booking online and receive the discount, go to this link http://bit.ly/ctLO4A  and enter the word "Tergar" under the "Frequent Rider ID" at the bottom of the page. The cost of a round trip is approximately $86. 

As well, we have set up a RideShare & Travel page in the online Tergar Learning Community (TLC) http://learning.tergar.org/groups/rideshare-and-travel-info/ This page enables you connect with others traveling to a Tergar retreat or event. Once you are a TLC member, you can make a posting to request a ride, offer a ride, share accomodation information, etc.

Please note, Tergar is not involved in organizing rides/ travel for participants. The TLC page relies on participants to contact each other directly. We would appreciate it if locals would take the time to check the RideShare and Travel page as the success of this idea is entirely dependent on the local sangha's generosity. Thank you!

Register Now!