This retreat is full. If you would like to be added to the Wait List (for double room occupancy as single rooms are full), please send an email to stjohns@tergar.org.

Thank you!

Exploring the Nature of Mind

ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY, MN

June 5 to June 12, 2014 

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 be offering teachings twice daily from June 7 to June 12, 2014. On the opening night and June 6th, teachings will be offered by Khenpo Kunga, along with instruction and group practices led by Tergar instructors.

TEACHINGS & CURRICULUM

The teachings at this retreat will explore an important set of instructions on the nature of mind practice entitled "The Instruction Manual for the Ground of Trekcho." This profound text covers the key points of Trekcho, or cutting through, practice of the Great Perfection, which directly introduces the student to the luminous purity of the mind's essence. Drawn from the treasure teachings of Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa, these instructions have been passed down in Tsoknyi Rinpoche and Mingyur Rinpoche's family lineage since they were revealed in the 19th century. "The Instruction Manual for the Ground of Trekcho" is contained within Perfect Clarity: A Tibetan Buddhist Anthology of Mahamudra and Dzogchen by Erik Pema Kunzang.

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 22 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: June 5, 2014 - June 12, 2014

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

Cost:

Single Room (full)
Basic $995 (unavailable)
Sponsor $1,215 (unavailable)

Double Room
Basic $795
Sponsor $975

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, or it can be paid in advance electronically (we will be emailing invoices). 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 
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 22, 2014. After April 22nd, 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 12, 2014. 

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 Executive Express link and enter the word "Tergar" under the "Frequent Rider ID" at the bottom of the page. The cost of a round trip is approximately $84. 

As well, we have set up a Ride and Travel group in the Tergar Learning Community (TLC). Once you are a TLC member (membership is free), 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 to see rides might be needed. Thank you!