Annual Shamatha Retreat 2022

HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
30 September –​ 9 October 2022

The Annual Shamatha Retreat commenced in the evening with Khenpo la giving detailed explanation about the three levels of retreat, each one relating to our own motivation and applied effort in retreat. As the rain fell Khenpo la, guiding us in meditation, led us to use the sound of the rain falling as a focus of our meditation. We all looked forward to learning more and being in this supportive and perfect environment for retreat for 9 days.

On day 3 a meditation was led by Khenpo la, then an insight meditation by Venerable Jayasara: 

​“The compassionate heart of Avalokiteshavara graced us today as we slowly commenced contemplation on the famous 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. From the preliminary verses we reflected thus: 

Graced with the freedom and riches of this human body we recollect our good fortune to meet the Dharma in this very lifetime. This vast wisdom mind inherent within us all has the capacity to embrace all sentient beings as oneself; to free us from all delusive attachments and afflictive emotions; and to journey with great confidence on the path of Liberation.”

Reflections from the retreat

“In the environment of such a tranquil, peaceful and beautiful retreat centre setting, Khenpo la taught us again with incredible skill, depth of experience and knowledge, warmth, clarity, and plenty of humour too! Opening our minds and hearts further to the capacity we all must transform our minds in the ways most positive and beneficial to ourselves and others. Describing the precise methods to do this. Reminding us of and encouraging us too: this is do-able, it’s all within our reach. 

May we all nurture those precious seeds which have been planted, so that they can sprout, grow, and bear magnificent fruit for the benefit of all! 

Thank you Khenpo la and sangha for another wonderful retreat!”
~Nicola