Bodhisattva way of life
Compassion Meditation Retreat
Venue: Bodhicharya Meditation Centre, Sikkim
Dates: 02-05th April 2020
This forthcoming Meditation Retreat is an opportunity to spend a few days away from one's normal life for the purpose of reconnecting with your inner self and settling into a relaxed mind space clearing the cobwebs of worries. Bodhisattva Way of Life entails committing to the thought of not being the cause of suffering to yourself or others. Diving deeper, one releases attachment to any suffering that has been caused in the past, by you or any being, or maybe caused in the future and most importantly releasing attachment to suffering itself. Contact with the intimate spaces within us, within nature, within others is the main source of our healing and this retreat is essentially about really settling within and with the abundant nature all around.
Compassion Meditation Retreat will formally commence with a session on 02nd April evening and the Retreat will comprise of gentle yoga practice to connect with your body, prayer walks, silent hours, guided meditations, basic Buddhist teachings, contemplative study, group meals and getting soaked in nature.
Any attempt to suppress any habitual pattern of thought and emotion is rarely successful; hence transmutation of the negative emotional state into a more creative and sublime mind space seems to be a wiser option. Similarly, scriptural injunctions and the moral high ground don’t guarantee a noble populace or truly civil society. Each individual needs to cultivate a mind that is rooted in conscientiousness and openness, a heart that aspires to alleviate suffering and body that is geared towards selflessly serving one and all. Shunyata or emptiness may be ideal, but the path lies in working through the body and breath. Getting beyond contradictions and samsara can be an end, but the journey has to be through the confusion and the mundane. For greater acceleration of one’s spiritual journey, one should forthwith begin his training and experience in the Bodhisattva Way of Life and also learn its many techniques and methods of visualization and meditation.
Retreat Itinerary
02nd April, Thursday - Arrival at Bagdogra Airport on or before 10.30 am
Transfer to Retreat Facility in Sikkim by Sedan (4 hours travel time)
05th April, Sunday - You will be dropped to Bagdogra airport before 10 am on Sunday and you may book yourself conveniently.
Retreat Fee
Rs. 15,500.00 early bird (Bagdogra - Bagdogra)
Sign up by paying non-refundable Rs. 5,500.00 on or before 29.02.2020
Remaining Rs. 10,000.00 to be paid on or before 28.03.2020
Rs. 18,000.00 regular fees in March
Retreat Fees is inclusive of pick up & drop from Bagdogra Airport to the Retreat (both ways), refreshments during the road journey, 3 nights single occupancy accommodation & meals at the retreat centre, classes & notes.
Retreat Fees does not include round trip airfares, refreshments at the airport, medical/insurance expenses, sightseeing if any, water bottle, and anything not mentioned as included above
Retreat organizers can in no way be held responsible for any increase in the trip cost; or partial or complete cancellation of the Retreat due to flight delays/cancellations, social/political unrest, manmade or natural disasters/calamity, or anything that is beyond the reasonable care and control of the retreat organizers.
Code of Conduct
During the Retreat period of 02-05th Apr, only vegetarian meals will be served, and participants are expected not to consume any non-vegetarian food items or indulge in smoking or drinking. Retreat facility is a Buddhist temple and you will be expected to be respectful of the same in every manner.