About Event:
The practice of Vajrasattva is a purification practice common to all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is done in conjunction with visualization, recitation of mantras and the application of the four opponent powers of purification (the skilfully applied powers of regret, reliance, the antidote and commitment).
According to Lama Zopa Rinpoche: ‘Vajrasattva practice is so important generally, and especially nowadays in the world, when there is not only global warming and many other problems. There are so many other dangers of war and sickness, cancer and covid and so many people you know are dying. There are so many illnesses and other conditions for dying.’
This retreat, traditionally scheduled between Christmas and New Year, is a perfect opportunity to reflect upon the past year, to purify our mistakes and look forward to 2024 with positivity.
As well as meditation sessions, an explanation of the Buddhist path will be given, including how to lessen our disturbing states of mind, the source of so many of our unskillful actions. There will also be time set aside for question and answer. Some experience of deity meditation is preferable but not essential.
Please find the Sadhana which will be used during the retreat this will be uploaded below:
Along with an explanation of the mantra:
About our Retreat Leader:
We are delighted that Ven Carla Tsultrim has again agreed to lead this year’s Vajrasattva Retreat.
Ven Tsultrim was ordained in 2009 at Chenrezig Institute in Australia. She has spent much of the last several years in India and Nepal doing retreats, listening to different teachers from the Tibetan Buddhist lineages, and visiting many pilgrimage sites. She is currently living in Brisbane and working at Karuna Hospice Service as a counsellor and the Spiritual Program Coordinator. She has worked for many years in suicide prevention and intervention.
She has a very strong conviction that most of us can find contentment in our lives irrespective of our external circumstances through understanding and training our minds, particularly through using mindfulness. She has a Bachelor of Counselling, a Bachelor of Social Science (Social Policy), and Master of International Studies (Peace and Conflict Resolution).
Registration for the retreat will be in person or online, and you may attend the whole retreat or even come for a day or two as you are able.
And although we do suggest a recommended contribution of $210 for the retreat, you are free to decide just what you are happy to contribute to attend.
A contribution of $30 will be very helpful – $108 will help to cover our costs and the full contribution of $210 will cover the costs for this retreat and enable us to continue to offer teachings and retreats like this into the future as well as all the other events we offer free of charge.
Of course you can always donate more – give generously so others may benefit!
Sangha are always able to attend our courses free of charge but are encouraged to please register (using their coupon).
We do like to register people who are attending the entire retreat first, so registration and accommodation bookings for single days will only be available from 26th November.
If you do not find these details please contact spc@chenrezig.com.au
Accommodation and food are of course available through our website at https://chenrezig.com.au/stay-at-chenrezig and https://chenrezig.com.au/big-love-cafe. If there are any issues booking food or accomodation email info@chenrezig.com.au, all must be completed by 22 December.
The full schedule for the retreat can be read or downloaded here.
Note: When you are planning to register to attend online, please read the attached information and requests for the benefit of our students and volunteers: Information for online participants