About Event:

What is a ‘spiritual’ practitioner? Are we ‘spiritual’ practitioners? If so, what are we ‘

practicing’ and where are we going?

This course will explore the methods to free us from dukkha, or dissatisfaction and suffering. Beginning with the precious opportunity we have to free ourselves from dukkha right now, the program will proceed through a series of contemplations designed to turn us into genuine spiritual practitioners.

Over this weekend we will learn how to identify and meditate upon our precious human birth, our own death and impermanence, the quality and character of our continued and uncontrolled existence, and how this existence is powered by cause and effect. Only by integrating these experiences with our mind can we then give rise to a genuine wish to be free from dukkha and engage in the path to freedom through the vast and profound methods of bodhicitta, the mind of enlightenment.

Just as when we are in a foreign land we need a map to lead us to our intended destination, these meditations can lead us to the state of freedom from dukkha by setting us on the right path, thereby ensuring our efforts are not mistaken. The emphasis of the weekend will be to seek a genuine experience of these mental states, rather than collecting more book learning about them.

This 2-day course will run from 9:00am – 4:30pm each day. Morning and afternoon tea and coffee will be provided. Please either book lunch in the Big Love Café or bring your own lunch.

About our Teacher:

Ben Isbel has over 30 years of experience practicing and teaching both traditional

Buddhist meditation techniques and contemporary psychological approaches to

mindfulness. Ben has studied in both the Theravadin and Mahayana Buddhist traditions and holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and a PhD in neuroscience of

mindfulness.

Registration and Donations

The suggested donation for this retreat is $120. A donation of $120 covers our costs and helps sustain the Centre so we can continue offering teachings to the wider community.

• However – you are welcome to offer whatever amount you feel comfortable with.

• Your donation helps keep the Centre open and running. It supports operational costs, facilities, and the ability to offer teachings.

• A donation of $60 makes a meaningful contribution toward maintaining our space.

• A donation of $45 helps us cover our most basic costs.

Please note: all donations are non-refundable and go directly to supporting the ongoing operations of the Centre.

Sangha are always able to attend our courses free of charge, please contact spc@chenrezig.com.au for discount code to register.

This retreat will be held in the Wellbeing Centre and is in-person only.

Please book your meals and accommodation separately.

If there are any issues booking meals or accommodation, please email info@chenrezig.com.au