About Event:
Join us for a transformative weekend with Venerable Losang Gendun as we explore one of Buddhism's most profound insights: emptiness (śūnyatā). We'll journey through the four major Buddhist philosophical schools recognized in Tibetan tradition—Vaibhāṣika, Sautrāntika, Yogācāra, and Madhyamaka—discovering how each system progressively deepens our understanding of reality's ultimate nature.
Through guided meditation, contemplation, and accessible discussion, Venerable Gendun will trace the evolution from foundational views on non-self to explorations of subject-object duality and the fundamental interdependence of all phenomena, examining their psychological, social, environmental, and political consequences. The weekend culminates in Je Tsongkhapa's distinctive Prāsaṅgika interpretation—renowned for its radical deconstruction of inherent existence while maintaining the validity of conventional reality.
No philosophy degree required! We'll translate ancient wisdom into contemporary language, using everyday examples and experiential exercises. Whether you're new to Buddhism or deepening existing practice, you'll gain practical tools for understanding how things exist, transforming your relationship with anxiety, attachment, and the solidity we project onto experience.
Discover how emptiness isn't merely negation but the key to compassion, wisdom, and genuine presence in our complex modern world.
About our Teacher:
Venerable Losang Gendun has dedicated nearly four decades to practicing Buddhism and has served as a Bhikshu in the Tibetan tradition for the past 19 years. Prior to his ordination, he worked in diverse fields such as palliative care, technology, refugee organizations, and management. His extensive training includes ten years of studying Buddhist philosophy and practice in monasteries across France, India, Nepal, and Myanmar. Additionally, he spent over four years in retreat, immersing himself in Tibetan sutra and tantra, as well as the Burmese Theravada Forest Tradition.
For the last 15 years, Ven. Gendun has taught worldwide, sharing his knowledge of Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and meditation. He serves the aspirations of H.H. the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche as part of the FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition). Ven. Gendun is furthermore a member of Mind & Life Europe, a multidisciplinary laboratory that brings together researchers and contemplative practitioners to explore the nature of experience.
Beyond his Buddhist affiliations, Ven. Gendun serves as an interreligious canon at the Peace Cathedral in Tbilisi, Georgia, and collaborates with a Mevlavi Sufi dargah in Istanbul. In 2023, he founded The Buddha Project, which engages in long-term guidance for Buddhist meditators, scientific research, art projects, and intercontemplative social engagement.
Registration and Donations
The suggested donation for this retreat is $150. A donation of $150 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 $108 makes a meaningful contribution toward maintaining our space.
A donation of $75 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 Gompa, available to attend in person and online.
Please book your meals and accommodation separately.
If there are any issues booking meals or accommodation, please email info@chenrezig.com.au