About Event:
Compassion is one of the most powerful qualities we can develop. It opens our hearts, deepens our connection with others, and becomes the foundation for genuine happiness and inner peace. In the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, compassion is cultivated not only for those close to us, but for all living beings without exception.
Much of our dissatisfaction and unhappiness arises from an excessive focus on ourselves and our own concerns. Buddhist teachings show that by gradually transforming self-centred attitudes into genuine care for others, we can develop greater peace, happiness and meaning in our lives.
In this weekend retreat, Geshe Tsultrim will guide participants through traditional methods for developing boundless love and compassion, including the practices of the Seven Cause and Effect Instructions and Exchanging Self and Others. These profound teachings help us transform self-centred attitudes into genuine concern for the welfare of others.
As our compassion deepens, it gives rise to bodhicitta – the altruistic wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. Participants will explore both conventional and ultimate bodhicitta: the compassionate heart and the wisdom that realises the true nature of reality. Together, they form the essence of the Mahayana path.
Through teachings, guided meditations, and time for reflection, this retreat offers practical methods for cultivating a compassionate heart and bringing these transformative qualities into everyday life.
Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners, this retreat provides a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of compassion and discover its power to transform both yourself and your relationships with others.
About our Teacher:
Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim is immensely popular for the warm and approachable way in which he presents the Dharma and inspires our community. He became a monk in Tibet and did extensive study at Sera Je Monastery in India, where he was awarded his Geshe degree (the equivalent of a doctorate in Buddhist studies) in 2005. He began teaching at Chenrezig Institute in 2014 after being chosen for our community by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. He teaches in Tibetan with the help of an interpreter.
Geshe Tsultrim has a warm hearted, caring and practical approach to teaching Dharma. He has been the resident Geshe at Chenrezig Institute since 2014. Since then he has taught Dharma both in the Gompa and by the example he sets outside of the Gompa.
Schedule
Saturday 15 August
10:30am - 12:00pm Teaching with Geshela
12:00pm - 1:30pm Lunch
1:30pm - 2:30pm Discussion / Q+A with Geshela
2:30pm -3:00pm Afternoon Tea
3:00pm - 4:30pm Teaching with Geshela
5:00pm - 6:00pm Dinner
6:30pm - 7:30pm Evening Meditation
Sunday 16 August
7:00am - 9:00am Breakfast
9:15am - 10:00am Morning Meditation
10:00am - 10:30am Break
10:30am - 12:00pm Teaching with Geshela
12:00pm - 1:30pm Lunch
1:30pm - 2:30pm Discussion / Q&A with Geshela
2:30pm - 3:00pm Break
3:00pm - 4:00pm Teaching with Geshela
Registration and Donations
The suggested donation for this two-day weekend course 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.
You are always welcome to attend our courses free of charge but we kindly ask that you register so we can provide you all the information about the course.
Sangha are always able to attend our courses free of charge but are requested to please register.
Please book your accommodation and meals separately.
If there are any issues booking food or accommodation, please email info@chenrezig.com.au
This course will be available in person and online.
Zoom and YouTube links for online participants will be shared with participants who register.
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