Guru Yoga mandala Retreat
11–14 July 2024
Introduction with Kathrin Hald
We all desire spiritual realizations, but these depend on certain internal conditions, such as purification from negativity, accumulation of merits, and receiving blessings.
In this retreat, we focus on the preliminary practices of accumulating merit or positive energy by making mandala offerings. Through this practice, we receive powerful blessings by relying on the guru yoga practice of Je Tsongkhapa. Je Tsongkhapa was a great Tibetan Buddhist master of the 14th century who promoted and developed Kadampa Buddhism. The mandala offering is an offering of the entire universe visualized as Pure Land, with all its inhabitants as pure beings. here
A mandala kit or a plate of rice for building the mandalas is needed.
We recommend everyone who has never participated in this retreat before to attend the introduction on Thursday evening.
Price
Donation based
Language
English
Place
KMC Switzerland
What to expect
The retreat begins with an introduction on Thursday evening, followed by four retreat sessions on the following retreat days. Each session lasts one and a quarter hours and consists of sung prayers (dedication to the spiritual master) in English and silent time for constructing the mandalas. You are warmly invited to participate in one or all of the retreat sessions. The retreat is based on a donation basis.
During the break there is the possibility to exchange with other practitioners, or/and to study about Buddhist refuge in the books available in the library.
The Teacher
Kathrin Hald is practising Kadampa Buddhism and meditation for several years. Through her demanding work, she knows how to combine inner peace and Buddha's wisdom with a hectic everyday life. Her approach to teaching the art of meditation is especially suitable for everyone.
Course Information
Price
Donation based
Timetable
Thursday 11 July 2024
19:00–20:00pm | Introduction with Kathrin Hald
Fri–Sa 12–13 July 2024
9:00–10:15am | Retreat Session 1
11:00–12:15pm | Retreat Session 2
12:30pm | Lunch Break
15:15–16:00pm | Heart Jewel (optional)
17:00–18:15pm | Retreat Session 3
19:00–20:15pm | Retreat Session 4
Sunday 14 July 2024
9:00–10:15am | Retreat Session 1
11:00–12:15pm | Retreat Session 2
Language
English
Lunch
On Friday and Saturday, a vegetarian/vegan lunch will be offered for CHF 15 each.
Live Stream
The live stream option for this event is only available with a centre membership. Find out more here
Place
This course takes place at Kadampa Meditation Center Switzerland (KMC), Mirabellenstrasse 1, 8048 Zürich Altstetten
Frequently asked questions
Can people attend our courses even if they are not Buddhists?
Yes - Everyone is welcome at Kadampa Meditation Center Switzerland. No one is excluded, no matter what your background or beliefs are. The methods and practices taught here are suitable for everyone, no matter how much experience you have.
Do I have to wear certain clothes to attend the events at the center?
No - Please come as you are. At KMC Switzerland, chairs and meditation cushions are provided for seating. If you like to sit on the cushion, we recommend that you wear comfortable clothing. Traditionally you will be asked to take off your shoes before entering the meditation room. We have floor heating and socks if needed.
Do I need meditation experience to participate?
No - Many people who come to our events have little or no experience. It doesn't matter if you have tried to meditate before without much success. Everyone finds meditation challenging in the beginning because our mind is naturally very busy. Kadampa Meditation Center is a perfect place to train in meditation.
Is the center also accessible by wheelchair?
Yes - Our meditation room is at ground level and we lay out ramps for the few steps we have.
