Developing inner harmony
with Pratimoksha Vow Ceremony
Sat–Sun
21 - 22. September 2024
Sat 10:00–16:00 pm
Sun 10:00–13:00 pm
Retreat with Gen Kelsang Devi
This weekend begins on Saturday with an Urban Retreat on the topic "Developing Inner Harmony." Harmony is not something we either have or don't have within ourselves and in our relationships; it must be cultivated through skillful thinking, living, and meditation. During this retreat, Gen Devi will explain the ethical guidelines of the Buddhist moral discipline, we can follow to achieve inner peace and spiritual growth, which naturally leads to inner harmony both within ourselves and in our relationships with others.
On Sunday, the special Lay Pratimoksha Vows Ceremony will take place. Pratimoksha means "personal liberation". Buddha gave detailed instructions on Pratimoksha discipline and vows in the Vinaya Sutras. These vows include abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and taking intoxicants. Taking these special vows is for the duration of one's entire life. By observing these vows, your actions become more powerful and pure, which supports you in attaining the spirit of enlightenment.
This Ceremony gives you the possibility:
- to take the Pratimoksha vows for the first time (please send a request letter in advance to Gen Kelsang Devi at epc@kadampa.ch with the subject "Pratimoksha Vows Ceremony")
OR
- to renew your lay Pratimoksha vows and to strengthen your determination to uphold them for life. Anyone who already holds lay Pratimoksha vows is warmly invited to participate in the ceremony.
Price
CHF 90
Language
English with German translation
Place
KMC Switzerland
What to expect
On this retreat you can expect various retreat sessions. These include guided meditations and explanations on the topic. At the beginning of each session, a short Buddhist prayer will be played in preparation for the meditation.
On Sunday, the Pratimoksha vows ceremony will take place (see above for more information).
The Urban Retreat on Saturday can be attended independently of the ceremony.
The Teacher
Gen Kelsang Devi is a Senior International Teacher within the NKT and Principal Teacher of both KMC Switzerland and Kailash IRC. She is a joyful example of a modern Buddhist nun who has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism under the guidance of venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for over twenty years. Kailash IRC. She is a modern buddhist nun who has been practising Kadam-Dharma for 25 years.
Gen Devi is greatly admired for her good heart and her deep meditative experience is revealed through her clarity and inspirational presentation of Buddha’s teachings.
Course Information
Price
CHF 90 (whole course)
CHF 60 (only Saturday)
CHF 35 (only Sunday)
CHF 15 (lunch)
CHF 25 (accommodation incl. breakfast)
25% reduction for AHV/IV and students
Timetable
Samstag 21. September 2024
10:00–11:15pm | Retreat Session 1
12:00–13:15pm | Retreat Session 2
13:15 pm | Lunch
14:30–16:00 pm |Retret Session 3
Sonntag 22. September 2024
10:00–11:15 Uhr | Pratimoksha-Gelübde-Zeremonie
12:00-13:30 Uhr |«Darbringung an spirituellen Meister»-Puja
Live Stream
The live stream option for this event is only available with a centre membership. Find out more here
The live stream option is only available for the Urban Retreat.
Language
In English with German translation
Place
This event 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.
