at Maitripa Centre, Healesville & Online
Partial Retreat Bookings now available.

Going on retreat has been part of Buddhism since the Buddha’s time. In the Kagyu tradition, known as the practice lineage, retreat is cherished as a time to be in a spiritually focused and supportive environment for an extended period of time. Whether new to Buddhism or an experienced practitioner, retreat is an essential component of the Path.

 

The Teachings

Understanding Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy and Practice: From Sutra to Tantra

About the Teachings:

In these audio teachings, Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche IX offers a clear and comprehensive exploration of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practice — guiding participants from the ‘sutric’ birth and cultivation of bodhicitta — love, compassion and wisdom — through to a deeper understanding of the transformative methods of Tantra.

Bodhicitta is presented not simply as compassion in response to suffering, but as what Rinpoche describes as a life-generating and empowering spirit — the awakened heart and mind that nourishes clarity, resilience and courage. It is the foundation of the Mahayana path. Rather than waiting for ideal conditions, bodhicitta is something to be consciously given birth to, cultivated and strengthened. Read more here

Rinpoche explores:
* The meaning, benefit and transformative power of bodhicitta
* How to generate bodhicitta through progressive contemplations on impartiality, love and compassion
* How to protect and stabilise bodhicitta in daily life
* The dynamic relationship between ‘aspiration’ and ‘practical application’ on the path
* How bodhicitta enables us to “take adverse circumstances onto the path” rather than be overwhelmed by them

From this essential foundation, Rinpoche then clearly explores Tantric Mahayana, presented not as something separate, but as the deepening and refinement of bodhicitta itself. Rinpoche outlines the graded structure of the four tantras and explains how Tantric practice works directly with body, speech and mind — engaging imagination, perception and emotion as part of the path.

Rinpoche makes clear:

 

“Suffering and pain are not more powerful than love and compassion – that’s the thing.

Wisdom can overcome ignorance;
ignorance cannot overcome wisdom.

Similarly, love and compassion can overcome suffering;
suffering cannot overcome love and compassion.”

 

 

 

 

Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche IX was born in Eastern Tibet and Enthroned as the Supreme Abbott of Thrangu Monastery by his Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa. Rinpoche underwent rigorous scholastic and meditative training under various Tibetan Buddhist Masters in India and Bhutan before coming to Australia in 1980. Rinpoche became well known for his erudition, fluency in English and Background in Western Psychology, Comparative Religion and Philosophy. He inaugurated the Annual Buddhist Summer School, now in its 43rd year. Rinpoche is the author of many books, including ‘The Essence Of Buddhism’ (now in its third printing), ‘Karma: What It Is, What It Isn’t, Why It Matters’, ‘Moonbeams Of Mahamudra: The Classic Meditation Manual’ And ‘How To Do Life: A Buddhist Perspective’. Read Rinpoche’s Full Biography here.

 

The Venue

Established by Traleg Rinpoche, Maitripa Centre, is a retreat centre set amongst the mountain ash forests, just outside the township of Healesville, Victoria. Maitripa Centre provides a tranquil and uplifting practice environment. Learn more about the venue here.

THE PROGRAM

Thursday

5pm-7pm        Check in for ‘In person’ participants
6pm                 Dinner
7:30pm           Welcome & Introduction
8pm                Chenrezig Puja

Friday, Saturday & Sunday   
6am               Green Tara Puja
7:30am         Breakfast
9am               Yoga & Meditation
10am             Break
10:30am       Meditation
12noon          Lunch
1pm               Karma Yoga
2:00pm        Meditation & Teachings
3:30pm        Break
4pm              Study Group/Meditation
5.30pm        Break
6pm              Dinner
8pm             Chenrezig Puja

Monday
6am              Green Tara Puja
7:30am         Breakfast
9am              Yoga & Meditation
10am            Break
10:30am       Meditation
12noon         Lunch & Clean-up
2:00pm         Teachings
3:30pm         Farewell & Thank You’s

* Program changes may occur
* We will practice noble silence until noon daily – please be mindful when in the café and keep talking to a minimum.

 

The Food

Wholesome vegetarian and vegan retreat meals are lovingly prepared onsite by our catering team. If you have any food intolerances please note this in the questions at check-out.

The onsite cafe, Dogen’s Kitchen, will be open daily serving barista coffee and house-made treats.

Ticket Information and Bookings
(Bookings close for the in-person retreat on 27 March.)

Full Retreat tickets are $520 (or $364 for Under 35’s. Or $468 for E-Vam Members & HCC holders) and include access to the full program, private single room accommodation and vegetarian meals. All rooms are fully furnished & bedding is supplied. Twin room options are also available. For partial retreat bookings, a minimum of 2 consecutive days applies.

Please contact the E-Vam Office on or (03) 9387 0422 if you plan to attend the full retreat, but need time to purchase your ticket.