October Retreat 2024
October 22 - October 27
Understanding Mahamudra, Understanding Ourselves
Maitripa Contemplative Centre & Online
Tuesday 22 October to Sunday 27 October
Mahamudra teachings say that we need to trust and believe in ourselves.
~ Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche IX
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 Spiritual Path. Upholding the retreat schedule provided by Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche IX, the retreat includes structured time for meditation practice, teachings, yoga, and incorporates daily Green Tara and Chenrezig pujas.
The Retreat will be held both in-person (at Maitripa Contemplative Centre) & online. In-person spaces are limited, book early!
The 2024 October Retreat continues the focus on Mahamudra, the essential approach of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism. On this retreat, you will have the opportunity to listen to teachings by Traleg Rinpoche IXth on Understanding Mahamudra, Understanding Ourselves. In the teachings, Rinpoche provides an historical overview of the development of Mahamudra in Tibetan Buddhism, as well as detailing the intimate relationship between how to approach both meditation and experiences. Helping us see how we in fact empower ourselves when we pay attention and learn to be aware.
In Mahamudra practice what we try to do is to bring our actual state of being now and the state we aspire to, together.
~ Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche IX
Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche IX(1955 – 2012) 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 42nd year. Rinpoche is the author of a number of 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’ to name a few. Read Rinpoche’s Full Biography here.
Established by Traleg Rinpoche the 9th, Maitripa Centre, is a retreat property set amongst the lush mountain ash forests, just outside Healesville, Victoria. Maitripa Centre provides a tranquil and uplifting practice environment. Learn more about the venue here.
The retreat is also accessible online and online participants enjoy lots of support. You will receive a welcome pack that includes all the information you need to make your home a comfortable environment for a retreat. You will have the same access to the pujas, yoga and meditation, and teachings just like being in-person, except from the comfort of your own home!
Tuesday
5pm-7pm Check in for ‘In person’ participants
6pm Dinner
7:30pm Welcome & Introduction
8pm Chenrezig Puja
Wednesday – Saturday
6am Green Tara Puja
7:30am Breakfast
9am Yoga & Meditation
10am Break
10:30am Meditation
12noon Lunch
1pm Karma Yoga
2:00pm Teachings
3:30pm Break
4pm Meditation
5.30pm Break
6pm Dinner
8pm Chenrezig Puja
Sunday
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
* The program may vary from day to day with extra activities on some days.
* We will be in silence until noon daily
THE FOOD
A full vegetarian menu is included in your booking. Specific dietary requirements can be entered at check-out. The onsite cafe, Dogen’s Kitchen, will be open daily serving barista coffee and house made treats.
TICKETS & BOOKINGS
This includes access to the full program, private single room accommodation and vegetarian catering. All rooms are fully furnished & bedding is supplied. Twin room options are also available.