This weekend, people able to travel to picturesque Owen Sound, Canada, will have a rare opportunity to receive two days of teachings from Archarya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, a highly realized teacher. A very full teaching plan includes two powerful practices—Mahamudra meditation and the healing practice of Medicine Buddha. (More information>>)
The teachings cover visualization, mantra recitation and meditation, taught by an Internationally respected teacher of the Gelugpa lineage.
Rinpoche is the spiritual guide for Gaden for the West—with several meditation centres across Canada, Australia and the United States. This is a exceptional chance to learn from a teacher of powerful lineage. Rinpoche received many teachings and initiations from other great lamas, legendary teachers such as: Yongzin Trijang Rinpoche, His Holiness Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, Venerable Geshe Thupten Wanggyel, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Venerable Lati Rinpoche, Venerable Tara Tulku Rinpoche and Venerable Khalkha Jetsun Dampa Rinpoche. (More about Zasep Tulku Rinpoche>>)
Mahamudra
Many great mahasiddhas achieved realizations with Mahamudra meditation. Mahamudra is a profoundly effective form of mindfulness meditation. It can be practiced anywhere and by anyone, and is a practice that does not require any commitments, austerities or even the need for strict retreat. Mahamudra can fit into any schedule and any lifestyle. Although there are advanced implementations and teachings, the practice cultivates the ultimate in mindfulness.
Mahamudra is a spacious practice for the mind, that tends to cultivate natural joy as stress drops away, clearing the mind of obstructions. Mahamudra is famous as an insight practice, and also for it’s ability to transcend problems and defects. Mahamudra includes both Shamatha meditation methods (tranquility practice) and Vipashyana insight meditation.
Thirteenth Zasep Tulku, Archarya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche is an engaging and respected Tibetan Buddhist Guru. Photo from a previous Medicine Buddha retreat.
Medicine Buddha
Medicine Buddha is the first refuge for many Buddhists, from many traditions, who are concerned with their health—or the well-being of others. Tibetan doctors often begin each day with Medicine Buddha practice.
“Medicine Buddha meditation and mantra is a sutra practice, as taught by Shakyamuni Buddha,” we reported in an extensive feature on the Medicine Buddha. “The Medicine Buddha Sutra is known as Bhaiṣajyaguruvaiḍūryaprabhārāja Sūtra (भैषज्यगुरुवैडूर्यप्रभाराज सूत्र). His Lapis Lazuli Pure Land is in the east, but, in fact, he resides in your heart, always ready to help.” (Feature on Medicine Buddha>>)
Saturday Session
Students can attend one day, or both. Saturday includes a chanting session, three formal teachings, three meditation sessions, and an opportunity for a question and answer with a great teacher. There are breaks for lunch and dinner (meals aren’t included in the retreat), and the schedule runs from 10am to 9pm.
On Saturday evening only, a special teaching session, Foundations of Practice will be guided by Theodore Tsaousidis, authorized by Rinpoche. Theodore is an experienced and approachable teacher who has helped guide several retreats.
Sunday Session
Sunday includes additional chanting, three formal teaching sessions and two meditation sessions, with another opportunity for a Q & A with Rinpoche.
For this event, which is in a hotel, seats are provided. For students preferring a cushion, they are asked to bring their own. (Full retreat schedule details here>>)
Details
Healing the Mind, Healing the Body: Mahamudra Meditation and Medicine Buddha Retreat
Teacher: Archarya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche
Location: Best Western Inn on the Bay
1800 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, ON, Canada N4K 5R1
April 11, 10am to 9pm with breaks for lunch and dinner
April 12, 10am to 4pm with lunch break
Lee Kane
Author | Buddha Weekly
Lee Kane is the editor of Buddha Weekly, since 2007. His main focuses as a writer are mindfulness techniques, meditation, Dharma and Sutra commentaries, Buddhist practices, international perspectives and traditions, Vajrayana, Mahayana, Zen. He also covers various events.
Lee also contributes as a writer to various other online magazines and blogs.
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