Kopan Monastery - Tibetean Buddhism Meditation Retreat
About Kopan Monastery
Once the home of the astrologer to the king of Nepal, Kopan
is a now a thriving monastery of over 300 monks, and a spiritual oasis for
hundreds of visitors yearly from around the world.
Under the guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the reincarnation
of the Lawudo Lama, a yogi of the tiny hamlet of Lawudo, Kopan has been
offering insight to Western students since 1969.
Each year in November, up to 200 students from around the
world travel to Kopan monastery for one month of meditation and insight into
the Dharma. Visit the official Kopan Monastery web site for more info
Who can attend?
This meditation course is suitable for both newcomers to
Buddhism, as well as older students. It's an excellent introduction to the
theory and practice of Tibetan Buddhism as well as an opportunity for more
advanced students to deepen one's understanding and acquire more experience of
the teachings.
Students live in
shared rooms or dormitories, some camp in tents around the monastery grounds.
Vegetarian meals are included (most agree, including vegetarian newcomers, that
the food is incredible!). Three meals per day are served, except during the
last two weeks when only two meals will be taken before noon.
To get an idea of what a 'day in the life' of a Kopan
monastery retreat would be like, see the video documentary that was filmed at
Kopan during the one month Lam Rim retreat.
When is the next
retreat?
Annual November One-Month Meditation Course (2009)
November 12 - December 12 2009
After a record attendance of the 2008 course, book early for
the 2009 course. Registrations are open from 1. July 2009.
"The course is based on the teachings of Shakyamuni
Buddha, which form a complete and gradual spiritual path (Lam Rim), leading to
ultimate happiness and enlightenment. Through cultivating an awareness of our
present conditions we gain an understanding of the nature of our
dissatisfaction and unhappiness, the causes of these states of mind and how we
can overcome them. We can then direct our energy to deal effectively with any
situation be it positive or negative."
The approximate cost of the course is US$ 410 (subject to
changes in the exchange rates). This includes dormitory accommodation, all
meals, course material, a course administration fee (which covers travel for
teachers, course preparation and material and administration expenses).
Three Month
Vajrasattva Retreat 2009
Following the one month Lam Rim course is the annual
Vajrasattva retreat. The retreat starts around mid January 2010. The exact date
of the retreat has not yet been set. Please check again later in the year. The
retreat follows a strict schedule of 4 sessions a day (no teachings) The
retreat is open only to students who have previously attended the one month
meditation course at Kopan, or have done a similar Lam Rim course, such as the
FPMT Discovering Buddhism course in a center or as home study. Preferably the
applicant should have received the Vajrasattva Initiaton with commitment to do
retreat. Applications are accepted from September 2009.
2009 Seven and Ten
Day Meditation Retreats
February 13 - 20 (7 days) (led by Ani Karin)
April 12 - 22 (ten days) Easter course led by Ani Karin)
May 11-21 (ten days) (led by Ven. Choekyi)
May 24 - June 3 (led by Ven. Yeshe)
June 28 - July 3 (led by Ven. Namgyel)
The courses give an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, teach
meditation skills and include a two day analytical and single pointed
meditation retreat. The courses are led by Ani Karin and Ven. Losang Namgyel,
both senior Western sangha, with daily teachings from a Tibetan Lama. If you
are just interested in Buddhism, or experience problems in your life such as
uncontrolled emotions, dissatisfaction, etc - this course will give you some
skills to address these problems and make your life more fulfilling and
meaningful. Accommodation and food provided. Booking for the courses is
recommended.
A Meditation Retreat
on the two systems of Classic and Mahayana Vipassana
January 30 - February 10 2009 10 Day Retreat with Ven.
Antonio Sattva
The emphasis of this course is on meditation, with sessions
of teachings in evening. Complete silence will be kept throughout the course,
offering an opportunity for a deep personal meditation experience, without the
distraction of everyday chatter.
As there are two types of confusion--intellectual and
emotional--there are also two types of antidotes: study for the purification of
intellectual confusion and mindfulness for the purification of emotional confusion.
How does mindfulness purify emotional confusion? By teaching how to step back,
thus seeing things as they really are. NOT in an ultimate or conventional sense
but in their simple and uncomplicated way of being, which is the beginning of
purity and calmness of mind. This retreat will emphasize discipline, which is
something that no book can ever teach.
February 28, 2009 -
Celebrating the Tibetan New Year
In preparation for the Tibetan New Year, a series of Pujas
and rituals are performed at the monastery to purify the negative actions
accumulated in the past year. The ceremonies culminate in the special offering
ceremony with traditional monastic dances. The Tibetan New Year itself is
mostly a family affair. On the third day of the new year a Puja and procession
is held in Boudhanath, followed by Traditional dances.
Monlam Teachings
March 13-16 2009
The Most Venerable Khensur Losang Tenzin is continuing the
teaching on the 'Bodhisattva's Way of Life' that he started two years ago. This
year's teachings will focus on the 9th Chapter, the Wisdom chapter, which is
presented as a dialog in which the four philosophical schools refute the
arguments of the ingnorant mind. Everyone is welcome to the teachings and
translations will be provided. Please make a booking for your accommodation,
and bring an FM radio to listen to the translation of the teachings.
FPMT Basic Program at
Kopan
August 2009, Teacher: Ven. Fedor Stracke
Over the past few years Ven. Fedor has taught already
several modules of the Basic Program. Those who attended his classes were
impressed by the clarity and depth of his teachings, and by the dedication to
make the subjects accessible to everybody. The program is very intensive, as in
a relatively short time much ground is covered. If you do not have time to
attend the basic course at your local center on a weekly basis, or are far from
a center where it is taught, this is a great opportunity. The course is based
on the Basic Study Program of the FPMT. It is being held over 5 years, in
yearly modules. The course leads to a certificate issued by the Education
Department of the FPMT, and will enable you to take futher studies such as the
Master program of the FPMT.
A Place for Rest and
reflection
In between courses, you are welcome to stay at Kopan and
enjoy the peace and quiet ina psiritual environment. You can participate in
theteachings, meditations and discussion daily at 10 am, enjoy our wonderful
library, or attend the prayersession of the monks.
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