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with Alan Muller

The Buddhist path emphasizes study, reflection, and meditation. But sometimes we neglect the study aspect. The study of Buddhist texts is somewhat different from how we normally approach the study of academic subjects. Study, in the spiritual context, is very necessary as it provides the view, the basis, the perspective needed in order to progress along the path to the ultimate goal.

During this retreat, we will study sections of the famous text by Atisha Dipankara – The Lamp for the Path to Enlightened in order to learn how to approach Buddhist study. This is an ancient text but is still most relevant to our busy modern lives, and gives an overview of the entire Buddhist path, and the steps we need to take to become realised.

Alan will combine the study sessions with reflections and meditations so that we can fully absorb the advice of the ancient master Atisha. Alan leads a study group in Johannesburg on this text, so it is an ideal opportunity to spend dedicated time studying together. This is however a stand-alone retreat and is open for all. It is a three-night retreat, starting on the evening of the public holiday, 16 June.

Atiśa Dīpankara (982–1054) was an Indian professor at Vikramshila University, and one of the greatest Buddhist masters of his time, being well-versed in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. He is also credited with spreading the Dharma from India to Tibet, spending the last years of his life in Tibet on the advice of the Bodhisattva Tara.

 

 

Cost

The cost covers accommodation and all meals from Thursday evening until lunch on Sunday. It also includes an R60 voluntary environmental fee but excludes dana and staff tips. Please don’t let a lack of finances prevent you from attending – email us at tararokpacentre@gmail.com.

  Single-use of ensuite room (if space available):    R2,800
  Single-use of twin/double room (if space available), shared bathroom:    R2,600
  Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available):    R2,500
  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing, per person):    R2,200
  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing, per person):    R1,900
  Dormitory    R1,500
  Camping (own tent)    R1,200

To Book

Click here to access the user-friendly online booking form.

A 50% nonrefundable, but transferrable deposit will confirm your booking and the accommodation of your choice.

Facilitator

The retreat will be led by Alan Muller who took refuge in 1997 with Akong Rinpoche. In 2003, he completed a one-year closed retreat under the guidance of Lama Yeshe Rinpoche at Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland. During this period, he took novice monk’s vows. Alan remained a novice monk for six years and now presents courses and retreats as a layperson. He has formed Ngondro groups since 2004 around Southern Africa.