BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Tara Rokpa Centre - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Tara Rokpa Centre
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Tara Rokpa Centre
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Africa/Johannesburg
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:SAST
DTSTART:20180101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/Helsinki
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0300
TZNAME:EEST
DTSTART:20170326T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0300
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:EET
DTSTART:20171029T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0300
TZNAME:EEST
DTSTART:20180325T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0300
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:EET
DTSTART:20181028T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0300
TZNAME:EEST
DTSTART:20190331T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0300
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:EET
DTSTART:20191027T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0300
TZNAME:EEST
DTSTART:20200329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0300
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:EET
DTSTART:20201025T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20200303T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20200308T130000
DTSTAMP:20260518T001850
CREATED:20200110T004334Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200213T110139Z
UID:2246-1583258400-1583672400@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:The Three Teachings Retreat with Khenpo Lekthong
DESCRIPTION:“The Three Trainings” are essential teachings and instructions on ethics (morality)\, concentration (meditation)\, and wisdom. \nWe need to develop our ethics\, meditation\, and wisdom in order to transform our current afflicted mental states and hence progress on the path. The Three Trainings are important both in Buddhist and worldly contexts; learning to lead a more wholesome life by benefiting others and refraining from harm\, making the mind more emotionally balanced\, and developing both practical wisdom and rational analysis. \nThe retreat starts on Tuesday evening 3 March and finishes on Sunday 8 March at lunchtime. \nThere is also the option of only coming for the weekend from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 March. \n  \nKhenpo Lekthong became a monk when he was 15 years old and graduated from Karma Shri Nalanda Institute of Rumtek monastery (monastery of HH Karmapa in Sikkim.) He studied mainly Buddhist philosophy and also some languages\, western philosophy and comparative religions. After Khenpo Lekthong graduated\, he taught in Rumtek for some years\, after which time he focused more on research. Khenpo’s speciality is focussed around Karma Kagyu religion and history. Presently Khenpo Lekthong lives at Ralang monastery\, the monastery of Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche\, heart son of HH 16 Gyalwa Karmapa\, where he works for Rinpoche as a translator. Khenpo is a Buddhist author and speaks fluent English. \n  \n  \n  \nCost:\nThe cost covers food and accommodation. In order to make these teachings available to all\, we are offering a flat rate of R500 pp per night. If you can afford the normal TRC rates and would like to book single or en suite rooms\, please contact us for availability. \n3 – 8 March: R2500 \n6 – 8 March: R1000 \nDharma teachers are not paid for teachings. Dana (a monetary offering) to the teacher is a way of expressing your appreciation for the teachings. \nBooking:\nTo book click here. A 50% deposit will secure your booking. \nFor payment options\, click here.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/the-three-teachings-retreat-with-khenpo-lekthong/
CATEGORIES:Buddhism,Dharma,Meditation,Tibetan Buddhism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kin1507006.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20191018T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20191020T130000
DTSTAMP:20260518T001850
CREATED:20190825T161222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190827T192030Z
UID:1920-1571421600-1571576400@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Moving Beyond the Karma and Drama of our Daily Lives with Melanie Polatinsky
DESCRIPTION:In the midst of the dramas of our karmic circumstances\, it’s so difficult to realise that this is a relative movie AND that we\, ourselves\, have created the players and places!! \nJoin us in the tranquil\, spiritual setting of TRC for a weekend with Melanie\, of MEDITATION and EXPLORATION of our minds beyond our SELF-CREATED SUFFERING. \nMelanie Polatinsky is a psychotherapist\, and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism\, and has been empowered to teach by Lama Yeshe Rinpoche\, Abbot of Samye Ling Monastery\, in Scotland. She has worked\, taught and conducted retreats in a variety of fields for the past 45 years. These include meditation\, dream work\, death and dying\, bereavement\, inner child work\, relationships\, karma and reincarnation\, inner peace\, the five Wisdoms\, discovering your true potential\, and many other Buddhist topics including a Dzogchen View of life. She has done several self-retreats in India at Palpung Sherabling Monastery. Melanie runs a Tibetan Samye Dzong Centre in Johannesburg and is involved in ongoing teaching in the above fields as well as many aspects of Vajrayana practice. She also teaches a Bardo group to train people in the death and dying teachings of Tibetan Buddhism\, as well as extensive direct work with the dying and their families. Melanie has a private practice in psychotherapy with a Buddhist approach. \nCost:\nThe costs include accommodation\, all meals\, beverages and snacks\, but excludes dana\, an offering to the facilitator. \nSingle use of ensuite room (if space available):     R1800\nSingle use of twin/double room (if space available)\, shared bathroom:   R1700\nSingle room with shared bathroom (only 3 available):   R1600\nTwin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):   R1400\nTwin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):   R1200\nDormitory:  R900\nCamping (own tent):   R700 \nTo Book:\nPlease fill in the booking form for each person attending. \nA 50 % non-refundable but transferable\, deposit will secure the accommodation of your choice.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/karma-and-drama/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Buddhism,Dharma,Spirituality,Tibetan Buddhism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/208565.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20190419T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20190427T130000
DTSTAMP:20260518T001850
CREATED:20190114T185618Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190114T191602Z
UID:1440-1555696800-1556370000@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Personal Practice Retreat
DESCRIPTION:Guided by Alan Muller\nA traditional 3 year 3 month traditional retreat is out of reach of most people leading modern lives. And it is a great challenge for lay practitioners to find the time or place to complete practices such as Ngöndro – the foundational practices of Tibetan Buddhism. In response to these needs\, Chöje Akong Tulku Rinpoche and Chöje Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche initiated a space for longer-termed retreats at the Tara Retreat House in a secluded valley at Tara Rokpa Centre.\nHere is a rare opportunity to dedicate yourself to your practice for 8 days in a consecrated\, supported environment\, from Friday 19 April to Saturday 27 April. There will be plenty of time to focus on your personal Buddhist practices\, with guidance from Alan. There will be a recorded teaching daily\, and also time to take walks in the surrounding bush.\nPreliminary programme:\n7 am – 8 am: Green Tara Prayers\n8 am: Breakfast\n9 am – 12 pm: Individual practice\n2 pm – 5 pm: Individual Practice\n7 pm to 8 pm: Chenrézik Prayers\nA recorded teaching will be presented daily – tbc.\nSpace is limited to 7 people in single rooms – allocated on booking.\nCosts: R2200 for 8 days. Excludes dana.\nBooking: Please complete the booking form.\nA deposit of R1100 will secure your booking.\nFor more about the Retreat House\, read here.\n\nThe retreat will be supported by Alan Muller who also lives in Tara’s Valley. He 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 monks vows. Alan remained a novice monk for six years and now presents courses and retreats as a layperson. He has formed Ngöndro practice groups since 2004 around Southern Africa.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/personal-practice-retreat/
CATEGORIES:Buddhism,Dharma,Meditation,Tibetan Buddhism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/603239_10151327609041668_1647321748_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20190321T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20190324T140000
DTSTAMP:20260518T001850
CREATED:20190114T175209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190314T203333Z
UID:1431-1553173200-1553436000@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Living Joyfully
DESCRIPTION:with Chöje Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche\, Lama Katen and Gelongma Lhamo \n\nOn this 4 day meditation retreat\, Chöje Lama Yeshe Rinpoche will share with us\, based on his vast and deep experience\, how to cultivate genuine feelings of joy and enthusiasm.\nThe retreat will start at lunch time on Thursday 21 March\, a public holiday\, and will end on Sunday 24 March at lunch time.\nThis retreat offers you a special opportunity to attend authentic Dharma teachings\, as well as to partake in practice\, a refuge ceremony\, and even enjoy a morning walk with Lama Yeshe.\n\nThere will also be interview slots available with Lama Yeshe Rinpoche\, Lama Katen and Gelongma Lhamo. To book an interview (max 15 min)\, please email the office.\nThere will also be a refuge ceremony – if you would like to take refuge\, please email the office.\n  \nThe Programme:\nThursday 21 March (public holiday)\n12 – 1 pm: Arrival of retreatants and settle in\n1 pm: Lunch\n3 – 4:30 pm: Dharma Talk – Lama Katen\n5 – 6 pm: Evening Walk\n7- 8 pm: The Kagyu Masters and the importance of Lineage – Lama Katen\n8 – 8:30 pm: Chenrézik Prayers\n\nFriday 22 March\n6 – 7 am: Green Tara Prayers\n7 – 8 am Morning walk with Lama Yeshe Rinpoche\n8 – 9 am: Breakfast\n9 – 10 am: Meditation\n10:30 – 11:30 am: Sang Puja\n11:30 – 12:30 pm Who is green Tara? Part I – Ani Lhamo\n1 – 3 pm: Lunch Break\n3 – 4:30 pm: Dharma Talk – Lama Katen\n5 – 6 pm: Evening Walk\n7 – 8 pm: Open Forum – Lama Katen\n8- 8:30 pm: Chenrézik Prayers\n\nSat 23 March\n6 – 7 am: Green Tara Prayers\n7 – 8 am Morning walk with Lama Yeshe Rinpoche\n8 – 9 am: Breakfast\n9 – 10 am: Meditation\n10:30 – 12:00 pm Who is green Tara? Part II- Ani Lhamo\n12:15 – 1 pm: Meditation (Alan)\n1 – 3 pm: Lunch Break\n3 – 4:30 pm: Dharma Talk – Lama Katen\n5 – 6 pm: Evening Walk\n7 – 8 pm: Living Joyfully with Lama Yeshe Rinpoche\n8- 8:30 pm: Chenrézik Prayers\n\nSun 24 March\n6 – 7 am: Green Tara Prayers\n7 – 8 am Morning walk with Lama Yeshe Rinpoche\n8 – 9 am: Breakfast\n9 – 10 am: Meditation\n10:30 – 11:30 am Talk on Refuge and Vows – Lama Katen\n12 – 1 pm: Refuge Ceremony – Lama Yeshe Rinpoche\n1  pm: Celebratory Lunch\n  \nCosts:\nThe costs include all meals from lunch on Thursday to lunch on Sunday\, accommodation\, a supplemental fee to cover the air fares of the teachers\, and an optional R60 environmental levy.\nThe costs exclude Dana (an offering in appreciation) for the teachers and the refuge ceremony\, and staff tips.\nTwin/double room with en-suite bathroom (per person): R2700\nTwin/double room with shared bathroom (per person): R2300\nSingle room with shared bathroom: R2900\nSingle rooms (Office Block): R2200\nSingle use of twin/double room (if space available)\, shared bathroom: R3100\nSingle use of en-suite room (if space available): R3200\nSingle en-suite room:  R3100\nDormitory: R2000\nCamping: (own tent) 1700\nCamping: TRC Tent 2000\nTRC Daily rates apply for extra nights.\nTo Book:\nBookings are open – click here for the booking form.\nA deposit of R1000 for camping\, dorm or twin accommodation\, or R1500 for single or en-suite accommodation will secure your booking.\nWe would like as many people as possible to benefit from this retreat\, so there will be limited single accommodation available.\nDon’t let a lack of resources prevent you from attending – please contact us for concessions or work exchange.\n\nChöje Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche was born in East Tibet\, and escaped to India together with Akong Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa in 1959. In 1969 he joined Akong Tulku Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in Scotland and in 1980 took full ordination as a Gelong monk from His Holiness Karmapa. He then entered a strict\, long-term solitary retreat under the guidance of the Abbot of Karma Triyana\, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. He has completed a number of 49-day Bardo retreats of total solitude and darkness\, an accomplishment that has made him one of the foremost meditation Masters alive today.\nIn 1991\, Lama Yeshe Rinpoché became the Abbot of Samye Ling and took responsibility for the Holy Isle Project. Following the tragic death of Chöje Akong Tulku Rinpoché in 2013\, he also assumed overall responsibility for ROKPA International and The Tara Trust\, as well as for all Kagyu Samye Dzong Centres worldwide.\nLama Yeshe Rinpoché gives teachings all around the world\, participating in numerous interfaith events\, where his charismatic presence and good humour enable him to connect with people from all walks of life.\nLama Katen is deputy Abbot of Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and a nephew of Chöje Akong Tulku Rinpoche. He received full ordination from Thrangu Rinpoche and studied for many years at Thrangu Monastery in Nepal. He spent five years at Thrangu Monastic College and then undertook the traditional three-year\, three-month retreat\, followed by a six-month Kalachakra dark retreat. His root Guru\, Drupon Rinpoche\, has requested him to teach.\nGelongma Lhamo is a fully ordained Buddhist nun who completed a four-year cloistered retreat in 1993 and has lived at Samye Ling ever since. She is an experienced teacher of meditation and Dharma courses and as Secretary to the Abbot at Samye Ling she has learnt how to integrate the peace and stability of meditation into her busy working life.\n 
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/living-joyfully/
CATEGORIES:Buddhism,Dharma,Meditation,Tibetan Buddhism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/LYR-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181214
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190103
DTSTAMP:20260518T001850
CREATED:20180430T141434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180510T175600Z
UID:1015-1544745600-1546473599@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Sutra of Life\, with Donal Creedon
DESCRIPTION:Overview\nWe live in a world where there is tremendous pressure and speed. Violence and fear are everywhere. We are like driftwood\, caught in a torrent. Rarely is there a moment of stillness and silence. There is very little space and time to discover what it actually means to be a human being and live naturally and gracefully. Yet it need not be so if we take the time to listen\, think and meditate\, and to understand ‘the Sutra of Life’. \nWe have to learn who we are\, what we are\, where we are and what it means to be a human being. We need to see the truth directly for ourselves. The main point of our retreat is to explore both surfaces and depths of our life\, using the maps of mind-heart provided by the Buddha. It involves looking into the shadow lands of the human psyche and as well rediscovering our true nature\, our true home. \n‘Everyday is a journey and the journey itself is home’.\nBashō \nThe retreat is particularly suitable for those with some experience who wish to further their practice and understanding. However\, beginners who don’t mind jumping in the deep end are welcome. Participants should commit to 4 hours group sitting each day. There will be time for personal practice and study. \nRetreat Leader\nDónal Creedon is a Buddhist meditation teacher with many years experience\, loved and deeply appreciated for his warmth\, openness and sincerity. He studied and practiced with Buddhist masters of the Kagyu practice lineage in Europe as well as in India and Nepal. This involved many years of intense retreat. \nDónal also spent a number of years at the Krishnamurti Centre in Varanasi as resident Buddhist scholar. Thus the radical inquiry of Krishnamurti informs his approach. \nIn 2017\, he published ‘The Main of Light’\, a study which examines the teachings of J Krishnamurti in the light of Buddhist teachings\, specifically the teachings of the Mahamudra and Dzogchen lineages. The teachings of the Buddha and Krishnamurti both explore the most profound and fundamental questions of human existence. They directly address the questions of sorrow\, fear and death\, as well as the deepest meaning a human life can attain beyond the travail and illusion of dualism. They point to the sources of sorrow and the ending of sorrow\, to the possibility of living a life informed by intelligence and compassion. As Dónal says: “It is my hope that this study will serve as a modest contribution to what I feel is an immensely important area of human exploration. I hope it will stimulate questions not only in Buddhist and Krishnamurti students\, but anyone interested in the deep problems that affect our world so grievously.” \n Conditions for joining the retreat\nEach person should be committed to the full programme and leave personal demands and agendas aside. This is essential. Ethical conduct and sensitivity to others is assumed. Activities such as offering various therapies etc for money is not permitted\, however it is fine to help others if needed. \nRetreat Options\nThose who wish to do part of the retreat will be able to attend for a week\, a fortnight or the full 19 night period. The weeks should correspond to the dates below. Less than one week is not acceptable (except for the 5 day secular retreat\, over New Year). Participants should be fully committed to the programme\, leaving behind personal demands and agendas. \nThe weeks are as follows: \nFri 14 Dec to Fri 21 Dec (Monday 16th is a public holiday) – 7 nights\nFri 21 Dec to Fri 28 Dec (includes Christmas holiday) – 7 nights\nFri 28 Dec to Wed 2 Jan (includes New Year) – 5 nights\nThe 5 night retreat will have a secular focus\, “On the Art of Looking and Listening”.\n\nBookings\nPlease use our online booking form\, which can be completed easily on a phone or tablet. Click here. \nRetreat Costs\nThe retreat fee includes accommodation (including bedding and towels)\, three ovo-lactarian meals a day\, teas and snacks\, a contribution towards the retreat leader’s flight costs and a environmental levy. TRC members receive a 10% discount on all length retreats (if they have been members for 6 months already). \nDana (a donation) will be accepted by the retreat leader in appreciation of his teachings. \nA 50% non-refundable (but transferable) deposit will secure your place. Please book early as Donal is a very popular retreat teacher and this retreat is expected to be fully-booked. You may not be able to get your first choice of room. Please be as flexible as possible\, and we will do our very best to help.  Single occupancy of a twin room will only be possible if the retreat is not full as TRC’s primary wish is for as many people as possible to benefit from these retreats. \n\n\n\n\n7 nights\n14 nights\n19 nights\n5 nights\n\n\nSingle use of twin room\nR5 850\nR11 240\nR15 090\nR4 310\n\n\nSingle shared bathroom\nR5 710\nR10 960\nR14 710\nR4 210\n\n\nTwin/double en suite\nR5 080\nR9 700\nR13 000\nR3 760\n\n\nTwin/double shared bathroom\nR4 310\nR8 160\nR10 910\nR3 210\n\n\nDormitory\nR3 540\nR6 620\nR8 820\nR2 660\n\n\nCamping (own tent)\nR2 840\nR5 220\nR6 920\nR2 160\n\n\n\nClick here to book. \n\nThe retreat starts at 6pm on the first day\, and ends at lunchtime on the last. \nAlthough it is not guaranteed\, group transport or car pooling is often organised by TRC\, depending on demand. On 14th December\, the minibus will leave from OR Tambo at 12 noon\, so please ensure that international flights arrive before 10am\, to give you time to collect your luggage and pass through immigration. On 2nd January\, the minibus will depart after lunch\, to arrive at ORT by 5.30pm. Please book international flights to leave after 8pm. \nFor the weeks in between\, it is unlikely that there will be enough people for the shuttle\, but TRC will help with car pooling where possible. It is also possible to get the Intercape bus from Park Station to Groot Marico (around R250) and TRC can arrange a lift to the Centre for R100. \nFor more general retreat information\, please click here.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/sutra-of-life-with-donal-creedon/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Meditation,Tibetan Buddhism
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180912
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180921
DTSTAMP:20260518T001850
CREATED:20180430T143703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180515T110411Z
UID:1019-1536710400-1537487999@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Developing our Dharma through Practice
DESCRIPTION:This retreat will allow us to look at ways to help us cultivate a good heart\, the mind dedicated to attaining enlightenment in order to benefit all sentient beings. It will be of great benefit to Ngondro and Mahamudra students\, and those wishing to take time out for personal dharma practice. \n\n“For a Buddhist practitioner\, the goal is to develop this genuine compassion\, this genuine wish for the well-being of another\, in fact for every living being throughout the universe.”\nQuote from HH Dalai Lama \n\nDaily Programme\n06:00 – 07:00  Green Tara\n07:00 – 08:00  Meditation\n08:00 – 09:00  Breakfast\n09:00 – 10:00  Talk & Guided Med\n10:00 – 13:00  Personal Practice\n13:00 – 14:30  Lunch and rest\n14:30 – 17:00 Personal Practice\n17:00 – 18:30  Own Time\n18:30 – 19:30  Soup\n19:30 + Discussion and Chenrezig puja \nTo book\, click here. \nSubsidized retreat cost: R2200 for 8 nights (no further discounts apply). \nRetreat Support\nThis retreat will be guided by Alan Muller\, with both group practice and time for individual practice. Alan Muller lives in Tara’s Valley\, next to the retreat venue. He 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 monks 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.Places are limited\, so please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to join in. \nTo book\, click here. \nTara’s Valley Retreat Centre\nTara’s Valley was chosen by Akong Rinpoche for personal practice retreats as a 4-year traditional retreat is out of the reach of most people leading modern lives. It is a great challenge for lay practitioners to find the time or place to complete such practices as the Ngondro – the foundational practices of Tibetan Buddhism. The retreats are not closed and people can go for walks in the surrounding areas. \nThe retreat area is sustainably built\, and uses solar power for lighting and water heating\, and wind power for water pumping. There are two adjacent buildings; a brick-built house\, which contains four single retreat rooms\, a kitchen/dining area and the shrine room\, and a Lassak (mud)-built house with three single rooms. \nTestimonial\n\n\n\n“I have to report on the most awesome dharma talk I attended today. Alan talked on How to practise meditation more effectively. I have always known he is\, probably our foremost South African Bodhisattva and have noticed how the advice he gives is increasingly deeply wise and compassionate.\n\nHis talk blew me away! I was totally transfixed the entire talk.. He covered pivotal advice of great masters and then drew it all together showing how it all applied in our daily lives. The talk was easy to follow and also very dense. It could have served as the outline for a longer retreat. The content was superb and the structure of the talk equally superb and aimed to get us to really understand what he was teaching us.\n\nI think he is a teacher who can guide us magnificently. We lament that we don’t have teachers. But we have Alan\, right here. He is gentle and humorous in his presentation and does not go for big drama. I appreciate this and I’m sure other people will do so.\n\nI am so so excited and serious and believe that Alan is the teacher (or one of them) that we are looking for.\n\nMaxine Fine
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/developing-our-dharma/
LOCATION:Tara’s Valley\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Meditation,Tibetan Buddhism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/844_image_27073252_1593642860701609_4557450318572548348_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20180909T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20180912T100000
DTSTAMP:20260518T001850
CREATED:20171115T141212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180511T082534Z
UID:803-1536516000-1536746400@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Nyungney Retreat - Tibetan Fasting Practice with Lama Tsondru
DESCRIPTION:History of the Nyungney Practice\nThe practice of Nyungney is a two and a bit days of fasting and puja\, centred on the sadhana of Thousand Armed Chenrézik\, who is the embodiment of the compassion of all of the Buddhas. This practice is said to be effective for the purification of karma\, healing of illness and the generation of compassion and loving-kindness. It is also said that much merit is accumulated through this practice. Gelongma Palmo renounced the life of a princess in the 11th Century Afghanistan to become a Buddhist nun. Due to past karma she became very ill. She had a vision of Manjushri\, who gave her the practice of Nyungney. After practicing fervently for a year\, she found that her health was restored. She realised her full potential at the age of 27\, and displayed many miracles. \nThe practice we do today has been passed down from Gelongma Palmo through generations of master-disciple transmission. \nThe Retreat at TRC\nTRC’s retreat will consist of one pair of Nyungneys. You are welcome to stay on after the Vajra Song retreat to participate. The retreat starts with orientation on Sunday 9th September at 7pm\, ending on Wednesday 12th September at breakfast. Lama Tsöndru will lead the practice in a gentle manner to accommodate physical limitations of participants. \nOne needs to have taken refuge in order to do the practice. It is preferable to have received the empowerment\, but is not necessary for this retreat. Please bring a dorje and bell\, and text (TRC version)\, if you have – texts will be provided for those who don’t have. \nLama Tsöndru will grant refuge in the afternoon of Sunday 9th September to those who would like to do the practice (also open for people who only want to take refuge). \nBio of Lama Tsondru\nLama Tsöndru is a disciple of Ákong Rinpoché and Tai Situ Rinpoché\, and was ordained in 1987. She completed the traditional 3 year 3 month retreat twice at Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery.  In total\, she has completed more than 12 years of cloistered retreat. In June 2001\, Akong Tulku Rinpoché granted her the title of Lama. Lama Tsöndru is the director of Samye Ling centres in Spain\, and the co-founder of Kagyu Samye Dechi Ling Monastery. \nShe has been teaching for more than 25 years at centres in Spain\, Europe\, America and Africa. Lama Tsondru is highly appreciated for her direct\, clear and enjoyable way of imparting the Buddha’s teachings. Her weekly Dharma teachings in Spanish are broadcast on YouTube where she has thousands of followers. Lama Tsöndru was one of the 5 ordained Sangha members that participated in the inaugural practice of Nyungney in Africa in 2001 which consisted of 8 pairs in the Samye Dzongs of Johannesburg and Harare\, which opened up the practice on the African continent. \nBookings\nPlease complete the online booking form by clicking on this link. \nRetreat Costs\n\n\n\n Nyungney Retreat only\n3 nights\n\n\nSingle use of twin room\nR2 310\n\n\nSingle shared bathroom\nR2 250\n\n\nTwin/double en suite\nR1 980\n\n\nTwin/double shared bathroom\nR1 650\n\n\nDormitory\nR1 320\n\n\nCamping (own tent)\nR1 020\n\n\n\nTRC members are entitled to 10% discount. \nPeople who are unable to participate in the actual practice would be welcome to serve the retreatants – it is said that servers accumulate as much merit as the participants. \nIt is considered a blessing for the Centre to hold a Nyungneys retreat. Therefore\, there will be partial bursary places available for anyone unable to afford the retreat cost. Please email tararokpacentre@gmail.com to apply. \nFor more information about retreats\, please click on this link: www.tararokpacentre.co.za/retreat-information \n 
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/nyungney-retreat/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Tibetan Buddhism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/803_image_23559821_1522429354489627_5296999973086076667_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20180907T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Helsinki:20180909T180000
DTSTAMP:20260518T001850
CREATED:20180501T100823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180902T121244Z
UID:1035-1536343200-1536516000@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:The Eight Cases of Basic Goodness not to be Shunned\, with Lama Tsöndru
DESCRIPTION:The Eight Cases of Basic Goodness not to be Shunned\, \na Vajra Song of Realisation by Gyalwa Gotsanpa\, \nwith Lama Tsondru\nSongs of Realisation\nSongs of realisation are a particular style of teaching by realised masters\, which explain the essential points of specific topics in a pithy\, but light-hearted and joyful manner.  Milarepa\, the famous yogi of Tibet\, was renowned for teaching through song. Gotsangpa\, said to be an emanation of Milarepa\, was a wandering yogi who meditated in the mountains of Tibet. He became ill\, but as there were no doctors or hospitals available to help him\, he used his illness as a support for his meditation\, and became realised. This Vajra Song of the The Eight Cases of Basic Goodness not to be Shunned by Gyalwa Götsangpa explains how circumstances that may appear negative on the surface\, such as illness\, negative emotions\, obstacles in meditation\, suffering and even death\, can become a big help on our spiritual path if we understand them from the correct point of view. \nRetreats with Lama Tsöndru: Dates\, Times and Refuge Ceremony\nThis retreat will start at 6 pm on Friday 7th September\, and end at lunch time on Sunday 9th September. \nThe Ngungney Retreat (a Tibetan Fasting Practice) will follow this weekend\, from Sunday evening 9 September to breakfast on Wednesday 12 September. It is a requirement that one will need to have taken refuge in order to do the Nyungneys. \nFor anyone who would like to take refuge with Lama Tsondru\, this will take place on the Sunday Afternoon – please book in advance for this (only for people who have not yet taken refuge). \nPlease book via this link. \nBio of Lama Tsöndru\n\n  \n  \n  \nLama Tsöndru is a disciple of Ákong Rinpoché and Tai Situ Rinpoché\, and was ordained in 1987. She has completed the traditional 3 year 3 month retreat twice at Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and has completed more than 12 years of cloistered retreat in total. In June 2001\, Akong Rinpoche granted her the title of Lama. Lama Tsöndru is the director of Samye Ling centres in Spain\, and the co-founder of Kagyu Samye Dechi Ling Monastery. She has been teaching for more than 25 years at centres in Spain\, Europe\, America and Africa where she is highly appreciated for her direct\, clear and enjoyable way of imparting the Buddha’s teachings. Her weekly Dharma teachings in Spanish are broadcast on YouTube where she has thousands of followers. Lama Tsöndru was one of the five ordained Sangha members that participated in the inaugural practice of Nyungney in Africa in 2001 which consisted of 8 pairs in the Samye Dzongs of Johannesburg and Harare\, which opened up the practice on the African continent. \nRetreat Cost and Bookings\nThe retreat cost is inclusive of accommodation (sheets and towels included)\, three ovo-lactarian meals a day\, a contribution towards Lama Tsondru’s flight costs (R400)\, and an environmental levy (R60). Costs below are for the weekend only\, or for the full five nights with Lama Tsondru. \nDana (a donation) will be accepted by the retreat leader in appreciation of her teachings. \n\n\n\n\n2 nights\n5 nights\n\n\nSingle use of twin room\nR2 000\nR4 310\n\n\nSingle shared bathroom\nR1 960\nR4 210\n\n\nTwin/double en suite\nR1 780\nR3 760\n\n\nTwin/double shared bathroom\nR1 560\nR3 210\n\n\nDormitory\nR1 340\nR2 660\n\n\nCamping (own tent)\nR1 140\nR2 160\n\n\n\nTRC members are entitled to 10% discount. \nPlease book via this link.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/vajra-song/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Tibetan Buddhism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/1_Xk5Ck9dwVegHic0myazgtA.jpeg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR