Retreat Dates: Dec 2-8, 2011
Retreat Location: TSL – 307 Arthur’s Court, Fairplay, Colorado
Driving Directions: From Fairplay, take 9 south towards Hartsel. Go about 7 miles on 9 and take what is basically the first left on Redhill Rd. Turn left into the first driveway (which is the first left), to the house. As much as possible, people should car pool.
Accommodations: Limited space is available at the retreat house; bring bedding. Camping ok.
Contact: Steve Ring 303.679.0915
Retreat Schedule: TBD
Description:
The Wheel of Sharp Weapons is perhaps the earliest and most celebrated text in the genre of mind-training (Lojong). Written by the great Indian yogi Dharmarakshita, one of Atisha’s main teachers, it focuses on the giving and taking (tonglen) method for overcoming the self-cherishing attitude and grasping for an impossible “true me.”
Tonglen is an advanced Mahayana method whereby we imagine taking on the sufferings of others and giving them happiness. Mahayana training in perfect altruism is seen as the means to achieve lasting happiness and peace for oneself and others, and Dharmarakshita’s Wheel as the supreme means to cut through our true enemies – self-grasping and self-cherishing.
“Effectively striking the heart of the foe,” the Wheel of Sharp Weapons provides essential tools for transforming suffering into happiness. This weeklong retreat will consist of teachings and meditation.
Recommended Text: Wheel of Sharp Weapons.
A donation of $400/single or $700/couple is suggested
A donation of $150/single or $250/couple is suggested for the weekend