The Bodhisattva's Way of Life
Buddha Maitreya Empowerment and Teachings on the Six Perfections
with Gen Samten Kelsang
December 26 – 31
“Nowadays, with the world in turmoil, there is a particular need for modern people to cultivate bodhicitta. If we are to make it through these perilous times, true Bodhisattva’s must appear in this world.” – Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Become a modern-day Bodhisattva, or “friend of the world”. Venerable Geshe-la always says “A good heart brings good results”. The supreme good heart is bodhicitta, which is developed and then supported through the practice of the “six perfections”: giving, moral discipline, patience, joyful effort, concentration, and wisdom. Gen Samten will be leading this experiential exploration of the six perfections by teaching from Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life.
This is an essential companion for modern meditators. In this beloved text written around 1400 years ago, the Buddhist master Shantideva elucidates the essential practices of a Bodhisattva. This ancient wisdom is just as relevant today. By learning how to combine these six perfections into our daily life, we will become confident and encouraged how to return to our normal lifestyle but in an elevated, wiser, more compassionate way.
Gen Samten will begin this course by granting the blessing empowerment of Buddha Maitreya, who is the Buddha of loving-kindness. An empowerment is a profound, blissful guided meditation that uplifts us and plants positive seeds for positivity inside our mind. These blessings perfectly complement the teachings on the six perfections, so that you can grow your good heart that is inspired by the empowerment.
Teacher: Gen Samten Kelsang
One of Venerable Geshe-la’s senior disciples, Gen Samten Kelsang oversees the spiritual program at KMC New York, and teaches throughout the US and around the world. Having engaged in a three-year meditation retreat, he is renowned for the clarity of his teachings, ability to help students improve their practice, and skill in leading practitioners to profound meditative insights.
Course Information:
There are three parts to registration: course fee, accommodations and meals.
Cost: You can book the entire event or just part of the event.
Full Retreat: $140
Thursday Intro: $10
Friday Empowerment: $60
Saturday – Monday: $20 per day
Tuesday: $10
Accommodation: Certain types of accommodation may require booking for the full event. Dorm and BYO camping accommodations are usually available by the night. Please confirm availability at booking.
Meals: $10 per lunch or supper. Our meals are vegetarian, with vegan and wheat-free options. All meals are cooked onsite by our resident chef.
Schedule:
Introduction: 7:30 — 9pm (Thursday, Dec, 26)
Empowerment: 11am — 1pm (Friday, Dec. 27)
Session 1, Meditation: 9 — 10am (Friday-Tuesday)
Session 2, Teaching: 11:30am — 1pm (Saturday-Monday) and 11:00 — 12:30pm (Tuesday)
Session 3, Teaching: 4:30pm — 6pm (Friday, Saturday, and Monday), and 2:30 — 6pm (Sunday, Melodious Drum)
Session 4, Teaching: 7:30 — 9pm (Friday-Monday)