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Kopan Monastery
Tibetan Buddhism Meditation Retreat
In the shadows of the Himalayas, high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, is Kopan Monastery.
About Kopan Monastery
30 Days To Enlightenment - It's the next best thing to being at Kopan!
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.
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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.
Kopan monastery meditation retreat video
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When is the next retreat?
- Annual November One-Month Meditation Course (2010)
Dates to be announced.
Registrations are usually open in early July.
"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).
Registration and Information page
- Three Month Vajrasattva Retreat 2010
Following the one month Lam Rim course is the annual Vajrasattva retreat.
The retreat starts around mid January 2010.
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.
- 2010 Seven and Ten Day Meditation Retreats
February 19 - 25 (6 days)
April 3 - 13 (10 days)
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.
Registration and Information page
- A Meditation Retreat on the two systems of Classic and Mahayana Vipassana
January 30 - February 10 2010
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.
- Medicine Buddha Retreat with Ven. Namgyel (Date to be announced in 2010)
This retreat is the perfect opportunity to spend time reflecting on your life, on any problems you might experience with health and happiness, in a caring and accepting environment, with a retreat leader who is familiar with human suffering in its many forms. The first three days will include teachings on the graduated path to enlightenment, and one session of the Medicine Buddha sadhana practice. The main part of the retreat consists of Medicine Buddha sadhana practice four times a day, and related teachings. It is not necessary to have taken refuge or received the initiation of Medicine Buddha in order to participate in the retreat. This is a full time residential retreat, and participants are asked to commit to attend the full retreat and to abide by the course discipline as explained by the retreat leader at the beginning of the retreat. The first part of the retreat will be held in half day silence, and the main part of the retreat will be held in full silence.
A Medicine Buddha Initiation might be offered at the start of the retreat.
This retreat can be attended by anybody, even though they may not have taken the initiation or refuge. There will be four sessions visualisation and mantra recitation. Chi gong or Yoga may be offered. The first three days of the retreat will include a quick overview of the Lam Rim (stages on the path to enlightenment).
The retreat will be guided by Ven. Namgyel, an accredited FPMT teacher and monk. Ven. Namgyel has extensive experience with the practice of Medicine Buddha, and is well know for his kindness and deep understanding of healing in all its various forms.
Participation on this retreat is conditional on the retreat leader receiving the special application form. For this purpose you will be asked to complete a questionaire, and the course leader will notify you if you are accepted.
Read more at Kopan website
- FPMT Basic Program at Kopan
August/September 2010 (Dates to be announced)
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.
More Information
- 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.
Registration and Information page
Visit the official Kopan Monastery web site for more details
Namaste!
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