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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)
November 13 - December 13, 2010
"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 cost of the course is US$ 420 (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
- Discovering Buddhism ~ Short Introductory Meditation Courses in 2010/11
Regular 10 day introductory courses are held in March, April, May, June, July, September and October. 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 Western sangha, with daily teachings from a Tibetan Lama.
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.
- An Introduction on how to Meditate
21 January to 1 February 2011
An Introduction on how to Meditate in accordance with the two systems
of classic and Mahayana Vipassana.
Internationally Renowned Meditation Teacher Antonio Sattva is leading this 10 day meditation course. The emphasis of this course is on meditation. Complete silence will be kept throughout the course, offering an opportunity for a deep personal meditation experience, without the distraction of everyday chatter.
Cost: 200 US$ (includes all food, accommodation and course material)
- FPMT Basic Program at Kopan
Learn all about transforming your mind from self centered to other-centered motivation. Be inspired to follow the perfect example of those who have made this transformation. Hear about the qualities of the enlightened mind, and how to attain these qualities in our own mind.
In the past three years Ven. Fedor has taught already several modules of the Basic Program, such as the Middle Lam Rim, Lorig, Tenets, heart sutra, Bodhisattvas Way of Life etc. Those who attended his classes were impressed by the clarity and depth of his teachings, and by his dedication to make the subjects accessible to everybody. The program is very intensive, as in a relatively short time much ground is covered.
More Information
- A Place for Rest and reflection
In between courses, you are welcome to stay at Kopan and enjoy the peace and quiet in a spiritual 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!
About site
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- Annual meditation retreat
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