Five-day Meditative Course: The Psychology of Realizing Emptiness
June 19 – 24 | Five-day Meditative Course
with Gen Samten Kelsang
Registration Opens April 15 at 2pm
"Buddha taught us how to realize the ultimate nature of the things around and within us - our environment, our work, our body, our mind, our hopes and fears, and even ourselves - so that by realizing these we may attain the lasting peace of liberation. It is not enough to simply realize this truth intellectually since this will not solve our problems. We need to experience emptiness at the deepest level of our heart with a yogic direct perceiver. This is a special realization of emptiness induced by meditation. Our mind needs to mix with emptiness in meditation like water mixing with water, or like two spaces mixed together, and then concentrate on it with deep serenity and peace.
The journey from our initial, hazy understanding of emptiness to this life transforming realization is explained clearly by Buddha in a series of step by step states of mind. The first of these we can all cultivate right now - correct belief, a belief induced by combining imagination and wisdom. It is important we pause at this point, allow our imaginative wisdom to dissolve away our problems, and enjoy the peace and happiness it brings to our daily life. Our experience of the healing power of emptiness begins with learning the art of imagination and realizing emptiness using this ability of our mind.
We then progress further, using the powers of faith, logic, mindfulness and concentration that are innate within our mind to go from strength to strength. Constantly, our understanding of emptiness has got to be grounded in the context of our life, our problems, our experiences, so that it transforms into our own personal journey - a unique path of inner transformation that leads to the beautiful and everlasting experience of psychological freedom, that Buddha called Nirvana.
This retreat will be focused on combining the inner science of using our mind with our desire to realize emptiness, as explained by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in How to Understand Your Mind. The retreat will involve lucid explanation, tranquil and focused meditation, and practical advice for daily life, all in the lighthearted, serene, and blessed environment of the Temple.
Schedule:
Friday:
Introduction: 7:30 – 9:00pm
Saturday:
Session 1: 9 – 10am (unguided)
Session 2: 11am – 12:30pm (guided)
Session 3: 4:00 – 5:30pm (unguided)
Session 4: 7:30 – 9pm (guided)
Sunday:
Session 1: 9 – 10am (unguided)
Session 2: 11am – 12:30pm (teaching)
Session 3: 4:00 – 5:30pm (unguided)
Session 4: 7:30 – 9pm (guided)
Teacher:
Gen Samten Kelsang: Resident Teacher of KMC New York
One of Venerable Geshe‑la’s senior disciples with decades of meditative and teaching experience, Gen Samten Kelsang oversees the spiritual program at KMC New York, and teaches throughout the US and around the world. He is renowned for the clarity of his teachings, ability to help students improve their practice, and his skill in leading practitioners to profound meditative insights.
Registration Details:
There are three parts to registration: course fee, accommodations and meals. 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. Our meals are vegetarian, with vegan and wheat-free options, and are cooked onsite by our resident chef. You can book the entire event or just part of the event.
Course Fee: Full retreat: $140
Friday to Sunday: $75
Accommodations: based on booking
Meals: $10/each lunch or dinner
Membership Discount:
Basic: no discount | Standard: 50% | Plus: 100%