The Practice of Tonglen
How to open our hearts and change our world, one breath at a time
Weekend Retreat with Kirsten DeLeo
Friday 14 November, 7pm to Sunday 16 November, 1pm
This retreat is of particular interest to those who are familiar with meditation and the practice of loving-kindness and who wish to deepen their practice.
Tonglen lies at the very heart of training in compassion in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Literally translated ’tonglen’ means ‘giving and receiving’.
Tonglen is one of the most powerful compassion meditations to unblock our natural capacity for love. It frees our innate healing energies of wisdom and compassion to transform ourselves and the world we live in.
Using the medium of the breath, the practice of Tonglen offers us a way in which we can actively develop fearless compassion and directly work with suffering.
Kirsten DeLeo will introduce and guide the practice and explore the questions that arise when we engage in the practice.
What to expect
- short talks
- guided meditation sessions
- discussions groups
- periods of silence
- gentle movement exercises (suitable for everyone)
- time for rest and relaxation
“Kirsten totally embodies all that she teaches. I’m coming away a lighter, more empowered individual with the wonderful tool of Tonglen“. Eleanor
Content
- Short talks
- Guided meditation sessions
- Discussions groups
- Periods of silence
- Gentle movement exercises (suitable for everyone)
- Time for rest and relaxation
Location
The retreat will be held in our newly opened Temple, which is a modern example of a traditional Tibetan monastery designed to be an inspiring symbol of the Buddha’s teachings for our times.
Catering
Delicious two course vegetarian lunches, with soup and bread in the evenings. Cooked with love at Dzogchen Beara, using homegrown and organic ingredients whenever possible. Tea and coffee.
Fee €275
Concession €235
Dzogchen Beara has a policy of not turning anyone away for financial reasons.
Please email info@dzogchenbeara.org to to discuss flexible payment options or request assistance from our retreat fund.
Limited accommodation is available on-site. Book early!
A list of hostels, B&B’s self-catering accommodation and hotels in the local area is available here.
Vegetarian lunches and light evening meals are provided. The cost is included in your fee.
To view our visitor information, please click here.
Kirsten has accompanied seriously ill patients and their families for more than twenty-five years and has been immersed in Buddhist practice for over twenty years, including a three-year meditation retreat. She helped to pioneer “Authentic Presence”, one of the first training programmes in contemplative end-of-life care in the US. Kirsten lives near Dzogchen Beara where she teaches regularly and supports the guests of the Spiritual Care Centre. Kirsten is known for her clarity and warmth and shares the practices of meditation and compassion in a down-to-earth way.
To find out more about Kirsten, visit: kirstendeleo.com