Overview of RETREAT
DATE: Retreat 11th to 14th September at Land of Joy, Northumberland
LOCATION: In Person
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment RETREAT
A collaboration between Land of Joy and Jamyang Leeds
Details:
Date: Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th September
Retreat Leader: Geshe Rinchen
Requirements: Everyone is welcome
Cost:Generosity Model
Format: Onsite only.
Start & Finish Times: Starting with supper at 18:00 on the first day and finishing at lunchtime on the last day. A more detailed schedule will be released closer to the time.
About the Retreat:
The Lamrim, or “Stages of the Path to Enlightenment,” is a structured presentation of the Buddha’s teachings designed to guide practitioners progressively from the initial stages of spiritual development to full enlightenment.This retreat offers participants an immersive experience, focusing on meditation, contemplation, and discussion based on Lamrim teachings. It provides a unique opportunity to integrate the knowledge gained throughout the year into a cohesive practice.The text we will use as the foundation for the retreat is The Foundation of All Good Qualities by Je Tsongkhapa. As we cannot cover the entire Lamrim teachings in detail during the retreat, this concise text will serve as our guide. The Foundation of All Good Qualities is a profound summary of the entire Lamrim, containing just 14 stanzas that encompass the graduated path to enlightenment—“short enough to recite every day, profound enough to study for a lifetime.”It is essential for all participants to have a copy of The Foundation of All Good Qualities by Je Tsongkhapa. Additionally, having a copy of The Three Principal Aspects of the Path by Je Tsongkhapa would also be wonderful for the retreat.The retreat will comprise:– Meditation: Guided sessions on Lamrim topics, including developing renunciation, bodhicitta, and insight into emptiness.– Discussion: Group discussions and Q&A to deepen understanding.– Practice: Engaging in practices such as prostrations, reciting Je Tsongkhapa’s mantra, and purification practices.
Accommodation: Land of Joy wishes for everyone who visits the centre to feel welcome, accepted, safe and secure. Our accommodation options are very limited, with mostly single-sex shared accommodation and only one single room (which is sometimes needed by volunteers). This means single accommodation can only be offered to those who need it the most, but still won’t always be available. Please read the relevant sections of the booking form carefully.
Registration will be required for the retreat in September at Land of Joy.
ABOUT YOUR Teacher: Geshe Rinchen Wangyal
Geshe Rinchen studied at Drepung Losel Ling Monastery in India, then at the Institute of Buddhiust Dialectics. He gained his Geshe degree in 2015.
He then studied at the University of Winchester in the UK, gaining a BA (hons) Degree in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics in 2024
Geshe La has had articles published in The Scientific American in 2020 including 'Hygiene of the mind during the Pandemic’. He has also received awards for essay competitions at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics.
Geshe La’s teachings are known for their clarity, warmth, and practical applicability, making profound topics accessible to students of all backgrounds. Geshe La combines his deep knowledge with genuine compassion, inspiring students to cultivate inner peace and wisdom in their own lives.
Geshe La teaches in English fluently.