St. John's University, MN

Exploring the Nature of Mind
A Path of Liberation Meditation Retreat
with Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche
May/June 2011

This practice retreat presents a rare opportunity to receive in-depth teachings on the nature of mind from Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche. The nature of mind teachings are drawn from the paths of Mahamudra and Dzogchen, the highest and most profound meditative teachings of the Kagyü and Nyingma Schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The retreat is a practice intensive. Each day will include 6-8 hours of formal meditation practice, along with a daily teaching and periodic small group discussions, led by Tergar instructors.

Tsoknyi Rinpoche will lead the retreat from May 28th to June 3rd, during which time he will give daily teachings and offer small-group interviews. The first and last weeks of the retreat will include video teachings by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, along with instruction and group practices led by Tergar instructors and lamas.

• About Tsoknyi Rinpoche
• Tsoknyi Rinpoche's schedule

Details

When:

• May 22 - June 3, 2011 (two-week option)
• May 22 - June 11, 2011 (full retreat)

Where:

• St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota, USA

Cost:

• Two-Week Option:
  • Single Room
    • Base - $1,425
    • Sponsor - $1,650
  • Double Room
    • Base - $1,200
    • Sponsor - $1,375
• Full Retreat:
  • Single Room
    • Base - $1,835
    • Sponsor - $2,065
  • Double Room
    • Base - $1,585
    • Sponsor - $1,810

Contact: stjohns@tergar.org
Registration: If you would like to attend, please fill out our online registration form.

Deposit

In order for your registration to be accepted, you must include a deposit of $500. The balance of your retreat fee is due (payable by cash, check, or credit card) when you check in on opening day. The minimum deposit is the same regardless of what room, rate or length of time you choose. If you prefer, you may include the full payment for your room during the registration process.

Cancellation Policy:
An administrative fee of $100 will be charged for all cancellations prior to March 1st, 2011. After March 1st, the cancellation fee will be $500.

Qualifications

This retreat is open to all individuals who meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. Have attended the Path of Liberation Level I or Mahamudra Level I with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and completed its practice requirements or will complete them prior to the retreat (attendance at last year's month long retreat or the advanced track of last year's weeklong retreat fulfills this criteria)
2. Have completed the full preliminary practices (the 4 x 100,000 ngondro)
3. Have received pointing out teachings from a qualified Buddhist lineage holder (a tulku or rinpoche)
4. Have had a daily meditation practice for at least five years and attended either group or solitary practice retreats (with 6+ hours of formal meditation practice each day) under the guidance of a Buddhist teacher for a total of at least thirty days

Accommodation & Retreat Fees

If you plan to attend either the first two weeks or the full retreat, you will need to arrive on opening day. It will not be possible to commence your retreat later in the program. Retreat fees are inclusive of room, meals, and teachings. Both single and double rooms are available. The only difference between these two options is the number of occupants per room. All bathrooms are shared (with separate bathrooms for male/female on each floor).

There are also two levels to the fee structure, a base level for people who have less means and a sponsor level for people who can afford to support the Tergar Meditation Community's activities at a greater level. Please indicate your room preference and the level at which you are paying in the appropriate place on the registration form. If a lack of resources makes it impossible for you to attend the retreat please contact us at stjohns@tergar.org.

The fee for a single room for the two-week retreat is $1,425 at the base level and $1,650 at the sponsor level. A double room for the two-week retreat is $1,200 at the base level and $1,375 at the sponsor level.

The fee for a single room for the full retreat is $1,835 at the base level and $2,065 at the sponsor level. The fee for a double room for the full retreat is $1,585 at the base level and $1,810 at the sponsor level.

Teacher Support

In an effort to keep the cost of this retreat as low as possible, we set the retreat rate such that it just covers the cost of room and board at the retreat and additional operating overheads, as well as a modest honorarium for Tsoknyi Rinpoche. You will also have the opportunity to make a personal offering to support Tsoknyi Rinpoche and his activities.

Cancellation Policy

An administrative fee of $100 will be charged for all cancellations prior to March 1st, 2011. After March 1st, the cancellation fee will be $500.

Arrival & Departure Info

Check-in will be from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the opening day of the retreat, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm and the first teaching following dinner. The two-week option will end at noon on Friday, June 3rd, 2011. The full retreat will end at noon on Saturday, June 11th, 2011. On June 3rd and 11th, there will be a farewell ceremony in the morning, followed by lunch.

Food

Three vegetarian meals will be served each day. The kitchen at St. John's University is not able to cater to special dietary needs.

Location

St. John's University is situated about 80 miles NW of Minneapolis just off Interstate 94 in the town of Collegeville, MN. The closest major airport is Minneapolis/St. Paul International (MSP).