January, 30 - February 8, 2012 
Chenrezig / Tong-Len Retreat with an Introduction to Tantra
with Jimi Neal
Jimi Neal born in 1948 in Italy, to American parents, he was raised in America. He was ordained by His Holiness Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya in 1980. A monk for 15 years; Jimi spent ten of those years living and studying at Nalanda Monastery. Jimi now lives permanently in Dharamsala, India where he teaches and does retreat. Jimi has been very fortunate to have received teachings, initiations, and guidance from many great Lamas such as the former Zong Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe, Lama zopa Rinpoche, His Holiness, etc. He began teaching in 1992 and has taught many times in Root Institute.
About The Retreat:
Chenrezig (Skrt: Avalokitesvara) is the manifestation of the objectless, unconditional, all-encompassing love and compassion of all the Buddhas. The two levels of Bodhicitta are present in the form of Chenrezig: relative Bodhicitta, relating to compassion and absolute bodhicitta, relating to emptiness. By meditating on Chenrezig we can overcome our own self-centredness and develop ultimate wisdom and compassion. His Holiness the Dalai Lama represents the living embodiment of this aspect of the Buddha. The retreat will follow the traditional structure of four daily meditation sessions, combining visualization of the deity with Tong-len meditation practice. Tong-len means “giving and taking”, or exchanging self and others, and is a unique and extraordinarily powerful practice. Tong-len destroys the mind of selfishness and opens the heart of loving kindness and compassion. Lama Zopa Rinpoche says, “This exchanging of self for others is the fundamental psychology that eliminates the very root of all our problems… Cherishing other living beings immediately heals our mind by curing it of self-cherishing, the major creator of all our problems.” (Ultimate Healing)
Prerequisites for Chenrezig Retreat:
- One should have a very good grounding in and understanding of the Lam Rim.
- In addition one would normally have made a personal commitment to following the Buddhist path including having taken Refuge and Bodhisattva vows.
- As it is a tantric practice one should also have an understanding of what tantric practice is.
Next:
February, 10 - 25, 2012
Insight Meditation - "The Path of Purification of Satipatthanna - with a drop of Mahamudra"
with Ven. Antonio Satta
