Loving-Kindness and Compassion
2025 Chenrezig Retreat
Friday 6 June (5pm) to Tues 10 June (2pm)
Weekend only option – please enquire
This is an experiential meditation course on developing loving-kindness and compassion for oneself and others. Both beginners and those wishing to deepen their meditation practice are welcome to attend. Each day there will be explorations on Loving Kindness and Compassion, we will meditate together as a group, and there will be space for people to practice independently.
Kindness is natural and unconditional, when we recognise loving-kindness is present, we reconnect with this source of nourishment. Compassion is the spontaneous expression of loving-kindness, in response to life’s struggles. During the retreat we will explore the Tibetan Buddhist meditation of Chenrezig. This is an exploration of rich symbolic imagery, with sound (mantra), connecting us deeply with the qualities of wisdom and the expression of compassion. We will touch into a variety of themes such as: Refuge – where is my place of safety?, wholesome livelihood – what is an ethical life?, and connect into one’s heart-felt aspiration – what is most important in my life?
The opportunity to ask questions and discuss experiences and ask questions in response to the meditation practice is offered throughout the course. As a way of supporting participants to deeply benefit from this time, we will be in a space of silence for this retreat between class times.
The Facilitators
Mark Schrader is an experienced meditator and facilitator who brings enthusiasm, creativity and care to the retreat. It is the 11th year that Mark has offered this course at Wangapeka, and this year Kath Mitchell will be co-facilitating the retreat with Mark. She has many years of meditation practice and teaching experience, bringing a heart of care and joy to this work. They are life, and dharma partners of 30+ years. They have deep gratitude for the Teachers who continually support their Dharma practice.
The course is limited to 14 participants. There is the option of attending just the weekend rather than the full 4 days —please enquire.
Costs
Non-members (unit or hut): $456
Members of Wangapeka (unit or hut): $416
*Costs include food, accommodation, and a resource fee.
Dana/Koha –the Teaching is offered freely although you are welcome to offer Mark & Kath dana/koha as an expression of your generosity and support for the Teachings.
For more information – please contact Mark at: – schrader.mark@gmail.com
About Mark Schrader:
Mark has appreciated co-facilitating various Community-led Courses at Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre and has an extensive background in meditation and continues to keep a regular daily meditation practice spanning many years. He has a respectful style of teaching that encourages each person to touch into their own inherent wisdom. He teaches with humour and kindness. Mark began working in the field of Mental Health about 20 years ago and currently works as a counsellor in Nelson where he lives with his partner, Kath.
About Kath Mitchell
Kath completed her first meditation retreat with Tarchin Hearn in 1989. She has studied Dharma with Bonni Ross for over twenty-five years and continues to cherish this precious opportunity. Kath is a teacher and health worker. She offers meditation retreats, workshops and meditation instruction at Wangapeka and in Nelson. She loves to practice Dharma and study in community, because the wisdom of the group is a powerful and beautiful path to transformation; and that is always a joy to witness and experience together!
Information and Registration
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