LIVING THE VOW … Bodhisattva Activity in this World, with Bonni Ross – CLOSED

Take responsibility; gather wisdom; make friends.
Together, make a world.
We are the only species on this world capable of awakening.
We are the awakening of our world.

Glimpses of the qualities of awakened mind sparkle through in our minds. And then we read or watch the news. How to hold this paradox: every human has Buddhanature; but there is so much crazy!

Just as historical bodhisattvas have understood that the most far-reaching way to help others attain freedom and happiness is by training themselves in the Six Perfections, so must we. Through an enthusiastic life of offering, ethical integrity, forbearance, strength and meditation we create an intentional force of liberation that supports and transforms all of life. There is no template other than this for bodhisattva activity.

In our action-oriented society, time out for internal healing and development is rare. However, without exploring the depth and breadth of our minds, our wholesome actions are limited. In this retreat, we will share with one another, study and practice strategically. We’ll pause, enter the darkness and the silence, alone-together.

“It’s in this world, where our ankles go out from under us,
Our hearts get broken,
And we weep tears that are solvents for whatever is stuck within us
That awakening can happen.”

from VIMALAKIRTI AND THE AWAKENED HEART by Joan Sutherland

This retreat is designed for experienced practitioners whose motivation in life is infused with The Bodhisattva Vow. If you wish to attend this retreat, there is a 2-step process of application and registration.

Application: Please write a letter telling us about yourself (even if you think we should know already.) Include when you first received The Bodhisattva Vow, and what your experience of living with that vow since then has been. Add any other information you feel is relevant. Send it as soon as you can.

Please send in your application letter and wait to hear from the Course Manager before registering. Applications for this retreat are now CLOSED.

Please do not complete the on-line registration process until you have heard from Graham Sandlant, Course Manager. If you have any questions, contact Graham: graham.ento@gmail.com

Costs

Costs include single room accommodation, meals, payment for the cook and a resource fee. It does not include dana to the teacher.

Accommodation in a Unit or Hut

Members $2,462
Non members $2,742

Camping

Members $1,958
Non members $2,042

About dana

These priceless teachings can’t be quantified in monetary terms. Liberation teachings have always been given freely by Bonni.

An offering can be made to the teacher, traditionally at the beginning of the retreat, and is a profound practice in itself. Giving can help us open; and through an open-hearted state of receptivity, we can find ourselves more able to receive.

Giving as generously as you can enables Bonni to continue sharing the precious Buddhadharma for the benefit of all.

About Bonni Ross

Bonni Ross has taught extensively at the Wangapeka over the last 30 years and is a deeply respected ‘Centre Elder ‘. She guides individuals in developing focused and skillful meditation and leads retreats for depth unfoldment.

Bonni began exploring the teachings of liberation in the early sixties. In the mid 70’s she met her principal teacher, Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche, whose direct, eclectic teaching and example are central to her life. Bonni teaches from a deep wealth of meditative experience. She communicates with sensitivity, creativity and humour in a way that resonates with each individual present.

Bonni is one of the founders of the dharmasphere collective and one of the visionaries behind the innovative project ‘2020 A Year of Clear Vision’.

She is inspired by ‘ordinary’ people who demonstrate exceptional courage and compassion in the midst of great suffering. Somewhat unexpectedly, Bonni now finds herself living in Nelson, and is currently deeply engaged in studying Maoritanga.

Information

If you have any questions, contact the Course Manager, Graham Sandlant: graham.ento@gmail.com

Registration

PLEASE NOTE: Registration for this retreat is by application only.

To apply for a place on this retreat, please write a letter telling us about yourself (even if you think we should know already). Please submit your application as soon as you can.

In the letter include when you first received The Bodhisattva Vow, and what your experience of living with that vow since then has been. Add any other information you feel is relevant.

Send the letter to Graham: graham.ento@gmail.com

Please DO NOT complete the on-line registration process until you have heard from Graham. He will send you an email inviting you to complete the Online Registration process.

If using Paypal please add 5% of the total cost and include with your payment to cover Paypal’s fees.

Please consider becoming a Wangapeka member – click here for details.

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