Loving-Kindness & Compassion
2026 Chenrezig Retreat
Friday 26 June (5pm) to Thurs 2 July (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.
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 a Loving-Kindness practice and the Tibetan Buddhist meditation of Chenrezig. The Chenrezig practice is rich with symbolic imagery and uses sound (mantra) to connect us deeply with the qualities of wisdom and compassion. We will touch into 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?
Each day we will meditate together as a group, and there will be space for people to practice independently, and enjoy the healing environment of Wangapeka. The opportunity to discuss 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 course is limited to 14 participants. There is the option of attending just the weekend rather than the full 7 days —please enquire.
The Facilitators
Mark Schrader is an experienced meditator and facilitator who brings enthusiasm, creativity and care to the retreat. It is the 12th year that this retreat has offered at Wangapeka, and this year Kath Mitchell will co-facilitate the retreat with Mark. Kath has many years of meditation practice and teaching experience, bringing a heart of care and joy. Mark and Kath are life, and dharma partners of 30+ years and are deeply grateful for the Teachers who continually support their Dharma practice.
About Mark Schrader:
Mark appreciates co-facilitating a range of Community-led Courses at Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre. He has an extensive background in meditation and continues to keep a regular daily meditation practice that spans many years. He has a respectful style of teaching that encourages each person to touch into their own inherent wisdom and teaches with humour and kindness. Mark began working in the field of Mental Health about 25 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!
Costs
Unit or Hut
Non-members $696*
Members of Wangapeka $636*
*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.
Information and Registration
For more information – please contact Mark at: – schrader.mark@gmail.com
To register please fill out our online registration form
Please consider becoming a Wangapeka member – click here for details.