Wheel of Life Retreat
Part 3 Concluding Retreat
In the Mountains of the Meditation Challenge «Beyond Pain»
at Kailash IRC – Valais
17–20 May 2024
with gen kelsang devi
Spend your Pentecost weekend differently this time. Join a retreat on the "Wheel of Life." The "Wheel of Life" is a diagram drawn by Buddha that teaches the complete path to enlightenment. It encompasses Buddha's teachings on the "Four Noble Truths" and the "twelve links of dependent origination," a chain-like series of cause and effect that explains how we became bound to suffering. By meditating on this diagram, we can liberate ourselves from this cycle and experience lasting freedom and happiness.
This retreat marks the culmination of the "Free from Pain" meditation challenge. It is a special opportunity to further deepen our experience of the joyful state of renunciation and to solidify the wisdom gained during our five weeks of training. This retreat is also open to participants who have not taken part in the meditation challenge.
Information about the "Free from Pain" Meditation Challenge can be found here.
Price
see below
Language
English with German translation
Place
at Kailash IRC
(Törbel, Wallis)
What to expect
The retreat begins with an introduction on Friday evening. Following that, all meditation sessions are guided and include Buddhist prayers and silent time for contemplation and meditation. During the breaks, throughout the entire retreat, you'll have time every day to relax and take walks in the beautiful mountain landscape. Additionally, each person participating in the group retreat helps out with a small task during the breaks to ensure that the retreat runs smoothly.
During the retreat, everyone is encouraged to limit distracting activities, especially the use of cell phones and digital devices, to enhance the meditative experience and discover the profound benefits of meditation.
The Teacher
Gen Kelsang Devi is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Switzerland and Kailash International Retreat Center. She is a modern Buddhist nun and very experienced teacher of the New Kadampa Tradition, who has been engaged in the study and practice of Kadampa Buddhism for twenty-five years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. During this time Gen Devi herself has been on silent retreats for extended periods and has also led a large number of group retreats ranging from several days to several months.
Course Information
Price & Accommodation
PRICES FOR A RETREAT FROM FRIDAY–MONDAY:
Main House
- Single room – CHF 420
- Twin room – CHF 360
(must be booked by each person individually) - Dormitory – CHF 285
All rooms in the main house share bathrooms
Temple
- Single room with own bathroom (outside of room) - CHF 465
- Single room with en-suite bathroom – CHF 480
- Single room with en-suite bathroom (wheelchair accessible) – CHF 490
Course only
- Without meals and without accommodation – CHF 150
- With meals but without accommodation - CHF 210
Please contact us at anmeldung@kadampa.ch for further accommodation options in the village.
Timetable
Friday 17 May 2024
Starting from 14:00 pm | Arrival
18:00 pm | Supper
19:30 pm | Introduction
Sat&Sun 18&19 May 2024
7:30–8:45 am | Breakfast
09:00–10:15 am | Retreat Session 1
11:30 – 12:45 pm | Retreat Session 2
13:00pm | Lunch
16:30 – 17:45 pm | Retreat Session 3
19:30–20:45 pm | Retreat Session 4
Monday 20 May 2024
7:30–8:45 am | Breakfast
09:00–10:00 am | Retreat Session 1
10:45 – 12:00 pm | Question & Answer Session
13:00 pm | Cleaning, lunch and departure
Language
In English with German translation
Place
This retreat will take place at the Kailash International Retreat Center in Törbel, Valais
Registration
Registration with advance payment is required
Frequently asked questions
Can people attend our courses even if they are not Buddhists?
Yes - Everyone is welcome at Kadampa Meditation Center Switzerland. No one is excluded, no matter what your background or beliefs are. The methods and practices taught here are suitable for everyone, no matter how much experience you have.
Do I have to wear certain clothes to attend the events at the center?
No - Please come as you are. At KMC Switzerland, chairs and meditation cushions are provided for seating. If you like to sit on the cushion, we recommend that you wear comfortable clothing. Traditionally you will be asked to take off your shoes before entering the meditation room. We have floor heating and socks if needed.
Do I need meditation experience to participate?
No - Many people who come to our events have little or no experience. It doesn't matter if you have tried to meditate before without much success. Everyone finds meditation challenging in the beginning because our mind is naturally very busy. Kadampa Meditation Center is a perfect place to train in meditation.
Is the center also accessible by wheelchair?
Yes - Our meditation room is at ground level and we lay out ramps for the few steps we have.
