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Unfolding an Infinite Merit Field: Meditations Combining the Six Perfections with Awakening Mind, Nanaimo, BC
May 8 @ 7:30 pm – May 12 @ 12:00 pm UTC-8
An Invitation from Island Dharma
Please join us this May for a Retreat with Lama Mark Webber (Lama Chokyi Gyaltsen)
Unfolding an Infinite Merit Field: Meditations Combining the Six Perfections with Awakening Mind
May 8-12, 2024
Nanaimo, B.C. – Bethlehem Retreat Centre
Unfolding in wisdom and compassion requires developed qualities called a merit field. Please join us for an expansive retreat of teachings and meditations from Lama Mark Webber on the vital practices of the Six Parami (the six excellences or six perfections) mixed with Bodhicitta (the awakening mind of wisdom-compassion).
Lama Webber will introduce and expand on:
- Classic meditations and contemplations on the Six Parami: generosity, ethics, energy, patience, meditative stability and wisdom.
- Understanding relative and transcendent Bodhicitta and learning to mix it inseparably with the Parami.
These are instructions on building strength and capacity—Merit—specifically for the Path of liberation and awakening.
Those in full retreat will be able to have check-ins with the Lama.
Registration Details
This will be a mixed residential and non-residential retreat. In an effort to cover retreat costs incurred by Island Dharma (including Lama Mark’s accommodation, travel and food as well as supplies and any printing costs) there is registration fee of $150. In addition, there are several options for accommodation & meals or you may attend as a commuter (you will sleep at home) with or without meals.
Registration is being handled by Bethlehem Centre. Find all details here.
Please note these costs do not include Dana for the teacher.
Dana for the Teacher
Lama Mark offering the Dharma here on Vancouver Island is a rare and auspicious opportunity to receive teachings and explorations about the Path of Awakening. As is traditional, the teachings of Buddha Dharma are offered freely – Lama Mark receives no fee. However, there is an opportunity for students to show their gratitude for the teachings and to help support the teacher. Dana (generosity & donations for the teacher) will be gratefully accepted (cash/cheque/e-transfer). As a guideline, a minimum of $25 per class is suggested.
Schedule
Wednesday May 8th – Evening class 7:30 pm
Thursday May 9thth through Saturday May 11h – Classes at 9:30 am and 7:30 pm
Sunday May 12 – Morning class at 9:30 pm – retreat ends a noon
ONLINE CLASSES OPTION
We at Island Dharma are pleased to announce we will provide an online option for the upcoming retreat with Lama Mark in Nanaimo. This option is made available to those students who are not able to travel to Vancouver Island to attend in person.
Schedule for Online Classes – All times Pacific
Wednesday May 8th – Evening class 7:30 pm
Thursday May 9thth & Friday May 10th – Classes at 9:30 am and 7:30 pm
Saturday May 11 – Morning class at 9:30 am
NOTE – We will provide a limited time replay of the classes to assist students who are in differing time zones. However, the request is that you attend as many classes live as you are able.
Course Fee
In an effort to cover retreat costs incurred by Island Dharma (including Lama Mark’s accommodation, travel and food as well as supplies) there is registration fee of $100 CAN for the online option payable to Island Dharma. After you register you will receive instruction how to etransfer or, if outside Canada, pay using Paypal. (No one will be turned away for lack of funds – please email Island Dharma if you need a lower fee)
Please note this course fee does not include Dana for the teacher – see below.
TO REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE CLASSES
Please click here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/885193366187?aff=oddtdtcreator
You will be directed to an event bright registration page. Choose one “ticket”. Click and you will be directed to a page where you enter your name & email then click Register. You will then receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to submit your course fee. Once Island Dharma receives your course fee we will send you an email with your personal online platform link and the relevant details.
If you have any questions, or difficulty registering, email
islanddharmaretreats@gmail.com
We look forward to hosting you.
Lama Mark Webber (Lama Yongdu Chokyi Gyaltsen) has been studying, meditating, and teaching Buddha-dharma for almost fifty years. For thirty years his main root teacher was the great Ven. Dorje Namgyal Rinpoche who taught all three cycles of the Buddha’s teachings, including Abhidhamma, Vipassana in the lineage of Mahāsi Sayādaw, generation and completion stage practices of the Tantrayana and Mahamudra/Dzogchen of many lineages, especially of the Karma Kagyu and Sakya. Under the guidance and transmissions of the late Drikung Lho Ontul Rinpoche and requests of H.E. Lho Karma Ratna Rinpoche, Lama Webber has been teaching principally the richness of the Drikung Mahamudra, Drikung Dzogchen Yangzab and Orgyen Nuden Dorje Dzogchen traditions, transmissions of pith texts of Padmasmabhava, Je Gampopa, Jamgön Ju Mipham, Dza Patrul Rinpoche and Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra a transmission from Amnyi Trulchung Rinpoche.
He has a deep and long-term interest in the sciences and collaborates in marine biology research and the arts which he integrates with the teaching of Buddhism. Lama Webber is a founding board director of the national ecological research institute IMERSS (imerss.org)
Lama Webber’s compassionate activities demonstrate a profound commitment to freeing beings from innumerable suffering states. His emphasis with practitioners and students is on uncovering pure Dharma to reveal its extraordinary benefits and share the great joy of its deep study, meditative practices and integration into all aspects of our lives.
Logistics-
What to Bring/Wear?
- Notebook and pen
- Yoga mat or blanket
- Kitchen digital countdown timer for tracking meditation periods. (Students will not be allowed to use their cell phone or smart watches)
- Digital alarm clock (to avoid cell phone checking) or using phone as an alarm if you are staying on site)
- Cushion or meditation bench
- Chairs will be available to those who need them
- Wear modest, comfortable clothing
- Covered water bottle
Bethlehem Retreat Centre
2371 Arbot Road
Nanaimo B.C. V9R 6S9
For more information about Island Dharma, please see