For the Benefit of All – Generating A Positive Motivation

An experiential meditation retreat working with the ways of generating a positive motivation for our daily practice.
The lam. rim (stages of the path) tradition is divided into three sections that correspond to different levels of aspiration or motivation from wishing for our own favourable rebirth to the great mind of bodhicitta – wishing to attain complete enlightenment ourselves in order to benefit all beings. Our ability to achieve each of these levels depends on our developing a strong and heartfelt motivation.
We will engage in the meditations on:

The “Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind” (precious human rebirth, death and impermanence, karma and the nature of samsara),

The ways of developing the altruistic motivation of bodhichitta and

The tong.Len (taking and giving) meditation from the lo. jong (mind training) tradition

We shall set these gently within the short practice of Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion, whose blessings can help us achieve the precious mind of bodhichitta.

This retreat is for anyone who wants to develop a clear and practical method for developing good motivation that can be easily and quickly applied to their everyday practice.

As this is not a teaching course but an experiential meditation retreat, it is especially suitable for those who have a basic or more advanced grounding in Buddhist philosophy. Beginners are also welcome although doing some prior background reading on the topics above will help you experience the benefits of the retreat greatly.

Ray has been trying to practice the Dharma for over forty years spending much of that time offering service living in dharma centres, studying, meditating and also training as a thangka artist. He has spent several periods in retreat and has just completed 10 months of individual retreat in the remote wilds of the Shetland Islands where he currently lives.

As we don’t receive any subsidies from other organisations we rely solely on the kind generosity of others. If you would like to make a donation to help us cover our considerable monthly costs (including via an online bank transfer or postal cheque), please choose the amount you would like to offer using the form below (or enter a custom amount), click ‘Donate’, then choose a payment method and provide all the details we require to process your donation. Your generosity will help us continue to offer beneficial services to yourself and others.

You may also like to make a regular contribution to the centre by becoming a Branch of Joy. This kind of support gifts us a steady and ongoing income, which in turn provides the confidence and means for us to continue to flourish for many years to come.

Thank you and may you be happy.