Love and compassion are not fleeting sentiments; they are inherent capacities within us that can be cultivated and expanded. However, the very tide of modern life often diverts our attention. How can we reconnect with these qualities and foster a genuine sense of love and true connection?
The Four Immeasurables, also known as Boundless Qualities in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, offer a path to cultivate an expansive heart. By engaging in these practices, we can elevate our awareness, dissolve feelings of isolation, and rediscover our innate connection to others and the world.
Rooted in the ancient wisdom of Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the meditation techniques associated with The Four Immeasurables provide pathways to break free from isolation and experience genuine connection with all beings.
In this weekend retreat led by beloved meditation teacher Lama Chönyi, participants will be introduced to these ancient teachings in a contemporary context. The retreat will focus on meditation practices centered around each of the four qualities mentioned in the Metta Sutta.
What are the Four Boundless Qualities?
1. Compassion (Karuna)
2. Loving Kindness (Metta)
3. Sympathetic Joy (Mudita)
4. Equanimity (Upekkha)
Lama Chönyi will delve into the profound meanings of these qualities, explaining why they are essential for achieving lasting happiness and, ultimately, liberation for oneself and others. Grounded in wisdom and compassion, these practices are designed to integrate into everyday life, empowering individuals to recognize their interconnected nature, release ill will, and lead a more fulfilling existence.
What You’ll Learn:
Foundational Practices for Compassion and Connection.
Develop skills to connect with the Four Immeasurables, fostering a more expansive sense of love and compassion. These foundational practices can help shift perspectives from self-centered views toward greater inclusivity and openness.
Cultivating Inner Peace and Releasing Attachment.
Learn to identify and release patterns of attachment, aversion, and ignorance that often cloud our perception and create suffering. By cultivating equanimity, you may begin to untangle from these reactive patterns, discovering a deeper sense of peace.
Practices for Forgiveness and Reconciliation.
Engage in exercises that encourage self-compassion and forgiveness. These practices can help release resentment and foster kindness toward oneself and others. They can also enhance relationships and cultivate ease in daily interactions.
Understanding the Root of Suffering and Interconnectedness.
Explore the notion that suffering arises from the belief in separateness. These teachings show how we are deeply interconnected, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of belonging and unity with others.
Practical Methods for Integrating the Four Immeasurables into Everyday Life. Discover techniques to bring the Four Immeasurables into daily experiences, making compassion, kindness, joy, and equanimity part of your ongoing journey.
Who is this Retreat For?
Anyone looking to expand their capacity for connection and compassion. No meditation or previous experience is required.
Location:
In person at the beautiful Bodhi House at the Namchak Retreat Ranch in Hot Springs, Montana.
Or join us online via Zoom. Address and Zoom link sent upon registration.
Date and Time:
Friday, February 21, 2025, 5 pm – Sunday, February 23, 2025, 5 pm MST
Optional Silent Retreat: Monday, February 24- Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Details:
- Shuttle to and from the Bodhi House from the Missoula airport will be provided.
- Optional Silent Retreat: Monday, February 24- the morning of Wednesday, February 26, 2025
- Please fly into Missoula by 3 pm on Friday.
- The departure shuttle will be available Monday morning or Wednesday morning, depending on whether you will stay for the two days of silent retreat.
- Lodging (small individual rooms at the Bodhi House), food, and a shuttle are included in the retreat price.
Sliding Scale Pricing Structure:
Our intention is to make this retreat financially accessible to all, so we offer a tiered fee structure. You will be able to choose whichever level works best for you. Please let us know if program costs present a financial barrier by reaching out to emily@namchak.org.
The ticket price for this retreat also includes a shuttle* from the Missoula airport (MSO) to the Bodhi House at Namchak Retreat Ranch in Hot Springs, Montana, meals, and lodging.
* Shuttles will be arranged for Friday afternoon as well as Monday and Wednesday morning.
Supported – For those with limited financial resources who will benefit from participating in the retreat.
Suggested – For those with sufficient financial resources who can pay for the experience without difficulty.
Sponsored – For those with the financial resources and the desire to support access for others.
If program costs present a financial barrier, please contact emily@namchak.org. As space allows, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Please be sure to select the appropriate Add-On during ticket purchase if you plan to attend the optional additional two days of silent retreat.
Registration & Add-Ons:
When registering, please complete the following 2 steps:
STEP 1: Select the way in which you’ll be attending this retreat (In-person or Online via Zoom for the Weekend Teachings) according to our sliding scale.
STEP 2: Select whether or not you will be joining us for the optional additional two days of silent retreat following the weekend of teachings. If you are planning to join us for 2-Day Silent Retreat, please select whether you will be joining in-person or online via Zoom.
Shuttles:
Shuttles will be arranged for Friday afternoon as well as Monday and Wednesday morning. Please book your flights accordingly in order to ensure you can catch one of these shuttles to and from Missoula to the Bodhi House.
Inbound shuttles:
*Shuttle 1 will depart at 1pm from Missoula on Friday afternoon.
*Shuttle 2 will depart at 3:30pm from Missoula on Friday afternoon.
Outbound shuttles:
*Shuttles will depart from the Bodhi House at 9am on Monday morning.
*Shuttles will depart from the Bodhi House at 9am on Wednesday morning.