Taming of the Ego – Journey to Peace Part 2/2

Taphiritsa

The unexamined life tends to be marked by suffering and ruled by an inflated ego. We can start to discover who we really are and what is most important in life by becoming familiar with the strength and character of our own ego-identity.

Join Lama Geshe Yong Dong in this two-part teaching that will provide you with different sets of tools for taming the ego, nurturing wisdom, and finding peace within. Together, this two-part teaching creates a framework on how to reduce suffering and strengthen a joyful connection to our divine essence.

View event details and sign up here. In order to accommodate the widest audience for these two retreats, GesheLa has chosen to explain related texts and concepts from the Tibetan Bon Buddhist tradition using simple language and terms that are commonly understood in the West. Participants will also receive transmissions and learn about the traditional teachings of Ngondro, the foundation for the Bon Buddhist spiritual practice, and the unique centuries-old Tibetan techniques of Chod and Phowa. With these teachings you can finally discover your true nature; this knowledge will allow you to be happy, make happiness; be peace, and make peace.

In the spring retreat, the focus was on Taming the Ego. Our dualistic ego is the source of all of our challenges, and suffering. It creates its identity around pain. Although it continually generates dissatisfaction, what we all wish for is the happiness and bliss of a peaceful life. Taming the ego makes this kind of freedom possible.

GesheLa practicing Tsa Lung exercises

During the fall retreat, the focus will be on A Journey to Peace. This is not a journey to somewhere else. Peace is within you. It is the true nature of your mind. It is the presence of harmony in the absence of conflict.

It is the presence of tranquility, love, contentment, and appreciation in the absence of fear, violence, and disturbing thoughts or emotions such as anger, greed, and jealously.

Peace is who you really are. You will never see or experience your most authentic self through the ego. Who you are is beyond words, beyond conception, and beyond ego. In order to discover your true nature, you have to tame the ego. This is a short distance but can be long journey and process.

In order to benefit the most from both teachings, it is necessary to take the first retreat before taking the second. If you could not attend the spring retreat on Taming the Ego, it has been recorded and is available for purchase online. Once you have completed Part 1, you will be prepared to attend the Fall retreat on Journey to Peace and benefit from both.

View event details and sign up here.

*This is a 2-year teaching retreat that will continue in 2022 with substantial practice in between. More information about the 2022 retreats will be provided at the fall retreat.

Refuge Ceremony 

Geshe La will be offering everyone who registers for the spring and fall retreats, an opportunity to take the Refuge Ceremony. If anyone is interested, either to take refuge for the first time or to renew their vows, please contact Norma at i[email protected] for more information.  Deadline for registering for refuge is Sep 10, 2021.