Courses and Retreats

Dear Sangha,

In the very beginning, on November 8, 1998, when Tenga Rinpoche decided to establish Benchen Phuntsok Ling, he wrote to his students:  The intention or goal of buying a center is that everyone who has time can do retreat there for a few weeks or months, and that it will be a permanent place for summer courses in the summer. In the further future, courses on general Buddhist teachings and personal practice are planned, which will include the gradual path of the four preliminary practices, the practice of the creation and completion stages of the yidam (Kyerim/Dzogrim), the six yogas of Naropa, and the path of Mahamudra.
By practicing Dharma there, it will be a place of extraordinary benefit to oneself and others.

These were his words, which he shared with all his students in a letter before he left for Nepal.
And at the beginning of the 2020 Summer Course, in the advice that H.E. Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche gave us via WhatsApp, he said very clearly that we were very fortunate to have been in the Dharma for many years and to have received many precious teachings and initiations from high teachers. We had read so many Dharma books - but without practice we cannot attain liberation and so now was really the time to practice, do retreat and gain experience as much as possible.

Thus, both of our Rinpoches have given the advice and instruction that we should do retreat as much as possible.

Unfortunately, the Sangha House could not be finished as a retreat place until now, so we could not offer a longer retreat. But fortunately it is now gradually getting ready so that we can start offering longer retreats next year.
In general, learning, reflecting, and meditating are essential for a Buddhist practitioner. Of these three, meditation is the most important.
An example from history is Buddha Shakyamuni, who practiced in solitude for six years and then attained Buddhahood.
In the past, the realization of all Indian yogis, yoginis and mahasiddhas came from practicing in retreat. The same is true in Tibet, where all yogis, yoginis and mahasiddhas also attained enlightenment through meditation in retreat.
Especially in our Kagyupa lineage, which is called the practice lineage, it is extremely important to practice in retreat.
Without retreat, it is very difficult for us to have experiences. Therefore, once a year, if possible, we should practice in retreat for a month or at least a week. This is really necessary.
For us, it is best to do retreat in a group.

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Additional Information:

Retreats will be held regularly each year on specific dates.

For 2022 the following dates are planned:

We are very sorry, but due to the pandemic situation the first two retreats cannot take place as planned.

(*) For the retreat "Four Objects of Mindfulness" you can shorten the duration to one week.
(**) Single Nyungnes can be done.
The other retreats last 2 weeks each.
A retreat will only take place if at least 4 participants register.

All weekend courses that have otherwise taken place, such as the Losar Mönlam or the Mahakala Puja at Christmas shall continue to take place, the retreats will be offered in addition.

Details about costs, accommodation and meals will be announced later in another newsletter.

The current corona rules and regulations for Belgium must be strictly followed.

This should happen 3 months before the retreat will start.

We hope that we have aroused your interest with these manifold, precious and very special offers, and we hope and look forward to numerous feedbacks.

With best wishes for the new year and warm regards,
Your team from BPL