Building Strength and Capacity in the Path of Liberation and Awakening
Lama Mark Webber (Lama Yongdu Gyaltsen)
September 12-13, 2020
Nanaimo, B.C.
Bethlehem Retreat Centre
Non-Residential mini-retreat
Register by emailing [email protected]
September 12-13, 2020
Nanaimo, B.C.
Bethlehem Retreat Centre
Non-Residential mini-retreat
Register by emailing [email protected]
Please join us for a rich weekend of teachings and meditations from Lama Mark Webber on the crucial topic of building strength and capacity—Merit—in the Path of Liberation and Awakening. These teachings are open to all. Three classes will be offered -
Saturday evening, September 12, 7:30 -9:30 pm
Sunday morning, September 13, 9:30 am-11:30 am
Sunday afternoon, September 13, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm.
Lama Mark writes: To gain a steady and excellent unfolding of liberation and awakeness we must gather ‘the two accumulations’: Merit and Wisdom. Although the natural condition of our mind is utterly awake and free of emotional turmoil, to make and unfold this discovery, and develop steadiness of mind, heart, and action, we need to build strength and capacity. Wisdom is the recognition of the innate freedom of mind. Merit is great love, compassion, power, determination, generosity, virtue and other wholesome qualities. Our “field of merit” is like a storehouse of gold that gives us strength in scope and range to everything we do—especially the meditations of tranquility and wisdom/insight.
Two texts will be used during this weekend’s teachings:
The Thirty-Seven Practices of all the Bodhisattvas by Gyalse Tokme Zangpo
The Thirty Seven Factors of Enlightenment, A Study Guide by Lama Chokyi Gyaltsen*
*If you attended previous Island Dharma teachings with Lama Mark you may have copies of these texts. If not, you can order them. The texts are not required but they are a helpful guide to the precious topics we will be studying together.
A hand out that will be made available to you
This will be a non-residential retreat. Please arrive by 7pm on Saturday evening so you can have time to enter the chapel and get settled. (We will of course be observing physical distancing and taking all precautions for a safe and supportive time together. More information about that below.) On Sunday there will be two classes – morning and afternoon.
You are welcome to stay on property on Sunday between the two classes. If you bring your own lunch you can eat on the grounds and perhaps enjoy a beautiful walk around Westwood Lake. The chapel will remain open for meditation and quiet contemplation over the extended lunch break.
If anyone from out of town wishes to join this retreat and stay overnight at Bethlehem Centre, please contact Bethlehem directly, let them know you are with Island Dharma, and they can arrange accommodations and meals for you.
Contact: Email [email protected] with questions or to register (details below)
Lama Mark (Lama Yongdu Chokyi Gyaltsen) has been studying and teaching Buddha-dharma for over forty years. For thirty years his main root teacher was the great Ven. 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. More recently under the guidance and request of Drikung Lho Ontul Rinpoche, Lama Mark has been teaching principally the richness of the Drikung Mahamudra and Drikung Yangzab Dzogchen traditions.
Lama Mark has a deep and long term interest and collaboration in a number of scientific fields and the arts which he integrates with the teaching of Buddhism.
His compassionate activities demonstrate a profound commitment to freeing beings from innumerable suffering states. Lama Mark’s 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.
For more information about Lama Mark please see:
http://www.markwebber.org
www.facebook.com/lamamarkwebber/
http://dharmacentre.org.nz/lama-mark-webber/
http://crystalmountain.org
https://www.facebook.com/NamgyalYangzab/
For more information about Island Dharma, please see
www.islanddharma.com
https://www.facebook.com/islanddharma/
LogisticsRegistration FeeIn an effort to cover retreat costs (including facility rental, study supplies, and Lama Mark’s accommodation, travel and food) there is registration fee of $75.00 ($55.00 – senior, student, or low income rate). Please note, no-one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Island Dharma sincerely thanks you for paying as much as you are able so we can continue to bring Lama Mark to Nanaimo – for the benefit of us all!
Register nowSpace for this non-residential weekend retreat is limited to 35 people due to physical distancing requirements. Please register in advance by emailing
[email protected]
It will help us with our planning if you register right away – thank you!
Dana for the TeacherLama 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 for the teacher) will be gratefully accepted (cash/cheque/etransfer).
LocationBethlehem Retreat Centre
2371 Arbot Road
Nanaimo B.C. V9R 6S9
(If you are seeking overnight accommodation , Phone: 250.754.3254)
What to Bring/Wear?▪ Yoga mat or blanket if you plan to sit on the floor
▪ Cushion or meditation bench if you prefer to sit on the floor
▪ Chairs will be available for everyone
▪ Covered water bottle
▪ Pen and Notebook
▪ Wear modest, comfortable clothing, perhaps bring a shawl
▪ Copies of the recommended texts if you have them or purchase them
Covid PrecautionsBethlehem Centre is diligent in Covid precautions. You can read more about their approach here. Island Dharma committee members and volunteers will be on site when you arrive to direct you to your seats and provide any hand sanitizers, etc.
Saturday evening, September 12, 7:30 -9:30 pm
Sunday morning, September 13, 9:30 am-11:30 am
Sunday afternoon, September 13, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm.
Lama Mark writes: To gain a steady and excellent unfolding of liberation and awakeness we must gather ‘the two accumulations’: Merit and Wisdom. Although the natural condition of our mind is utterly awake and free of emotional turmoil, to make and unfold this discovery, and develop steadiness of mind, heart, and action, we need to build strength and capacity. Wisdom is the recognition of the innate freedom of mind. Merit is great love, compassion, power, determination, generosity, virtue and other wholesome qualities. Our “field of merit” is like a storehouse of gold that gives us strength in scope and range to everything we do—especially the meditations of tranquility and wisdom/insight.
Two texts will be used during this weekend’s teachings:
The Thirty-Seven Practices of all the Bodhisattvas by Gyalse Tokme Zangpo
The Thirty Seven Factors of Enlightenment, A Study Guide by Lama Chokyi Gyaltsen*
*If you attended previous Island Dharma teachings with Lama Mark you may have copies of these texts. If not, you can order them. The texts are not required but they are a helpful guide to the precious topics we will be studying together.
A hand out that will be made available to you
This will be a non-residential retreat. Please arrive by 7pm on Saturday evening so you can have time to enter the chapel and get settled. (We will of course be observing physical distancing and taking all precautions for a safe and supportive time together. More information about that below.) On Sunday there will be two classes – morning and afternoon.
You are welcome to stay on property on Sunday between the two classes. If you bring your own lunch you can eat on the grounds and perhaps enjoy a beautiful walk around Westwood Lake. The chapel will remain open for meditation and quiet contemplation over the extended lunch break.
If anyone from out of town wishes to join this retreat and stay overnight at Bethlehem Centre, please contact Bethlehem directly, let them know you are with Island Dharma, and they can arrange accommodations and meals for you.
Contact: Email [email protected] with questions or to register (details below)
Lama Mark (Lama Yongdu Chokyi Gyaltsen) has been studying and teaching Buddha-dharma for over forty years. For thirty years his main root teacher was the great Ven. 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. More recently under the guidance and request of Drikung Lho Ontul Rinpoche, Lama Mark has been teaching principally the richness of the Drikung Mahamudra and Drikung Yangzab Dzogchen traditions.
Lama Mark has a deep and long term interest and collaboration in a number of scientific fields and the arts which he integrates with the teaching of Buddhism.
His compassionate activities demonstrate a profound commitment to freeing beings from innumerable suffering states. Lama Mark’s 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.
For more information about Lama Mark please see:
http://www.markwebber.org
www.facebook.com/lamamarkwebber/
http://dharmacentre.org.nz/lama-mark-webber/
http://crystalmountain.org
https://www.facebook.com/NamgyalYangzab/
For more information about Island Dharma, please see
www.islanddharma.com
https://www.facebook.com/islanddharma/
LogisticsRegistration FeeIn an effort to cover retreat costs (including facility rental, study supplies, and Lama Mark’s accommodation, travel and food) there is registration fee of $75.00 ($55.00 – senior, student, or low income rate). Please note, no-one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Island Dharma sincerely thanks you for paying as much as you are able so we can continue to bring Lama Mark to Nanaimo – for the benefit of us all!
Register nowSpace for this non-residential weekend retreat is limited to 35 people due to physical distancing requirements. Please register in advance by emailing
[email protected]
It will help us with our planning if you register right away – thank you!
Dana for the TeacherLama 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 for the teacher) will be gratefully accepted (cash/cheque/etransfer).
LocationBethlehem Retreat Centre
2371 Arbot Road
Nanaimo B.C. V9R 6S9
(If you are seeking overnight accommodation , Phone: 250.754.3254)
What to Bring/Wear?▪ Yoga mat or blanket if you plan to sit on the floor
▪ Cushion or meditation bench if you prefer to sit on the floor
▪ Chairs will be available for everyone
▪ Covered water bottle
▪ Pen and Notebook
▪ Wear modest, comfortable clothing, perhaps bring a shawl
▪ Copies of the recommended texts if you have them or purchase them
Covid PrecautionsBethlehem Centre is diligent in Covid precautions. You can read more about their approach here. Island Dharma committee members and volunteers will be on site when you arrive to direct you to your seats and provide any hand sanitizers, etc.