Easter Retreat | April 2023

Mind in Comfort and Ease
An Easter meditation retreat with Dr Ian Gawler

Friday 7 – Monday 10 April 2023

Led by Rigpa Teacher Dr Ian Gawler
Supported by other Rigpa Teachers and Instructors
Online and in person in Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle

The gift of learning to meditate is the greatest gift you can give yourself. It is only through meditation that you can discover your true nature and find the stability and confidence you will need to live and die well.

Generally, we waste our lives, distracted from our true selves, in endless activity. Meditation is the way to bring us back to ourselves, where we can really experience and taste our full being, beyond all habitual patterns.

Shamatha meditation is the practice of ‘calm abiding’ or ‘peacefully remaining’.  In shamatha, we let our mind settle naturally and simply rest in pure awareness.

We invite you to spend this Easter “bringing your mind home” through the practice of shamatha in the supportive company of other meditators.

Join us at one of our city centres or online each day for:

●      Talks about the practice and benefits of meditation

●      Guided shamatha meditation practices

●      Time for contemplation

●      Break periods in supportive silence

●      Question and answer sessions where you can clarify your practice

About Dr Ian Gawler

Dr Ian Gawler, OAM, is a retired veterinarian, long term cancer survivor and international best-selling author who has written and taught widely on meditation for over 30 years. Ian has been a student of Sogyal Rinpoche since 1985 and from 2006 to 2013 trained in the study and practice of authentic Buddhist teachings on meditation, mind, compassion and wisdom in Rigpa via the Institute of Wisdom and Compassion in France. He has also received teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and many other teachers from across all traditions. Ian is closely involved with the Inter-Faith movement.

Ian has a long-term interest in the mind and wellbeing and his books include the ground breaking You Can Conquer Cancer and Blue Sky Mind. He co-founded the world’s first lifestyle-based self help programs for both cancer and MS and worked at the Gawler Foundation as therapeutic director for nearly 30 years. More recently he has been involved in developing a therapeutic meditation app Allevi8, and in establishing Centres for Contemplative Studies at the University of Melbourne and Monash University. Ian has appeared widely in the media and been a keynote speaker at many conferences including Practical Wisdom and Happiness and its Causes.

Dr Gawler holds a Masters in Counselling and In 1987 he received the Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the community.

This retreat is suitable for:

●      People who have been enjoying Rigpa’s 20 Minutes a Day Meditation program

●      Those who attended Inspiring a Revolution in Your Heart and Mind - A transformative course presenting the ancient wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism

●      Rigpa All Encompassing Path students

●      Anyone who would like to develop their meditation practice - whether you are experienced or not

Ian Gawler will teach in person in Melbourne, with all sessions streamed to our city centres.

Locations
Melbourne: 803 Nicholson Street, Carlton North
Sydney: 158 Australia Street, Newtown
Newcastle: Multifencing, Unit 18/26 Oakdale Rd, Gateshead

The event will be available online for those who are unable to get to a centre. If you aren't able to join at a centre in your city and you are a Rigpa member, we strongly encourage you to meet together with other sangha members to practice together.

Schedule

Friday 7 April       11.00am - 6.00pm
Saturday 8 April   9.15am - 6.00pm
Sunday 9 April     9.15am - 6.00pm
Monday 10 April  9.15am - 4.00pm