Courses and Retreats

The following courses and retreats are on the schedule for the coming year. They have been grouped by location:

Queenstown

Wangapeka

Please check back regularly as we will add more information as it comes to hand.

Older teaching schedules can be accessed here.

Queenstown

Lama Mark Webber - Teachings at Queenstown Feb/March 2010

1. The Weekend Sessions "Understanding Buddha Dharma"comprise a complete course on Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana (Mahmudra/Dozchen). The progressive path of Buddhism involves moving from one 'yana' (vehicle) to the next. This is as detailed explanation of the scope of Buddha Dharma. It is rare indeed to find such an encompassing teaching. It is important to try and follow the course all the way through, session by session. The Lama will explain this in more detail in the course of the Friday night (12 February) session. (Cost $40.00 the course or $10.00 per session - that does not include Dana - anyone unable to meet these costs may pay what they can afford).

2. The Weekday Sessions (RED) comprise a "Detailed Examination of the Chenrezig Sadhana". This too is a complete course. While of great interest to anyone wishing to understand Vajrayana practice it is especially meaningful for those who have been working with the Chenrezig practice through the Centre. This is an opportunity to get to grips with what exactly yidam practice is and why it is so powerful. It is important to try and follow the course all the way through, session by session. This will be a revelation. The Lama will explain this in more detail in the course of the Friday night (12 February) session. (Cost $40.00 the course or $10.00 per session - that does not include Dana - anyone unable to meet these costs may pay what they can afford).

12 February (Friday)- 7.30pm

What is Dharma? And an overview of the teachings thru to the 9th of March.

13/14 - at 10.00 am and 2.00(2:30 pm) (2 sessions per day)

Basic Buddhism. Topics: The causes of difficult and conflicted emotional states; how conflict and strife arises within ourselves, others, communities and societies; how conflicted emotional states can be dissolved, not suppressed; what is healing; how far can we heal and transform--mentally and physically--ourselves. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Noble Path. Hinayana Path.

16th (Tue)

Teachings on Refuge, Precepts and Bodhisattva commitments.

17th (Wed)

Chenrezig Empowerment and brief teachings on the Chenresig meditation.

20/21 (Sat/Sun) - 10.00 am and 2.00 (2:30 pm) (2 sessions per day)

The Path of the Bodhisattva. Topics: Continued teachings on the scope of the Bodhisattva Path; the path of development--the Paramitas; the essential importance of compassion and its vast scope of transformation and freedom for all types of beings. Teachings on the Mahayana view.

23/24 (Tue/Wed) - 7.30 pm

Chenrezig - The Union of Compassion and Emptiness.

25 - 7.30 pm

Chenrezig meditation. Group Mediation with Lama Mark

27/28 (Sat/Sun) - 10.00 am and 2.00 (2:30 pm) (2 sessions per day)

Where Dharma and Science Meet. Topics: It is important that Westerners knowledgeably understand why they are meditating, why it works and how it works. In the pass few decades considerable research has occurred on meditation, mindfulness and neuroplasticity. This research has begun to explain the physiologic and psychological basis of what often appears as esoteric or ritual practices. In addition, research has demonstrated that for the most part, we can dramatically alter our physiology, thus our mental states. However, the extent of the changes are mainly due to how much relaxed attention, interest and how often and for how long these factors are sustained. Are we really interested in learning? Are we placing 'groves' and 'ruts' in the brain that build negativity, hurt and pain, or groves of "openness, compassion and clarity?" Are we building for ourselves and others the spaces and environments by which to grow? We certainly have a choice!

2/3 March (Tue/Wed) 7.30 pm

Chenrezig and an Overview of Vajrayana, Mahamudra and Dzogchen traditions.

4 March (Thurs) 7.30 pm

Group Chenrezig meditation with Lama Mark.

6/7 - (Sat/Sun)

Dharma Practice mini retreat 10.00 am to 4.00 pm each day. Effective practice and how it may be maintained. A mini retreat on effective practices - study, meditation, retreats, body work, awareness and mindfulness. Every day starts with a short Chenrezig meditation.

(8th? Empowerment to be announced - this will bring together all the theory expounded in the weekend and weekday sessions in a practice - watch this space!)

9th

Dinner together. (Venue to be advised)

Wangapeka

RETREAT AT WANGAPEKA RETREAT CENTRE

With: Lama Mark Webber

Location: Wangapeka

Dates: 20 March - 1 May 2010

Course Description:
Neuroplasticty and Meditation
Illusory Nature of Phenomena
Personal Guided Retreat

Until now there has only been the opportunity to register for the full 42 day retreat.  Now there is the opportunity to register for shorter terms. 
 
If you have already:
1.  Registered for the full 42 days and
2.  have paid your deposit,
Then you need not read any further. 
 
Otherwise (subject to availability) there are the following options:
 
Applications are invited for any of the following:
1.  Full 42 day retreat commencing 20 March.
2.  Part retreat of two weeks commencing 20 March.
3.  Part retreat of four weeks commencing 3 April.  (Applications for less than four weeks may be considered if places are available and at Lama Mark's discretion)
 
Important Note: Indicated interest is high for all three options.  As accommodation is limited places will be allocated as follows:
1.  First, to those registering for the full 42 days, and
2.  Secondly, to those wishing to register for less than 42 days.  Note: for applicants proposing to retreat from 3 April the longer the retreat the better the chance of securing a place.
 
 
Summary of Retreat Program
 
First Term
20 March - arrive and settle in.
 
21 March to 3 April - 
Neuroplasticty and Meditation: breathing through the clouds obscuring Innate Awareness. Topics: Crafting a retreat: the art of enquiry and interest. Mental-body maps and the science of meditation. Energy Yoga through movement-awareness.  Settling the body-mind.  Empowerment, teaching and practice - to be advised.
 
3 April - Those due to depart should clean and vacate their rooms as early as practicable to make them available for those arriving.
 
Second Term
3 April to 1 May -
Mahamaya Empowerment and practice, combined with teachings on the illusory nature of all phenomena.
Topics: The practice and instructions of the Mahamaya Yoga;
Energy Yoga instructions and group practice through movement-awareness sessions, guided meditations;
Teachings on the illusory nature of all phenomena, neural maps and cognition, emptiness and compassion;
Exploring the nature of experience through penetrative insight;
The bliss-awareness of simply being.
Personal retreat guidance. Deepening the retreat.
Topics: Personal retreat guidance;
The retreat concludes with an Empowerment (to be announced), teachings and end of retreat 
 
A period of personal retreat guidance will be included in the last week, deepening the retreat.
The retreat will conclude with an Empowerment (to be announced), teachings and end of retreat feast offering.
 
You are now invited to make application for a period of retreat commencing on either the 20th of March or the 3rd of April.  Please also state the date on which you would propose to leave.  All applicants will be advised and from successful applicants a deposit will be requested. 
  
Cost (not including dana)
 
Option 1.  20 March to 1 May 2010.  (42 days) Accommodation and Food - $2,150.00 for a sole occupancy room. 
 
Option 2.  20 March to 3 April 2010.  (14 days) Accommodation and Food - $830.00 for a sole occupancy room. 
 
Option 3.  3 April to 1 May 2010.  (28 days) Accommodation and Food - $1,550.00 for a sole occupancy room.   
 
Note, retreatants who have been members of Wangapeka for at least 12 months are entitled to a discount of $6.00 per day on the above costs to a maximum of $180.00.
If you qualify please draw this to our attention. 
 
Assignment of cabins/rooms will be undertaken in consultation with Lama Mark - order of registration will be a consideration but not the only consideration.  
 
To register you should confirm your registration to Qtndharmahouse@yahoo.com by return email.  There will then be a 25% deposit payable.  Bank account details will be provided.  (The balance will be payable in two equal instalments on 1 February and 1 March.) 
 
The position of Retreat Cook is available.  The Cook will have assistance to prepare the midday and evening meals for about 16 retreatants.  The Cook will be entitled to free board and lodgings, some financial support and may attend teachings free of charge.  While the position is for the full retreat a shorter term may be acceptable, particularly if the appointment is shared.  Please apply to Qtndharmahouse@yahoo.com with full name, address and details of experience.
 
CAUTION
Fitness.  Wangapeka is situated in mountainous terrain.  Retreatants need to be relatively fit to move about the venues on the property.  If you have any fitness or mobility issues please discuss these with us. 
Health.  If you are taking medication or have a medical condition requiring precautions or care you must advise us of this when registering. 
Diet.  The meals are generally vegetarian with meat from time to time.  It may not be possible to meet other dietary requirements.  If you have such requirements please enter into discussion with us when registering.