Finding Freedom: A Weekend Retreat on the Seven Points of Mind Training

Begin the year with intention and purpose as we learn, grow, and connect!

“Why do we need to train the mind? This is so critical because we really only need two things as Dharma students. We need a way to access the essence of the mind, a mediation method, a practice, and on and on. And then we need this mind training, some approach to actually train our mind. These are the two necessities. We need these two. Without the two we are not well equipped. When I lived in Nepal I knew a lot of people who had extensive teachings in the absolute nature of mind, what we call nature of mind, whether it be in the Mahamudra or Dzogchen tradition. But strangely enough, I have to include myself as one of them, people were completely immature and relatively bonkers. We handled ourselves deplorably, the sangha was abysmal, and it was awful because there was not enough attention paid to actually how to be a proper citizen and work in the world so that our aspirations to not cause harm and to actually benefit ourselves and others could come to pass. So that is why we need these teachings.” -Tim Olmsted

From learning to recognize the essence of mind to bringing wisdom and compassion into our everyday lives, the Seven Points of Mind Training is an indispensable guide to developing Bodhicitta, the commitment to the awakening of all beings. These teachings show us that our problems and difficulties can be the raw material that allows us to awaken authentic love and compassion for ourselves and others. This training is attributed to the great 11th-century scholar and meditation master, Atisha Dipamkara. Originally passed on in secret from teacher to student, these teachings are now considered essential training for anyone who aspires to travel the path of awakening, new students and old hands alike. The weekend will consist of periods of meditation, teachings on key points of the text, shared meals, and discussion.

When:

The retreat begins on Tuesday, December 31st at 8 a.m. and ends Thursday, January 2 at 6 p.m. 

Costs:

Program, lunches and dinners at Holy Wisdom (does not include accommodations):

Reduced $175Base $295

Sponsor $415

Accomodation

There are a limited number of rooms available at Holy Wisdom. Please indicate when you register if you would like to stay at Holy Wisdom. For those who would like to stay at the retreat center, please select one of these options when you register.

Breakfast and Holy Wisdom shared Room: $245 (price per person sharing a room with two beds)

Breakfast and Holy Wisdom Single Room: $285

*Madison-area residents are encouraged to commute daily to permit out-of-town participants to attend.

Additional Local Accommodations: We have negotiated discounted rates and shuttle service with the Baymont Inn and Suites Madison West. They will hold a block of rooms for Retreat Registrants until December 1, 2024. Contact them directly to register at 608-831-7711 and mention Tergar.

Notes:

If your ability to pay makes attending difficult, please contact us about financial assistance at [email protected].

Meals:

The retreat center will provide vegetarian meals. Please indicate if you have other dietary restrictions during registration.

Cancellation Policy:

For cancellations before November 1, there will be a $50 administration fee. For cancellations between November 1 and December 15, there will be a cancellation fee of $200. Cancellations after December 15 will be subject to full cancellation penalties.

If you have any additional questions or need accommodations to make it possible for you to attend the retreat, please contact: Jacob Young at [email protected]

About Tim Olmsted

Tim began his Buddhist studies in 1977 under the late Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in Boulder, Colorado. In 1981, Trungpa Rinpoche invited Mingyur Rinpoche’s father, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, to teach in Boulder. Profoundly moved by him, Tim and his family moved just a few months later to Kathmandu to study with Tulku Urgyen and his sons. During the twelve years that he lived in Nepal, Tim studied with many of the older teachers living there and worked as a psychotherapist serving the international community. In 2000, Tim moved to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia where he served for three years as the director of Gampo Abbey, the largest residential Buddhist monastery in North America. He is presently the president of the Pema Chödrön Foundation, which supports Gampo Abbey.

In 2003, after a visit by Mingyur Rinpoche to Gampo Abbey, Tim started the Yongey Foundation to support and promote Mingyur Rinpoche’s activities in the West

Host or Publisher Tergar Meditation Community