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Meditation and Beyond
February 24 @ 10:00 am - February 25 @ 5:00 pm
Meditation & Beyond – An Urban Weekend Meditation Retreat with Dr Ian Gawler
| Join Rigpa Teacher, Ian Gawler for two days of highly experiential teachings. Together, we will explore two wonderful approaches… The Unifying Practice and Open Awareness meditation.
Whether you are new to meditation, or an old hand, this weekend will guide you to a deeper, more satisfying meditation experience. The weekend will include plenty of time for discussion, questions and answers, and meditation practice. Online or in person in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle A weekend for retreat, a weekend for your self. |
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SATURDAY – THE UNIFYING PRACTICE |
SUNDAY – AWARENESS MEDITATION |
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| Anyone who has begun meditating knows the mind is tricky. As we get to know it more, we come to realise that rather than us using it as the wonderful tool that it is, it often tends to use us!
So to tame this mind of ours, to bring it under control, to be able to use it to its best, we need to train it. This is the role of meditation. The Unifying Practice is a unique combination of three core meditation techniques that are first learnt individually then brought together. A special technique developed by Sogyal Rinpoche, it is simple to learn and has direct application for many needs – wellbeing, stress management, study, work, sport, health and healing, as well as providing a mainstay on the path to enlightenment. Ian will introduce the theory, share the techniques, guide the practices.
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Pure awareness: “knowing”, “clarity”, or “luminosity”, is one of three fundamental qualities of our mind, along with love and wisdom. Awareness illuminates all we perceive and indeed, it illuminates our own true nature.
When in pure awareness, we are fully in the present moment. We are able to fully engage with life – joyfully. Experiencing pure awareness is possible for everyone. It is always there. We simply need to learn how to recognise it, and then remain in it. While most meditation techniques focus upon a particular object, Awareness Meditation is special;
Awareness Meditation takes us to the very heart of meditation… And what we experience in our formal practice will translate directly into enhancing our everyday life. Based on profound teachings by Sogyal Rinpoche, and building on the practices of the retreat’s first day, Ian will share practice tips, guide practice sessions and answer questions.
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About Dr Ian Gawler OAMDr Ian Gawler is a retired veterinarian, long term cancer survivor and best-selling author who has taught widely on meditation for over 40 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 via Rigpa’s Institute of Wisdom and Compassion. 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. 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 Multiple Sclerosis 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. Dr Gawler holds a Masters in Counselling and In 1987 he received the Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the community. |
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DetailsThis weekend is open to anyone with an interest in meditation and Tibetan Buddhism Also, Rigpa Instructors will be in attendance at other Rigpa Centres to facilitate further discussion and Q&A. You can attend with Ian in person at Rigpa’s Melbourne Centre; or Online ZOOM; or Other Centres on Streaming. Date: Saturday, February 24th @ 10am-5.30pm & Sunday, February 25th @ 9.30am-5pm (AEDT) How: In Person (& Remote Centre) or Online Zoom Locations: Rigpa Melbourne, Sydney & Newcastle
In Melbourne, consider using public transport. Tram route 96, stop #19 (Brunswick Rd Nicholson St) On Saturday, there is limited 4 hour parking in Park St., mostly 2 hour. Please read the parking signs carefully. Sunday is easier.
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