Retreats

The Tower and the Cave of Demons

Unlocking symbols from the life of Milarepa

Milarepa was a murderer turned yogi turned enlightened saint, who lived in Tibet in the 11th century. His colourful life story serves as an inspiring and refreshingly practical, relatable example of transmuting suffering into faith, devotion, joy and ultimately liberation.

Led by Bodhidasa, a Sydney-based Order member who took up the practice of Milarepa at ordination, we will aim to unpack two key stories from Milarepa's life: the seemingly pointless building and tearing down of towers at the behest of his teacher Marpa, and if we have time, the encountering of demons in his cave high in the mountains of Tibet. We'll use the four levels of meaning common to the Tibetan traditions - outer, inner, secret and ultimate - to unlock the symbolism in these stories, taking us closer to the heart of Reality.

Ritual and meditation sessions will support us, led by Purna, Vasudhara, Malini and Suvarnadhi.

This online sangha retreat is open to regular friends, mitras and Order members.

Programme for the weekend (times given in NZT)

(You'll see your afternoons are free for walking in nature with a friend, or reflecting on and absorbing the material.)

Friday night
7.00pm - 8.30pm - Introduction to the life of Milarepa and a puja (led by Suvarnadhi)

Saturday
10.00am - 10.50am - Meditation (led by Vasudhara)
11.15am - 12.45pm - Building and tearing down towers: talk and discussion (led by Bodhidasa)
7.00pm - 8.30pm - Meditation & puja (led by Purna and Malini)

Sunday
10.00am - 10.50am - Meditation (led by Vasudhara)
11.15am - 12.45pm - Encountering demons: talk and discussion (although depending on progress the previous day, we may continue with the story of Milarepa building and tearing down towers - led by Bodhidasa)
7.00pm - 8.00pm - Puja and closing (led by Suvarnadhi)

Zoom links will be sent out to those registered on the afternoon of Friday the 15th.

When

Cost