Event

Co-sponsored by the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies and the Center for Contemplative Research.

The retreat is an opportunity to explore the interdenominational, inter-contemplative themes outlined by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in his vision for The Center for Contemplative Research:

• The Buddhist meditative practices of śamatha and vipaśyanā
• Teachings on nonviolence and compassion from other revered Indian traditions
• Instruction in the contemplative traditions of Christianity

His Holiness the Dalai Lama presented the following vision, or mandate, for the Center for Contemplative Research:

“Regarding the plan to create a retreat center in the American State of Colorado that will also be a Center for Contemplative Research in collaboration with the scientific community, I say, ‘Excellent!’ It is clear to me that it will be of even greater benefit if this retreat center offers training not only in the view, meditation, and way of life of Buddhism, but also in the widespread, shared, non-violent way of life that has been taught in India from the ancient Sāṃkhya school onwards. There should be teaching, reflection, and meditation with respect to the view, including the presentation of cause and effect, and with respect to meditation, including śamatha and vipaśyanā. Likewise, there should also be instruction and reflection on the view, meditation, and way of life taught in the western traditions of Christianity.”