Compassion and Emptiness: The Heart of Engaged Buddhism

Wisdom, Compassion, Action

9 day Mindfulness retreat in Chandolin /
Switzerland July 12-21 2018

With the “First Turning of the wheel of Dharma” in Deer Park soon after his Awakening, the Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path as the Way to transform our own suffering (Dukkha) into Happiness (Sukha), Peace and Freedom.

With the “Second Turning of the Wheel of Dharma” on Vulture Peak, the Buddha offered the Prajnaparamita Sutra – the Heart of Perfect Understanding – and revealed the way of Compassion and Emptiness as the foundation of the Bodhisattva Practice to bring Happiness, and to alleviate the suffering of all beings. This was the establishment of Mahayana Buddhism, that later became the base of Engaged Buddhism.

We have entered a new era of evolution called by some scientists the Anthropocene era: the period of time during which human activities have had an environmental impact on the Earth regarded as constituting a distinct geological age, this means that we, as a humankind, have to bear conscious responsibility for the Happiness and Wellbeing of all sentient beings and of the Planet.

Cultivating Compassion (Karuna) is the way to open our heart to the suffering of the world and setting the strong intention of transforming suffering into Happiness, Peace and Freedom.
At the same time, deepening the experience of Emptiness (Shunyata), allows us not to become overburdened by the weight of this responsibility, and to nurture the ease and effortlessness that bring Joy to our practice.

Our goal is not only to share knowledge, but mainly, to have a direct experience of a harmonious lifestyle in community, aligned with the principles that we will learn and practice.

Nature experiences in the wonderful Swiss Alps will be a nourishing source of energy and healing as we undergo this deep process.
Body/mind practices such as Tai Chi, Tibetan Yoga, Deep Ecology, and Walking Meditation, will contribute to a holistic experience.

Chandolin is a small village in the Swiss Alps at 2000m (6500ft) with an amazing view on some of the most spectacular Alpine summits. This wonderful and peaceful natural environment is most appropriate for silence, meditation and deep conversations.

 The “Grand Hotel de Chandolin” is a beautiful old building that we have completely to ourselves and that can host all participants.

We will eat locally grown, organic, vegetarian food prepared with mindfulness of human and ecological health.

We offer a balanced program that includes teachings, Mindfulness and Compassion meditation practices, dialogues in smaller groups, body awareness, and mountain hikes.

The retreat will be bilingual French and English

We have limited space available, the registration will be on a first come first served basis. Based on past experience, the retreat is usually booked out by February. Registration is completed once the financial contribution has been sent. A detailed program will be sent with the confirmation.

We offer a discounted price for young participants and for participants coming from less affluent countries to foster the intergenerational and intercultural dialogue that is an important part of the learning process.

– Double room – Standard
1080 CH.Fr

– Double room – Sponsor contribution to support participation of young people
From 1260 CH.Fr includes 20 Fr per day sponsorship

– Single room – Standard
1530 CH.Fr

– Single room – Sponsor contribution to support participation of young people (sponsors will be given priority for single room)
From 1710 Ch.Fr, This amount  includes 20 Fr per day sponsorship

– Students and young people under 30,
540 CH.Fr This amount does not even cover our basic expenses (food and lodging), so we are dependent on having sponsors.

– Participants from less affluent countries:
720 CH.Fr this amount only covers our own expenses for food and board.

Any profit will be given to Eurasia Foundation to support educational projects in Vietnam.