Mindfulness, Selflessness and Compassion Retreat With Glen Svensson

This 9 day retreat will focus on three core elements of practice – shamatha, vipashyana & compassion.

During the first half of the retreat we will focus primarily on the shamatha practice, the practice of cultivating mindfulness to develop a calm, clear & focussed mind. This will be first introduced through the practice of mindfulness of breathing (rhythm, abdomen & nostrils). Then moving onto observing the mind, resting in awareness, stillness in motion & finally open awareness.


During the second half of the retreat we will focus primarily on the vipashyana practice, the practice of
applying mindfulness to gain insights into ourselves & our world of experience. We will first focus on the insight into impermanence. Then moving onto selflessness, emptiness & finally the nature of mind.


Throughout the entire retreat both the mindfulness & selflessness (ie. shamatha & vipashyana) practices will be supplemented with compassion practice. Initially this will be introduced through the cultivation of the four immeasurables of loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy & equanimity. Then moving onto exchanging self with others & finally the tong-len practice.

The retreat will be run in silence from the first evening until breakfast on the last morning. 

It is is highly recommended to stay at Chenrezig Institute to be immersed fully in retreat. If this is not an option for you, then it is compulsory to attend all of the sessions - including the before breakfast and after supper session. Also please notify info@chenrezig.com.au if you can not stay at the center.

This retreat is suitable for both beginners and those already established in these practices.

Saturday 1st February 4:00pm - Sunday 9th February 12 noon
Held in the Gompa at Chenrezig Institute
Facility Fee $450. Meals and accommodation available separately.

Established 1974, Chenrezig Institute is a centre for Buddhist study, meditation, retreat and practice nestled in the foothills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The Institute is home to a Tibetan Geshe (Lama), a large community of ordained Sangha (monks and nuns), students, residents, volunteers, retreat goers and guests.

Apart from the formal study programmes, Chenrezig Institute is a peaceful, calm and relaxing place to spend a few hours, days or weeks. Stroll along the bush paths, wander in formal garden, espresso in the cafe or a vegetarian meal.

Teachers’ availability subject to change; please check http://www.chenrezig.com.au/programme/calendar/ for updated information. Lunch additional, booking required by 10am please https://www.chenrezig.com.au/big-love-cafe/

Also below the far carpark is ‘The Wellbeing Centre’ which provides courses focusing on cultivating physical, emotional and mental balance and wellbeing. They include authentic traditional and modern psychological approaches to health and lifestyle. They are suitable for everyone who maybe looking for genuine happiness and well-being in a non-religious framework.