Wheel Of Sharp Weapons Retreat: 17 -23 April, 2025

Wheel of Sharp Weapons Retreat

Dates: April 17–23, 2025

Prerequisites

To join this retreat, participants should meet the following criteria:

  • Completed at least a 10-day introduction to Buddhism course or an equivalent.
  • Familiarity with core Mahayana Buddhist teachings, including:
    • Refuge
    • Past and future lives
    • Karma
    • The Four Noble Truths
    • Samsara
    • Bodhichitta
    • Dependent arising and emptiness

These foundational teachings are essential for engaging deeply with the Wheel of Sharp Weapons material.

Retreat Overview


Building upon Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s wish, this retreat offers a unique opportunity for practitioners to engage deeply with the teachings of the Wheel of Sharp Weapons.

This powerful text is known for its capacity to facilitate deep introspection, inner transformation, and purification, helping practitioners reframe challenges, clear the mind and progress along the spiritual path.

The retreat will center around these teachings, with meditation sessions woven throughout each day to help participants apply the transformative power of the teachings in their personal practice.


Key Areas of Focus

This seven-day retreat explores essential themes of the Buddhist path, including:

  • Transforming Suffering: Reflecting on how challenges can be opportunities to cultivate compassion and wisdom through practices like equalizing and exchanging self and others.
  • Understanding Emptiness: Exploring teachings on how all phenomena are interdependent and empty of existing from their own side.
  • Lojong Principles: Applying mind-training practices to transform everyday experiences into opportunities for reducing self-centeredness and cultivating a deeper, universal concern for others.


Retreat Activities

Participants will follow a structured schedule that includes:

  • Lama Chopa & Vajrasattva Practices: These practices provide a foundation of purification and devotion throughout the retreat.
  • Meditation Sessions: A combination of guided and silent meditations to deepen understanding and encourage introspection.
  • Practical Application of Teachings: Sessions designed to integrate Lojong principles and other practices for personal growth and reflection.

Retreat Leader

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

The retreat will be guided by Geshe Tenzin Legtsok, the first person from the United States to complete the Geshe Studies Program at Sera Jey Monastic University in South India.

With over two decades of study and practice under the guidance of great masters, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Geshe Legtsok brings profound insight into the application of Buddhist teachings.

Having dedicated his life to studying and teaching Buddhist philosophy, Geshe Legtsok blends ancient wisdom with modern-day relevance. His teachings emphasize the importance of understanding and transforming the mind through practice, and he is committed to helping others navigate the spiritual path with clarity and patience.


Course Details

  • Flat Course Fee in a Dormitory: US$ 350
    • Includes dormitory accommodation, all meals, and a free book.
  • Accommodation Options: Single, double, or triple rooms with private or shared facilities are available for an additional charge. Please refer to the red column in the pricing chart for daily room charges and add this to the flat course fee.

When booking, please select your room preference based on your budget. Room allocation is based on the order of booking, and we cannot guarantee the availability of your first-choice room. Rooms will be confirmed upon arrival.


Arrival & Departure

  • Check-in: Between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm on April 17, 2025, to ensure attendance for the first session at 5:30 pm.
  • Departure: The retreat concludes with lunch on April 23, 2025.


Schedule

  • Daily Schedule: The retreat runs from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm each day. Participants are required to attend all sessions.
  • Silence: Silence is observed from 9:00 pm until after lunch the following day.


Payment

  • Non-refundable Deposit: Accepted students must pay a non-refundable deposit of US$ 50  to secure their place. Payment details will be provided after acceptance.
  • Balance Payment: The remaining balance can be paid upon arrival. Payments are accepted in Nepalese Rupees, US Dollars, or via credit card.

Note: An ATM is located just outside the monastery.


Additional Information

  • Guidelines: Please read our General Guidelines before attending.
  • Dress Code: Adhere to the strict dress code appropriate for a monastic environment.
  • Meals: All meals are vegetarian. Unfortunately, special dietary needs (e.g., vegan, gluten-free) cannot be accommodated.
  • Travel to Nepal/Kopan: Review the guide on visas, packing, and other essential travel information. 


Translation

The teachings and practices will be conducted in English. Translations will be available in Spanish and, depending on demand and availability, potentially in other languages. Please indicate your translation needs on the booking form.


Internet and Device Policy

  • Mobile phones and other internet-enabled devices are not permitted during the retreat. All devices must be handed in at reception upon arrival and will be securely stored until the end of the program.
  • For emergencies, your family may contact the reception at (+977) 1-4821268 or email the monastery.

For more details, please review the ​​course discipline guidelines.


REGISTER HERE