The Buddha Project 
Retreats
A retreat is a unique opportunity to have oneās depth of practice reinvigorated by doing multiple daily group meditations in silent, beautiful, and inspiring surroundings, feeling the bonds of spiritual friendship while following the supportive rhythm of the gong.
Meditative practice deepens through continuity in daily life and is sustained through regular periods of dedicated retreat. Ven. Gendun currently offers five extended retreats per year ā ranging from foundational vipaÅyanÄ and lojong to kriya tantra, Åamatha, mahÄmudrÄ, and more ā available both live and online through the respective centers. To further support practitioners of the In-Depth Meditation Training (IDMT) and Ngƶndro Lamrim Training (NLRT), two retreats on compassion and insight respectively are made freely available on this website each year.
Welcome to the Retreats!
Sign up through one of the centres
3 TYPES OF RETREATS
Retreats cover 3 interconnected topics tailored to suit practitioners of varying skill levels. There are 4 annual retreats.
In-depth Meditation Training
Vipassana is a form of Buddhist meditation that focuses on developing insight or āclearly seeingā into the true nature of reality. It is one of the oldest and most widely practiced forms of meditation in the Buddhist tradition.
The practitioner observes the nature of their own mind and body, and learns to see things as they really are, without the distortions of their own thoughts, emotions, and desires.
The focus of these retreats is on basic Vipassana methods as taught in the Theravada Forest Tradition of Myanmar, grounded in the deeply compassionate motivation, of wanting to become enlightened for the welfare of all sentient beings.
Compassion and Lojong
Lojong practice involves using the challenges and difficulties of everyday life as opportunities to transform negative emotions into positive qualities.
These mind training retreats focus on a combination of training in serenity (shamatha) and developing the four great qualities of the heart: equanimity, empathetic joy, love, and compassionate care.
These Four Immeasurables āflow like rivers into the great ocean of bodhicittaā, the altruistic mind of awakening.
Mahamudra
The goal of Mahamudra is to directly experience the nature of mind, the source of all wisdom and compassion. Mahamudra, or āgreat sealā, refers to the ultimate truth that everything in the world lacks a fixed, independent essence, but exists interconnected and depends on various causes and conditions.
This profound and advanced meditation practice forms the pinnacle of the portfolio of Tibetan meditative methods. Daily meditation focused on the nature of the mind will be enhanced by incorporating the Gaden Lha Gyema, a guru yoga practice that lies at the intersection of both sutra and tantra traditions. This essential technique is a core component of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Upcoming
Retreats
From Lamp to Light: a Journey through Lamrim
Institut Vajrayogini, France
One month retreat: a rare opportunity to integrate the Stages of the Path, supported by an experienced guide, a structured daily practice and a community of sincere fellow practitioners. Each Sunday Ven. Gendun will offer in-depth commentary on the chapters on Calm Abiding and Special Insight of Je Tsongkhapaās median Lamrim. In English and French. Online and in person.
City Weekend on Emptiness and Compassion
Maitreya Instituut Amsterdam, The Netherlands
An in-depth weekend for students with a solid foundational background in Buddhist philosophy. Online and in person.
MahÄmudrÄ: Practicing Being a Buddha
Maitreya Instituut Loenen, NL
One week retreat on MahÄmudrÄ, the direct recognition of our true nature: stillness flowing. In meditation this groundlessness offers an astonishing clarity; off the cushion a profound embeddedness in life. For mid-level practitioners with a solid grounding in Dharma. Online and in person.
Archive
Retreats
Theme Day on Refuge and Lay Vows
Maitreya Instituut Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Commentary on the meaning of Refuge, the Refuge Vows and the Lay Vows. In the afternoon Ven. Gendun will offer Refuge and (optional) Lay Vows. We'll also celebrate Ven. Genduns ordination anniversary. Online and in person.
Beyond the Illusion: A Weekend Journey Through Emptiness
Yeshin Norbu, Stockholm, Sweden
Through guided meditation, contemplation, and accessible discussion, we'll trace the evolution from foundational views on non-self to explorations of subject- object duality and the fundamental interdependence of all phenomena, examining their psychological, social, environmental, and political consequences. Online and in person.
Practicing Compassion in a Fragmented World
Tara Liberation, Helsinki, Finland
This weekend retreat offers a deep immersion into Atisha's classic Bodhisattva's Jewel Garland, a practical and powerful guide to transforming everyday challenges into the path of awakening. Online and in person.
City Weekend on Madhyamaka Negations
Maitreya Instituut Amsterdam, The Netherlands
An in-depth exploration of Madhyamaka philosophy, focusing on the precise analysis of how phenomena appear and exist, with particular attention to imputation, the object of negation, and the role of non-affirming negations in the PrÄsaį¹ gika Madhyamaka system. Online and in person.
Beyond the Illusion: A Weekend Journey through Emptiness
Chenrezig Institute, Eudlo, AU
In this weekend we'll explore one of Buddhism's most profound insights: emptiness (ÅÅ«nyatÄ). Discover how emptiness isn't merely negation but the key to compassion, wisdom, and genuine presence in our complex modern world. Online and in person.
Resting in the Nature of Mind
Langri Tangpa Centre, Camp Hill, AU
This weekend offers a sequence of practices such as calm-abiding (shamatha), Mahamudra meditation, and analytical contemplations. These practices help transform meditation from something we only do on the cushion into a powerful way of understanding ourselves and relating to the world. Online and in person.
MahÄmudrÄ Retreat: Resting in the Nature of Mind
Mahamudra Centre, Colville, NZ
A weekend retreat of exploring the nature of mind through MahÄmudrÄ meditation in the Gelug tradition. Rest in stillness, deepen awareness, and experience a taste of the union of bliss and emptiness. Online and in person.