Mahayana, Seven-Point Mind Training on Compassion
Date: 22nd to 28th June 2026
Location: Origins Centre and Coorain, Balingup, Western Australia.
A practical, practice-oriented, contemplative, and instructional meditative training retreat on universal compassion.
On this retreat, we explore together the core teachings and meditative training of the Seven Practices of the Lojong Tradition, attributed to Atisha. This stage-by-stage approach supports the development of Bodhicitta, the heart for awakening into universal compassion that is intrinsic to our nature, expressed in practical ways of being in the world.
The retreat includes teachings on the historical context of the training, Refuge and Bodhicitta, Metta and Tonglen meditations, and Vajrasattva healing as transformative practices in the craft of training our minds and opening our hearts to how compassion may continue to deepen and mature in our lives.
Practices are introduced progressively and include group sessions along with time for rest, reflection, silence and personal integration. Participation involves a commitment to attend all sessions, a willingness to engage sincerely with the practices offered, and an ongoing dedication to personal reflection and practice throughout the retreat.
The mind training and meditations are both challenging and deeply rewarding; a foundation in mindfulness is required to attend.
Registration
Places are available. To join us for the retreat, please complete the registration form here at https://forms.gle/EaRKLDqd3eDFsetC6 or message Sonam at tiglehouse@gmail.com
Participants are required to attend the whole week-long retreat as teaching unfolds sequentially, step by step, following a line of inquiry, instruction, and practice. I encourage you to bring a hobby or activity conducive to mindfulness. This could include a craft or gentle physical activity, journaling, art, an acoustic instrument, yoga, Qi Gong, walking, or other activities. There will be a day or two with no group sits, allowing for integration and restfulness.
During the retreat, participants are strongly encouraged to observe semi-silence for a few days. This is an opportunity for some quiet, reflective time and restfulness. Semi-silence means setting aside all but necessary communications, keeping dialogues relevant to the retreat’s content and context, and taking the opportunity for personal silent time. Putting mobile devices and other technologies aside as much as practicable for your situation is encouraged, and respecting each other’s need for silence, appropriate dialogue, and listening. More on this is shared as we go along in retreat together.
These traditional approaches to practice can deepen our mindfulness and open us to life’s intelligence and insights into the nature of reality, while linking us across time and place to the human community invested in fostering calm, compassionate ways of being in the world.
Schedule
All teaching sessions will be held at Coorain, 64 Lukis Street, Balingup.
- Monday, 22nd. Arrive from 1pm onwards. Meet-and-greet session at 3 p.m. First teaching session 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, 23rd, sessions held at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Potluck shared dinner at Origins 6 p.m.
- Wednesday 24th sessions held at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Thursday, 25th, morning session 9 a.m. Thursday afternoon, no group session, personal private practice.
- Friday 26th, no group sessions, personal private practice.
- Saturday 27th, sessions held at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Potluck shared lunch at 12 noon.
- Sunday, 28th, final session 9am. Depart the Centre by 1pm.
