Retreat in Rangjung Yeshe Gomde: yoga, meditation and tonglen practice
April 17 – April 21, 2024
Immerse yourself in a transformative experience at the beautiful Rangjung Yeshe Gomde in the Upper Austrian foothills of the Alps. This five-day retreat offers a rare opportunity to combine yoga, dance, Feldenkrais-inspired physical exercises, meditation and Tonglen practice. With a balanced mix of movement, mindfulness and compassion, you can nourish your body, mind and heart in a deep and sustainable way.
Yoga-inspired physical exercises
Led by Cecilia Pla, an experienced teacher with over 25 years of practice, this retreat offers a sensitive and versatile movement practice. We combine gentle yoga, dance and Feldenkrais-inspired exercises suitable for all levels of experience and body types.
The exercises aim to build flexibility and strength, create a deeper connection to your own body and release tension at the same time. The focus is on a soft, mindful approach that responds to the needs of the group. You will learn to break down inefficient movement patterns and promote greater freedom of movement, coordination and inner stability.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, this practice creates a safe space in which you can discover and develop yourself.
Meditation and tonglen practice
The meditation and tonglen practice is led by Lama Thierry, an experienced teacher with a rich background in Buddhist practice. Lama Thierry was a monk for many years and brings a profound wisdom and accessibility to his teachings.
- Meditation: Lama Thierry will guide you through guided sitting meditations to help you calm your mind and create a mindful connection to the present. This practice promotes mental clarity and inner peace.
- Tonglen: This transformative practice teaches us to take in the suffering of others and send out love, compassion and healing. Lama Thierry will explain the essence of this profound practice and make it tangible for modern challenges. His insightful explanations make the practice valuable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Culinary highlights
Our kitchen team prepares delicious meals every day using local and seasonal ingredients. The dishes are nourishing, fresh and adapted to all dietary requirements – vegetarian, vegan or special diets. Every meal is a treat that will give you energy for the practice.
About the teachers
Cecilia Pla
Cecilia Pla has over 25 years of experience in dance, bodywork and yoga. She is a trained yoga teacher (Vinyasa and Anusara-Inspired Yoga) and is currently in a four-year Feldenkrais training program at the Feldenkrais Institute in Vienna. Cecilia combines elements of yoga, dance and bodywork in her classes to promote flexibility, strength and increased body awareness.
In addition to her many years of movement practice, Cecilia has a Bachelor’s degree in Buddhist Studies and completed the Tibetan translation program at the Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Nepal. She has been living in Austria since 2020 and supports Gomde with great commitment.
Lama Thierry
Lama Thierry is a former Buddhist monk with decades of practice in meditation and Buddhist mind training. His deep insights and sensitive style make him an inspiring teacher who conveys the essence of meditation and Tonglen practice in a clear and accessible way.
With a wealth of experience, Lama Thierry creates a bridge between traditional Buddhist wisdom and the needs of modern life. His practice approaches promote compassion, healing and a deeper connection to one’s own heart.
Schedule and procedure
The retreat begins on Thursday, April 17, at 4:00 pm and ends on Monday, April 21, after lunch. We ask you to arrive by 15:30 to allow for a relaxed check-in.
Daily sessions alternate between meditation, physical exercises and Tonglen practice. All program points are accessible for every body type and experience level.
If you have a yoga mat, yoga belt or block, you can bring these with you, but there are also mats available in Gomde.
Prerequisites
This retreat is open to everyone – no prerequisites are required.
Your contribution
Recommended donation: 480 Euro
We want to make it possible for everyone to participate in the seminars in Gomde. Therefore we offer the seminars, accommodation and meals for a donation and give you an orientation value, which amount would help Gomde to cover the fixed costs.
If you can give more, you will enable others with fewer financial resources to take part as well. If the recommended donation is not possible for you, please let us know in advance: nanda@gomde.eu
