We don’t have to follow our bliss, because in reality bliss follows us!
Every aspect of our existence is permeated by bliss. However, out of habit, we misunderstand the very essence of who we really are. We are distracted by mind’s projections instead of resting in mind’s nature. True Bliss isn’t an experience, experiences come and go. But authentic bliss is always available. This bliss (called Mahasukha in Sanskrit or Dewa Chenpo in Tibetan) transcends circumstances and conditions; it is the indestructible nature of our being.
First we need to come to see how to transform our ordinary way of relating to ourselves and our world; we can begin to See Bliss as the nature of experience. Then, rather than chasing after bliss, we can learn to Be Bliss. In other words, we can uncover the superpower we already possess: blissful awareness.
During the workshop we'll focus on deepening our understanding of what bliss really means. How can we profoundly accommodate, rather than struggle, against our own mind and all the turbulent thoughts and emotions that rise? That moment of letting go of struggle, we discover a subtle bliss that's always been available. Through the strength of our own natural capacity for love, which in Buddhist practice we call Karuna and Metta, we can further get to know, bring forth and experience our fundamental bliss, the nature of experience. Finally, we'll conclude with bringing forth joy.
> REGISTRATION
> PRACTICAL INFO
START Saturday 26 November – 10am Check-in and pick-up badges: Friday 25 November: 4pm to 6pm Saturday 26 November: 9am to 9.45am END Sunday 27 November – 5pm
CONTRIBUTION to the event - €108 (Does not include accommodation and meals)
LANGUAGES Teachings: English Translation: French
ABOUT ERRIC
Erric Solomon is an author and a Buddhist teacher. Bringing together decades of Buddhist practice, a high-powered Silicon Valley career, and an abundant sense of humor, Erric speaks with an authenticity grounded in experience. Drawing on his life in the fast-paced, always on wired world, and his study under the guidance of some of the greatest masters of our time, Erric creates a bridge between modern insight and ancient wisdom.
Erric co-authored a book with Phakchok Rinpoche, Radically Happy: A User’s Guide to the Mind. It’s been translated into seven languages and is available wherever fine books are sold. You can also find him at www.erricsolomon.org
“Erric has studied and practiced Buddhism for more than two decades, including working with nearly all the greatest masters of our time including Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, and Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche. Afterwards, he completed a traditional three-year retreat. As a result, his understanding doesn’t come merely from intellectual knowledge, but through an authentic experience that comes from years of sincere practice.” — Tsoknyi Rinpoche
Mastering the craft of writing software at a young age, he spent years as an executive in the high-pressure world of Silicon Valley. At the same time, Erric Solomon became a serious practitioner of Tibetan Meditation. He speaks the no-nonsense voice of a techie but with the clarity of a seasoned practitioner, presenting mind-training methods in a way that resonates with our wired world. — Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence, and Tara Bennett-Goleman, author of Emotional Alchemy
Erric is an excellent dharma teacher who brings together decades of practice, in-depth study of a wide range of Buddhist teachings, business experience (and therefore sensitivity to the concerns of busy people), and an abundant sense of humor. — Barry Boyce, Editor-in-Chief of Mindful magazine and mindful.org, author of The Mindfulness Revolution
> FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Our commitment is for everyone who wishes to come to Lerab Ling, to have access to our programmes, whatever their financial circumstances. We offer different options for those who are unable to pay the standard contribution.
How can we develop the simplicityof living in a complex world? How can we face the challenges of our time through the teachings of the Buddha?
During this retreat, we will explore our relationship with situations, relationships and the world around us in the light of the wisdom of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings, which can help us to live better with ourselves and with the world as it is.
To all our cycling friends: feel free to comeand visit the temple or its esplanade. You can also simply come and have a coffee or a cool drink on our shady terrace, with a view of the valley in which the temple is located. We are located on the beautiful N.13 loop, on the edge of the Regional Natural Park of the Haut Languedoc.
As the temple is a lively place with many activities, please check our opening days and times on this page before coming.
We have been awarded the "Accueil Vélo" label and offer a personalised welcome to people on two wheels. We have a level parking area for bikes.
OUR EQUIPMENT
parking for bicycles
possibility to recharge your battery
repair kit and pump
BICYCLE LOOP N°13: COL DU PERTHUS AND CIRQUE DE LABEIL FROM LODÈVE
The theme of the "ego" is probably one of the most discussed on the spiritual path. It crystallises all the levels of blockages, beliefs, limitations and reactions that imprison us and from which we try to free ourselves. Yet we find it difficult to identify it and to work with it concretely.
The coronavirus Covid-19 situation is creating a lot of uncertainty in France and around the world. You now have the opportunity to transform these difficult times into more positive ones by joining us live on Instagram and Facebook.
IN ENGLISH
Wise (De)confinement
Every other Wednesday from 7 to 7.45pm – Join Andy Karr, Lynn Friedman, Sébastien Reggiany, Javier Torales, Naomi Gassler, Karin Behrendt, Mary-Ellen Kelleher and Brian Corr live on Facebook. Through contemplation and practical advice, we will explore how to take care of ourselves, how to welcome all circumstances and how to open our hearts and strengthen our courage. Join us live here
IN FRENCH
Le corps confiné, l'esprit libre
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9.30 to 10am – Join Tenzin Jigme, Benoit Matton and Mary-Ellen Kelleher on Instagram for 30 minutes of guided meditation so you can start your day focusing on being together, relaxing and playing with the circumstances around us. We will practise calm abiding meditation as well as kindness and compassion for ourselves and others. Join us live here
Une bouffée de sagesse
Every other Thursday from 5.30 to 6.15pm – Join Tenzin Jigme, Odile de Simone, Sébastien Reggiany, Fred Chastelas, Mary-Ellen Kelleher, Pierre-Emmanuel and Dominique Hilly live on Facebook. Through contemplation and practical advice, we will explore how to take care of ourselves, how to welcome all circumstances and how to open our hearts and strengthen our courage. Join us live here
If you feel it is time to take a break from daily life and stresses, reconnect to nature, and recharge your batteries in a peaceful atmosphere, the packages below may be exactly what you need.
You can join us for:
A meditation break(open to everybody), to learn or deepen your practice of meditation with guidance, and in a group, or
A Practice Retreat for the Sangha either individual or in a group (for Rigpa students only) to get on with your personal practice and study.
Both options offer the support of experienced instructors, and access to study materials (book and video libraries). All this at your own pace, whilst taking advantage of the beautiful natural environment surrounding our retreat center and the company of the community.
Click on one of the packages below to get all the information.
Learn or deepen your practice of meditation in an environment that inspires rest, reflection and renewal
Located at the edge of the beautiful Grands Causses natural reserve, Lerab Ling offers everyone the opportunity to take a break from their busy daily lives, in a peaceful and sacred environment.
Everyday we hold two sessions of guided meditation, led by a team of qualified instructors. You also have access to a library of books and both audio and video teachings, located in a room dedicated to personal retreatants.
You cansee herehow a day in personal retreat is organised.
Please note – Thursdays are free days - you can enjoy the site of Lerab Ling and its beautiful natural environment at your own pace. All day long you have access to the meditation room and the library. You can also join the community for their daily practice if you wish.
Lerab Ling and its surroundings are also perfect for meditating outdoors and going for beautiful walks on the many hiking paths.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
> OPENING DATES
In 2022 - From 20 May to 1 June - From 7 to 12 June - From 23 Sept to 2 Oct - From 21 Oct to 6 Nov - From 11 to 13 Nov - From 25 to 27 Nov - From 16 to 18 Dec
The dates for the rest of the year will be available later.
Arrival days The Monday and Friday only from 11am and 2pm. You will be welcomed by one of the retreat instructors who will help you to settle in.
The minimum stay for a personal retreat is of two days and two nights. The personal retreats are not open during the summer.
Before registering for a personal retreat, please contact the Personal Retreat team to check availability.
Before you register it is important to contact the Personal Retreat team.
Children under 18yrs can join a personal retreat if they are accompanied by an adult.
This programme is not suitable for people with mental health condition. If you have a history of mental health imbalance, please contact to discuss the possibility of attending.
> FOR RIGPA STUDENTS
Individual Personal Retreat are available for Rigpa students. They provide a special opportunity to deepen your personal practice in the unique environment of Lerab Ling. You will be supported by the guidance of experienced practitioners and have access to a wealth of study materials.
Rigpa students can also go toDzogchen Beara, Rigpa’s long-term retreat centre in Ireland, where special retreats on the practice of Ngöndro and Tsa-sum are offered.
MORE ABOUT MEDITATION BREAKS
> THE INSTRUCTOR TEAM
The morning meditation sessions are held by a team of experienced meditation instructors who regularly teach during events and courses held at Lerab Ling.
> MEDITATION AND STUDY ROOM
The Manjushri room located in the main temple is dedicated to personal retreatants and to their study and practice of meditation. It is equipped with a library of books and audio and/or video teachings on themes such as meditation, the fundamentals of Buddhism, healing, finding peace, overcoming depression, relationships and much more, to support you in your personal study.
> MEALS
Meals are served in the dining hall where you can eat with the community, this is a great opportunity to meet them!
Meals are mainly vegetarian and suitable for those following a vegan diet as well as for those with food allergies (gluten, dairy etc.)
> THE LERAB LING COMMUNITY
Lerab Ling is home to a thriving community of monastic and lay practitioners, who study and practice Buddhism on a daily basis, each at their own level. They also participate in the centre’s activities like welcoming visitors, preparing and holding events, responding to prayer requests and providing spiritual guidance. You can join them during their daily schedule of practices held in the temple.
> AROUND LERAB LING
The temple is located in the Lodévois-Larzac region at the edge of the Grands Causses natural reserve - 15mn by car from Le Caylar village and 20mn from Lodève town.
A DAY IN PERSONAL RETREAT
You wake up when you want!
7.30am – 9am: Breakfast
8am: Meditation room opens
9.30am – 11am: Guided Meditation Session with a qualified instructor, followed by group ‘question and answer’ sessions
Free Time
11.30am – 1pm: Lunch
Free time
3pm – 4.30pm: Meditation session with a member of the community
Led by experienced instructors, a variety of courses are given at Lerab Ling throughout the year. Whether you're looking to learn meditation for the first time, deepen your meditation practice, learn more about compassion and Buddhism, or better support a loved one going through difficult times, you will find what you need.
Turning the difficulties of our time into opportunities
Discover how to transforminner and outer difficulties into opportunities through meditation practice and Buddhist wisdom. We will explore the age-old Buddhist teaching in a modern way that is relevant to our lives.
Buddhism offers us a unique visionof reality, beings and the world that can change everything today, especially with the countless challenges we face. A new vision can make all the difference!
Stay informed about Lerab Ling’s programme of events, courses and activities by signing up for our monthly newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time...
Lerab Ling, under the patronage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is one of the main centres preserving the authentic study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1991...
Erric Solomon is an author and a Buddhist teacher. Bringing together decades of Buddhist practice, a high-powered Silicon Valley career, and an abundant sense of humor, Erric speaks with an authenticity grounded in experience. Drawing on his life in the fast-paced, always on wired world, and his study under the guidance of some of the greatest masters of our time, Erric creates a bridge between modern insight and ancient wisdom.
