A Three-day Retreat with Robert Thurman, Joe Loizzo and Pilar Jennings

The profound and magnificent teachings of self-transcendent wisdom and compassion are the jewel at the heart of the Nalanda tradition preserved in Tibet. Powerful methods for transcending our default self-enclosure and becoming awakened altruists — bodhisattvas — are no longer luxuries in a world whose future increasingly depends on the cultivation of universal empathy and responsibility for all humanity, all life, and the earth we share.

While the lion’s share of Nalanda Institute teachings focus on altruistic individuals, this weekend retreat will explore the often neglected yet equally vital collective dimension of the bodhisattva path. We will unpack the fundamental wisdom and practice that links the growth of awakened altruists to the socially transformative art of co-creating a community of altruists who work together towards the collective awakening and liberation of whole societies and entire worlds.

This three-day retreat will explore the visionary wisdom and art of transforming our ordinary alienated world into a Buddhaverse—a society and world that liberates the strong force of collective altruism—based on two hidden gems of the Nalanda tradition: Nagarjuna’s Jewel Rosary and the beloved Mahayana scripture, The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti.

This retreat will be co-taught by long-time friends and colleagues, renowned Buddhologist Robert Thurman, contemplative psychiatrist and Buddhist scholar Joe Loizzo, and Buddhist psychoanalyst and author Pilar Jennings. Join us for a life-changing journey into the timeless vision and engaged social practice the Nalanda tradition offers for the individual and collective liberation of all life on planet earth!

Faculty: Robert Thurman (bio), Joe Loizzo (bio), Pilar Jennings (bio)

Schedule:

Friday, March 31 from 7:30 – 9:30pm ET
Saturday, April 1 from 9:30 – 11:30am, 3:00 – 5:30pm, 7:30 – 9:30pm ET
Sunday, April 2 from 9:30 – 11:30am ET

In-person attendees:

Location: Menla Retreat Center, 375 Pantherkill Rd, Phoenicia, NY
Room & Board at Menla: $398 – $724
Register: Registration at Menla
Please note: Menla has Covid precaution protocols in place. Please be sure to read “Participant Information” when registering.

Virtual attendees:

Location: online via Zoom
Tuition: $150 (standard) or $75 (supported)
Financial Assistance: If you would like to experience these teachings but are not able to afford the tuition at this time, please contact info@nalandainstitute.org
Register: Register here (Zoom links will be provided prior to the event)