Alternative NYE Celebration—24-hr Tara Retreat
Welcome the New Year with a peaceful, positive mind
Join in this meditation retreat where we make a close connection with the female Buddha Tara by engaging in chanted prayer. Tara is a wisdom Buddha and our enlightened mother. She helps us swiftly with our inner and outer obstacles through her kindness and compassion for all living beings.
In this retreat, we will complete six sessions of Tara prayers over 24 hours, sleeping over at the Center through to the following day. The first session begins at 7pm on New Year’s Eve. Each session lasts about an hour, bringing us closer to Buddha Tara, giving us strength in our meditation practices, and fuel for our spiritual journey throughout the coming year.
Everyone is welcome to join all or any number or sessions.
Many people in Kadampa Centers around the globe will be doing this retreat at the same time, creating the causes for peace and harmony throughout the world. Practitioners over thousands of years have received great benefit by regularly drawing close and and requesting the swift wisdom and compassion of Buddha Tara for themselves and for others.
Who Should Attend?
Everyone is welcome, complete beginner and experienced practitioner alike.
Do I have to do all the sessions?
Do as many sessions as you like. Do all the sessions and make an extraordinary beginning to the year.
What happens between sessions?
You can rest, relax, read Dharma books from our library, enjoy conversations with other practitioners, enjoy snacks and refreshments and after midnight you can nap between sessions in the meditation room.
Do I need to bring anything?
Chanted prayer books are provided for you to use during the retreat. The prayers with music will be played so if you can join in reciting or just listen. For each retreat session attended, you can bring an offering to put on the Shrine table. For example if you are attending 1 session, you can bring 1 food or flower or water offering to place on the Shrine table. Also, Bring a sleeping bag, blanket, and/or pillow if you plan to stay after midnight.
Cost
All sessions are free of charge. But donations are welcome. ($15.00 would cover expenses for the whole retreat.)
Retreat Schedule:
TUESDAY, December 31
7–8pm Session 1
11pm–12am Session 2
WEDNESDAY, January 1
3–4am Session 3
7–8am Session 1
11–12pm Session 2
3–4pm Session 3
