The Heart of Compassion

The Heart’s Wish-fulfilling Jewel
June Bank Holiday Retreat with Kirsten DeLeo and Jeff DeLeo
Friday 2 June 7.30pm to Monday 5 June 1pm

We may aspire to developing a deeply felt compassion for all, but in the face of our day-to-day life that may seem impractical or unattainable. The Tibetan tradition of lojong, or mind training teachings offer a way to do this. These teachings stand out through their power to inspire; their universality – and down-to-earth practicality.

This weekend presents the Eight Verses of Training the Mind, a famous text on lojong by Geshe Langri Tangpa (1054-1123). The first seven verses deal with cultivating compassion & altruism. The eighth verse is for cultivating the wisdom aspect of the path.

Each day will include short teachings and discussions, meditations, periods of silence, gentle mindfulness movements and time for rest and relaxation.

After the retreat, participants will receive recorded meditations to inspire their compassion practice at home.

Suitable for those who have a daily meditation practice.

Location
The retreat will be held in our clifftop shrine room, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular ocean views.

Catering
Delicious two course vegetarian lunches, with soup and bread in the evenings. Cooked with love at Dzogchen Beara, using homegrown and organic ingredients whenever possible. Tea and coffee.

Fee

Fee €310
Concession €260

Dzogchen Beara has a policy of not turning anyone away for financial reasons.
Please email info@dzogchenbeara.org to to discuss flexible payment options or request assistance from our retreat fund.

Accommodation

Limited accommodation is available on-site. Book early!
A list of hostels, B&B’s self-catering accommodation and hotels in the local area is available here.

Meals

Vegetarian lunches and light evening meals are provided. The cost is included in your fee.

Registration

Online booking here
Read our Terms and Conditions
Enquiries by email or + 353 (0) 27 73032

Visitor Information

To view our visitor information, please click here.

Kirsten DeLeo

Kirsten has been immersed in contemplative Buddhist practice for over twenty years, including attending a three-year meditation retreat. Based on her decades of experience supporting terminally ill patients and their families, she wrote the award-winning book ‘Present Through The End. A Caring Companion’s Guide for Accompanying the Dying’. Kirsten helped to pioneer Authentic Presence, one of the first contemplative-based programmes in end-of-life care in the United States, now also offered in Ireland at Dzogchen Beara. Kirsten is a member of the steering group for the chaplaincy network of the European Buddhist Union and currently supports the work of the Spiritual Care Centre. Kirsten teaches with clarity and warmth and shares the practices of meditation and compassion in a down-to-earth way.

Jeff DeLeo

Jeff is a Buddhist practitioner, who has been studying and practicing meditation for 30 years. Jeff has taught in the USA and Europe for more than 25 years; for the public, for veterans, as well as providing care and guidance for those doing retreat.
Jeff’s main interest is to help those that have a sincere interest in practicing the Buddhist teachings.
Growing up in a rural part of the USA, Jeff studied Computer Science and Psychology in university, then went into industry. He worked in Massachusetts then Silicon Valley as a designer, developer and manager. He and his wife moved to Ireland in 2018.