Testimonial 1
I went to the 2015 Dorje Ling Easter Retreat not knowing what to expect. I left with a deeply impacting experience that and a memory that I will always treasure. The forests in the mist, the quiet of the Gompa at 6am with a gently crackling fire, the genuine warmth of the people… Although I gather the topics discussed were quite entry-level buddhism, they provided more than enough challenge for me, and covered some real mind-shifting concepts.
Having almost no experience of yoga or meditation, I can say that I am thoroughly converted, and really impressed by the practicality and day-to-day usefulness of the Dharma concepts presented. It’s eye-opening to see a framework that gives you a fighting chance of actually building real changes into your mind where you desperately want them, and seems to get tangible results.
I liked how open-handedly the Dharma is shared, with an attitude of participating as much or as little as is of benefit to the individual, and taking on as much as you feel comfortable with. Nothing gets shoved down your throat, and you are free to use your own mind. I’d encourage Tashi Choling be confident about inviting any non-Buddhist or curious individual to come along. There’s heaps in this retreat that anyone could benefit from trying.
~ First-time retreatant Joe, 2015
Testimonial 2
To arrive after a long journey, all the while feeling my life fall away behind me. I am freeing myself. I feel it, I am leaving behind the collective consciousness, the egocentric view of personal love and division. I am opening again to my true nature. I’m so grateful to take this time in the forest with no iphone, no wifi, no interruptions.
The layer of emotional exhaustion from the offering of my work is on the surface and carries me down to the roots of deep hurts and parts of my being that require light and renewal. I can now bring in the silence, the beauty, the sun, stars, moon, the trees and the earth. I am touched by the remembering that I am whole.
My practice is simple this time. I am feeling the fatigue still in my muscles, lungs and heart post covid. It’s OK, I accept that this is how it is. My walks are slow and as I walk the hills I feel my muscles work, deeply contracting to carry my body. It feels good. The tall stringy barks and peppermint eucalyptus trees reach high above to the sky and I sense their roots webbed in a wonderful network beneath me. The woody wattles, blackwoods, native cherries and dogwoods find their place in the forest below. The birds are a delight. A scarlet breasted robin danced before me with his 2 lady friends today. The familiar buildings of the gompa, huts and bathroom bring memories of wholesome times of good intent and positive growth with beautiful people. This further buoys my spirit. I drink in the simplicity of being here.
The days are long and filled with a beautiful balance of practice on the cushion, yoga, walking, reading, writing and listening to teachings that I’ve downloaded on audio file. I offer water, incense, candlelight, flowers and other earth ornaments. I sit inside Rinpoche’s house, right up close beside the wood fire. The beautiful Tasmanian oak boards below me, a stunning Tibetan rug and all the deities in picture form decorating the beautiful lotus window. I sit and breathe, so grateful.
~ Regular retreatant Madhu, 2022