Path of Liberation Levels 1 & 2 - St. Paul, MN, USA

“Clarity and emptiness are inseparably united in the true nature of mind, which is beyond all concepts of existence and non-existence.” — Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

About the program

The essence of Tergar’s Path of Liberation is the recognition of nature of mind. During this retreat, Mingyur Rinpoche will introduce the first and second pointing out instructions. Rinpoche will also bestow the White Tara empowerment. An embodiment of enlightened activity, White Tara serves as the principal deity of the Tergar lineage. Moreover, during this retreat you will receive instructions on the Nectar of the Path and traditional ngondro practices.

本次活动将以英语进行，并提供中文翻译。(This event will be offered in English with Chinese translation.)

Requirements for participation

• Option 1: To have attended all three Joy of Living levels — Calming the Mind (Level 1), Opening the Heart (Level 2), and Awakening Wisdom (Level 3) — and completed the associated practice requirements
• Option 2: To have completed the full preliminary practices (the 4 x 100,000 ngondro)
• Option 3: To have had a daily meditation practice for at least five years and attended either group or solitary practice retreats for a total of at least thirty days, with 6+ hours of formal meditation practice per day, under the guidance of a Buddhist teacher

The requirements for participation were set in consultation with Mingyur Rinpoche. In turn, we ask that you honor them. Thank you!

Why should I attend?

This program represents the core of Mingyur Rinpoche’s Path of Liberation Training, providing instructions on the nature of mind. These teachings and practices are profoundly transformative and put you directly in touch with your true nature.

What will I learn?

The techniques taught in this program, and associated benefits, are the most profound in the Buddhist tradition.

In this program, you will:

• receive the first and second pointing out instructions
• learn how to recognize and sustain the recognition of nature of mind throughout your life
• learn the ngondro and Nectar of the Path practices associated with these levels

What is included in this program?

• Live teachings, Q&A, and practice sessions with Mingyur Rinpoche
• Teaching sessions with Tergar Lama Trinley
• Q&A sessions with Tergar guides
• Group meditation
• Refuge ceremony and White Tara empowerment

IMPORTANT INFORMATION (Please read before registering.)

Location and Accommodation:

University of St. Thomas - James B. Wolfe Alumni Hall (Anderson Student Center)

2115 Summit Avenue

Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55105

The University of St. Thomas is situated in Saint Paul about halfway between downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul, just a few blocks from the Mississippi River. The closest major airport is Minneapolis/Saint Paul International (MSP) – 7 miles or a 20-minute taxi drive away.

Complimentary parking is available at the Morrison Parking Ramp, a short walk from Anderson Student Center. You can view a map of the campus here.

Accommodation will be offered at the University of St. Thomas student residence. There are five different room options. All options include 6 nights of accommodations. No accommodations are available before or after the event dates. We are also offering a commuter rate for those who are not staying on campus.

Program Fee for Commuters:

You will have the option to choose from 3 prices when paying for your event ticket. Meals are included in the program fee. We are not able to offer a rate without meals.

• Sponsor fee: $855 per person. (This level allows us to offer a reduced price level for those on limited incomes)
• Base fee : $755 per person
• Reduced fee: $625 per person (For those on a limited income)

Program Fee plus Accommodation:

In addition to your event ticket, you will have the option of reserving an accommodation as an add-on. Please select your desired accommodation before paying for your ticket.

For your convenience we have calculated the costs below using the "Base fee." Actual prices will vary at checkout if you have chosen a different price point. Meals are included in the program fee. We are not able to offer a rate without meals.

• Program Base Fee of $755 plus Single Room in Apartment @$462 = $1217 per person; Apartment with four single rooms with shared kitchen, living area and two shared bathrooms. Includes air-conditioning.
• Program Base Fee of $755 plus Single Dormitory Room (with air-conditioning) @$317 = $1072 per person; Traditional style dormitory rooms. Shared common rooms and bathrooms are located in each corridor.
• Program Base Fee of $755 plus Single Dormitory Room (NO air-conditioning) @$262 = $1019 per person; Traditional style dormitory rooms. Shared common rooms and bathrooms are located in each corridor.
• Program Base Fee of $755 plus Double Shared Dormitory Room (with air-conditioning )@$262 = $1019 per person; Traditional style dormitory rooms. Shared common rooms and bathrooms are located in each corridor.
• Program Base Fee of $755 plus Double Shared Dormitory Room (NO air-conditioning )@$198 = $953 per person; Traditional style dormitory rooms. Shared common rooms and bathrooms are located in each corridor.

You will have the option of reserving this accommodation, as an optional add-on, when paying for your event ticket.

Ticket prices and discounts:

Tergar is a non-profit organization committed to making the benefits of meditation available to everyone. You will have the option to choose a reduced fee during registration. If the fees are a deterrent, please contact EventSupport@tergar.org for a discount off of the reduced fee or to inquire about other options.

If you questions about the location, transportation and accommodations, need special seating or have other requirements, please contact eventsupport@tergar.org

Food:

Three vegetarian meals will be served each day in a cafeteria that also offers non-vegetarian food. While the kitchen at the University of St. Thomas is not able to cater to special dietary needs, vegan protein and gluten-free options will be available.

What's the refund policy?

• All cancellations up to May 1 will be charged a fee of $50. For any cancellations between May 1 and May 23, the fee is $250. After May 23, cancellations are subject to full penalty.
• If you need to cancel because of illness, we will provide a full refund. Contact EventSupport@tergar.org for details.
• Please contact EventSupport@tergar.org for any changes or cancellations.

Schedule:

Check in for retreat begins at 3:00 p.m. on June 10. Dinner is at 6:00 p.m., and the first teaching is at 7:30 p.m. The retreat will conclude by noon on June 16, with an optional lunch at noon. In order to attend the retreat, you will need to arrive no later than the opening day. It will not be possible to start your retreat later in the program.

We will need to scan your ticket at check-in. You can either print the PDF ticket attached to your confirmation email or you can also download the EventBrite App on your smartphone and show your e-ticket at the door.

Please bring your Tergar Daily Chants, Nectar of the Path and Ngondro liturgies if you have them. We will have a limited number of copies designated for those who have not previously received them from Tergar.

Biographies:

Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche: In his approach to teaching meditation, Mingyur Rinpoche integrates traditional Buddhist practice and philosophy with the current scientific understanding of the mind and mental health – making the practice of meditation relevant and accessible to students around the world. For further information check here.

In addition, there will be teachings by Lama Trinley.

Other Events with Mingyur Rinpoche in St. Paul:

Mingyur Rinpoche will also be offering a public talk and 2 other retreats in June:

• Leading with Compassion and Wisdom Workshop, June 2-3. Click here for more information.
• Beyond Mindfulness: The Essence of Meditation on Friday, June 9. Click here for more information.
• Community Meditation Retreat: A Weekend of Practice with Mingyur Rinpoche, June 16-18. Click here for more information.