Training In Compassion

Training in Compassion
From the Medicine and Compassion Project, with Dr David Shlim and Lama Öser.

11th – 14th May 2023

Introduction

We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for this 4–day retreat in the beautiful surroundings of Gomde UK.

The Training in Compassion Retreat will be a unique learning experience, delving into compassion and peace of mind in ways that you may never have explored before. Please find the course details registration link below.

If you have any questions about the retreat, we are happy to answer questions so you can be sure this is the right course for you.

Register

Is there a way to train in compassion?

About this Retreat

What is compassion? Where does it come from? And, why is it important?

All of us have compassion. It’s a desire to help others deal with their difficulties, problems and suffering. It appears to be a kind of natural impulse that we all have. However, it also seems to be limited in some way, and we often feel that our compassion can wear out. The term “compassion fatigue” has become popular to describe this feeling that we just can’t engage with any more people needing our help.

Is there a method that could help make our already existing compassion more stable, more inclusive of different kinds of people, and even more effortless?

This type of training has not existed in the West up until now. However, Tibetan Buddhist philosophy is based on training in compassion, and through this course, you can learn about these methods through two experts who have focused on helping Westerners discover this rich tradition.

Over the course of 4 days, David Shlim and Lama Öser will lead you through this rich topic, through a series of talks, methods and guided mediation. To enhance the learning this will be a small retreat, accommodating a group of 20–30 people. Participants can attend as day visitors or stay on site. (Details below).

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone who would like their compassion to become easier, more stable and inclusive, whether this is with family members, as a caregiver to others, or in one’s professional life. It is of note that our own happiness increases as we are able to practice compassion more easily. Learning to practice compassion involves learning to cultivate a calm and kind mind, which can only be of value to anyone.

The philosophy and methods are based on a 2600-year-old tradition that is now being made available to Westerners in need of a way to enhance their compassion and their lives. It’s not necessary to become a Buddhist to learn about compassion, but it can make sense to borrow the Buddhist principles of training in compassion if they can be truly helpful.

Attendance Options and Suggested Donations

Suggested Donation – Residential (£350.00), Single or twin room.
Suggested Donation – Day visitor (£175.00)

Based upon Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche’s guidance our aim as a charity is to provide a secure and thriving base from which the teachings of the Buddha are available to all. Through our activities, such as retreats, teachings, conservation work and open days we aspire to benefit individuals and communities. It is your donation that remains the key ingredient to make this possible; as such it is an investment in the well being of many.

Our suggested donations cover event running costs and contribute towards the sustainability of Gomde UK. If you have difficulty in meeting the suggested donation but would like to attend, please contact info@gomde.uk before registering.

Retreat Schedule and Registration

The retreat will begin on Thursday 11th May and conclude on Sunday 14th after lunch.
A detailed schedule will be available soon.

Participants are asked to arrive later afternoon on Thursday, 11th May, so we can eat dinner together that night, and then have the introductory session in the evening. Friday and Saturday will be full days, followed by a half day on Sunday to conclude. Morning sessions will run between 9:00 am and noon, with a break, then we have a few hours off, and meet at approximately 4:30 pm in smaller groups. This will be followed by dinner and an evening session from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.

About Dr. David Shlim

Dr. David Shlim ran the world’s busiest destination travel clinic in Kathmandu, Nepal for fifteen years, during which time he also provided free medical care at a Tibetan monastery, and received teachings from the head of the monastery, Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche. He learned how to train in compassion and applied it to his work at his clinic. He collaborated with Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche on the definitive book on training in compassion, called Medicine and Compassion, which has been in print since 2004.

About Lama Öser

Lama Öser is one of the senior monks at Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche’s monastery and has been a regular teacher at Gomde UK for many years. Dr. Shlim and Lama Öser have combined to teach Medicine and Compassion Retreats in the U.S. for the last three years, and now they are bringing this type of learning experience to England for the first time.