DISCOVERING BUDDHISM

Daylong Retreat with Gus Cutz:
Refuge in the Three Jewels

Sun Mar 8, 10:30am–3:30pm EDT

ONLINE

Note: Registration will be available soon.

Refuge can be described as a shelter from danger or distress. In Buddhism, we take refuge in the precious Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Before taking refuge, a practitioner must reflect deeply on several questions: Why do I need refuge? What are my current objects of refuge? How can the Three Jewels help me with my problems? Where can I find shelter from the life’s storms?

Gus Cutz will unlock the treasure chest of refuge, revealing the stainless qualities of the Three Jewels, the role of each in transforming our minds, and the profound benefits of taking refuge. By reflecting on these topics we will learn to differentiate between objects of true refuge and objects that keep us trapped in our habitual patterns of confusion. Gus will also integrate practices from the refuge module of Discovering Buddhism.

The retreat will include time for discussion and several guided meditations. Making the most of this opportunity to reorient our minds, we will practice silence during all the breaks. Please join us, bring your friends, as we discover and enjoy our Buddha nature!

Important Note

This is an online-only event that is administered using Zoom.

After registering, the system automatically sends a confirmation and/or a receipt email that contains the Zoom meeting link and/or other instructions. If you don’t immediately receive the system email(s) or you have any other questions, please contact us at registration@shantidevanyc.org.

*Zoom is an interactive video-conferencing tool that allows participants to see one another and ask questions. You will need a computer, a tablet or a smartphone with the Zoom application to attend. If you are using Zoom for the first time, please login earlier to allow any necessary installations on your device.

Schedule

10:30-10:45 Welcome and Motivation
10:45-11:30 Session
11:30-11:45 Break
11:45-12:15 Session
12:15-12:30 Walking Meditation
12:30-1:30 Lunch Break
1:30-2:00 Q&A
2:00-2:30 Session
2:30-2:45 Break
2:45-3:15 Session
3:15-3:30 Dedication and conclusion

Registration

Suggested: $30 per session
Other offerings: free, $5, $15, $45

The suggested amount helps support teacher offerings and expenses, direct costs and rent. Shantideva member benefits will apply automatically if you have a membership in MindBody. 

Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)(GMT/UTC-4)

For questions regarding registration, please email registration@shantidevanyc.org for assistance.

Discovering Buddhism Certification

FPMT certification is available for those who complete all the components of the course. The completion certificate confirms the satisfaction of having accomplished a comprehensive engagement with the path to enlightenment and is symbolic of your commitment to spiritual awakening.

If you are interested in receiving credit for completing each module, please indicate your commitment to completing all of the module’s requirements by printing, completing, and signing the first page of this document. You can bring it to the first session of the module or email it to gus@shantidevanyc.org.

Dana for the Teacher

Shantideva Center makes offerings to our teachers and facilitators using the funds collected through registration. You can give additional support to the teacher or facilitator and create a stronger karmic connection by offering dana. Please make sure to select the teacher’s or facilitator’s name in the dropdown menu. Dana offered is passed entirely to them, but please note that it is not tax-deductible.

About the Teacher

Gustavo Cutz is an FPMT-certified teacher with some 25 years of Buddhist practice and study. Gus previously worked as an editor at Wisdom Publications in Boston. He worked with Geshe Thubten Soepa on interpreting and summarizing Geshe-la’s teachings on several topics, such as the Four Noble Truths, the eight worldly concerns, and the six perfections until Geshe-la passed away in 2022. Gus has a doctorate from LIU Post and works as a clinical psychologist on Long Island.

Gus has volunteered with Shantideva Center since 2008, facilitating and teaching Discovering Buddhism since 2012. With his deft mastery of a vast bibliography, Gus approaches Discovering Buddhism as a rigorous and comprehensive seminar. At the same time, Gus teaches with a light touch, warmly encouraging questions and valuing student understanding of the material. Gus brings the Buddha’s teachings to life with an appealing sense of humor, personal anecdotes, and vivid metaphors. 

Gus also teaches the Debate Club at Shantideva Center in addition to teaching dharma topics at other spiritual centers.