Weekend Retreat
A Meditative Journey Through the Lamrim:
Discovering the Stages of the Path to Awakening
with Venerable Amy Miller
Fri Jul 17, 7–8:30pm EDT
Sat–Sun, Jul 18–19, 10am–4:30pm EDT
IN-PERSON & ONLINE
Note: Registration will be available soon.
The Buddhist path unfolds step by step in the Lam rim, translated as the “Stages of the Path”. It offers a complete roadmap for awakening that is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. This weekend retreat brings these timeless teachings to life through accessible explanations, guided meditations, and practical application.
Many students encounter the Lam rim early in their studies and may feel they already know these teachings. Yet when approached as meditation rather than mere theory, the Lam rim reveals itself as something far richer: a living path that gradually reshapes how we see ourselves, others, and the world. This retreat invites participants to rediscover these familiar teachings in a fresh and deeply experiential way.
Using the Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga practice as the structural framework for our sessions, we will explore how devotion, meditation, and reflection on the Lam rim naturally unfold together. This traditional practice, also known as Ganden Lha Gyäma, is used to receive inspiration and blessings while cultivating realizations of the path.
Together, we’ll explore key contemplations of the Lam rim, from cultivating meaningful motivation and recognizing the precious opportunity of human life, to developing renunciation, compassion, and the wisdom that understands the nature of reality. Each session weaves teaching with experiential meditation, offering a direct encounter with the clarity, purpose, and inner freedom these practices are designed to awaken.
Rather than presenting the Lam rim as simply a list of topics, this retreat reveals it as a dynamic path of transformation. It is one that gradually reshapes how we think, act, and relate to others. Through the integrated structure of Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga, participants will discover how the stages of the path can become a living meditation supporting both formal practice and daily life.
Ideal for students seeking a clear structure for their practice, or for those wishing to reconnect with the heart of the Buddhist path. This weekend offers a fresh, engaging, and transformative encounter with the Lam rim. Open to all levels, though some familiarity with Buddhism may be helpful.
Prayer Flag Ceremony on Sunday July 19
After the retreat, we’ll be hanging new prayer flags at the center on this auspicious day. Ven. Amy will help set the motivation, lead a mantra or prayer, and we’ll conclude by rejoicing together. We hope you can join us.
Important Note
This is an in-person and online event. For online, the events will be 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.
Registration
Suggested: $20 per session
Other offering options: free, $5, $10, $30
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.
Schedule
Friday: 7-8:30pm Teaching
Saturday and Sunday:
10:30am-12:30pm Teaching
12:30pm-2:30pm Lunch
2:30-4:30pm Teaching
Sunday only: 5-5:30pm Hanging new prayer flags at the center.
Shantideva Center may publish recorded sessions in the public domain (e.g., on YouTube). By registering for this event, you are agreeing to give your consent to this process. Please be conscious of any personal information you share. Recordings are typically made to spotlight only on the teacher or facilitator so participants are usually not visible.
Time zone: US Eastern Daylight Time (GMT/UTC-4)
For questions regarding registration, please email registration@shantidevanyc.org for assistance.
Additional Materials
Recordings
Available soon.
Dana for the Teacher
About the Teacher
Venerable Amy Miller has been teaching extensively since 1992 and was ordained as a Buddhist nun in June 2000 by the great Tibetan master, Venerable Choden Rinpoche. She has previously directed several FPMT centers and projects for decades and has completed a seven-month solitary retreat. Her teaching style emphasizes a practical approach to integrating Buddhist philosophy into everyday life. She is happy to help people connect with meditation and mindfulness in an effort to gain a refreshing perspective on normally stressful living. Venerable teaches and leads retreats and pilgrimages around the world. Her teaching schedule and other information can be found at www.AmyMiller.com.
