DISCOVERING BUDDHISM

Daylong Retreat with Gus Cutz: All About Karma

Sun May 21, 10:30am–3:30pm EDT

“If we must fear death, we should fear it because of the loss of opportunity to make our lives worthwhile, because of the loss of opportunity to subdue our minds.” –Yangsi Rinpoche, Practicing the Path

Karma is the law of cause and effect that determines how we experience our lives. When we understand how karma works, we know which actions will bring joy and benefit, and which actions will cause harm. A clear understanding of karma gives us enormous power to develop our limitless positive potential. Cultivating faith in karma also inspires us to acknowledge the harmful actions we’ve done in the past, correct course, and weed the gardens of our mind by purifying past negative actions.

Come join this daylong retreat, where Gus Cutz will lead us in meditation and conversation all about karma! We will discuss the karmic benefits of cultivating virtue, and gain experience with karmic purification practice aimed transforming and uplifting our minds. Together we will explore ways to become adept at dealing with life most effectively.

This retreat is the culminating event for Discovering Buddhism: All About Karma, though all are welcome to join.

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 [email protected].

*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 offering options: free, $5, $15, $45

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

Time zone: US Eastern Daylight Time (GMT/UTC-4)

For questions regarding registration, please email [email protected] 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 this module, please indicate your commitment to completing all of the module’s requirements by printing, completing, and signing the first page of this document: Requirements for Official Completion of Discovering Buddhism and bring it the retreat, or email it to [email protected].

Dana for the Teacher

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

About the Teacher

Gustavo Cutz is an FPMT-certified teacher and has been an active volunteer with Shantideva Center since 2008.  Gus has been the facilitator for Discovering Buddhism since 2012 and he explains complex material with simplicity, making the Buddha’s teachings practical and always accompanied with enthusiasm and a delightful sense of humor.

In addition, Gus facilitates the Debate Club and leads one day retreats. He has also taught Dharma topics at other spiritual centers. He is working on interpreting and summarizing Geshe Thubten Soepa’s teachings on several topics such as the Four Noble Truths, the eight worldly concerns, and the six perfections.  

Gus previously worked as an editor at Wisdom Publications in Boston. Presently he works as a clinical psychologist and practices on Long Island.