DISCOVERING BUDDHISM

Daylong Retreat with Gus Cutz: Establishing a Daily Practice

Transforming the mind depends on the simple action of engaging in meditation—regularly, over time. In Tibetan Buddhism, daily practice can include a variety of components that frame the meditation experience. In this tradition, daily practice can entail:

  • Preparing your meditation space as if you were about to welcome dear guests into it.
  • Visualizing an entire, complete, perfect universe which you present to the Buddhas, by offering the mandala.
  • Stopping our harmful habits in their tracks and uprooting their causes, in a karmic purification practice.
  • Rejoicing in the radiant goodness of the Buddha, in our own acts of virtue, and the kindness of others.

All of these components are techniques for working with the mind most skillfully. This retreat will serve as an introduction and explanation of the rituals of daily practice, and most importantly, the positive mental states they are designed to invite. Learn how to set up the conditions for a successful practice, so that you may be inspired to practice every day! Learn how to overcome obstacles in your practice, and how to select which meditations to do. This is an excellent overview for beginners wishing to begin a regular meditation practice and experienced meditators looking to stabilize their practice. This retreat is the culminating event for Discovering Buddhism: Establishing a Daily Practice, though all are welcome to join.

This is the eighth of 14 modules in the Discovering Buddhism series. Students may join at any point in the cycle. Discovering Buddhism was designed for students interested in deepening their understanding of fundamental Buddhist concepts, and provides an experiential taste of the Buddha’s teachings and the skills we need to make our lives most meaningful. Each module includes teachings, meditations, readings, discussions, and a short retreat. For more information on the Discovering Buddhism program, please click here.

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.