DISCOVERING BUDDHISM

Daylong Retreat with Gus Cutz:
How to Develop Bodhicitta

Sun Dec 13, 10:30am—3:30pm EST ONLINE

Bodhicitta is the altruistic intention to attain enlightenment in order to be of the greatest benefit to others. When we have truly developed this strong motivation, then we can consider ourselves to be on the Mahayana path.

It takes practice to open our hearts and put others first, and we will cultivate bodhicitta together while integrating topics from the How to Develop Bodhicitta module of Discovering Buddhism. There is no prerequisite and all are welcome.

Join us for discussion and guided meditations designed to cultivate bodhicitta. Making the most of this opportunity to work with our minds, we will practice silence during the breaks, including lunch. Please bring your lunch and enjoy the tranquility of retreat. This retreat is the culminating event for Discovering Buddhism: How to Develop Bodhicitta, Wednesdays, Oct 28-Dec 2, though all are welcome to join.

Gus has been facilitating and teaching Discovering Buddhism since 2012. To view one of his teaching courses, watch: Rebirth Without Faith

Important Note

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

After registering, the system automatically sends a confirmation email (if opted in) and/or a receipt email that contains the Zoom meeting link and/or other instructions. Some email domains like Yahoo, AOL are rejecting the auto emails. If you don’t immediately receive the system email(s) or you have any other questions, please contact us at registration@shantidevanyc.org. 

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 to $40

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

Time zone: US Eastern Standard Time (GMT/UTC-5)

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.