DISCOVERING BUDDHISM
Daylong Retreat with Gus Cutz: Refuge in the Three Jewels
Sun Oct 18, 2020
Refuge in the Three Jewels
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 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!
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.
