DISCOVERING BUDDHISM

Daylong Retreat with Gus Cutz: The Spiritual Teacher

Lama, guru, spiritual friend. Whatever name it goes by, the role of the teacher is an especially distinguished one in Buddhism. Because teachers are regarded as the ones who connect our minds with the Dharma, the source of ultimate happiness, the teacher-student relationship is considered essential for making spiritual progress. Yet, for many people, this most important relationship can seem mysterious or even challenging. What are the benefits of having a teacher, and how do you identify a suitable one?

Join Gus Cutz for a daylong retreat where you will learn about the teacher-student relationship and its role on the spiritual path. Come discuss the benefits and challenges of accepting a spiritual teacher, and try out meditations and practices aimed at enhancing guru devotion–viewing our teachers exactly as living buddhas.

This retreat is the culminating event for Discovering Buddhism: The Spiritual Teacher, though all are welcome to join.

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

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.