DISCOVERING BUDDHISM

Daylong Retreat with Gus Cutz: The Spiritual Teacher

Sun Jul 27, 10:30am–3:30pm EDT

ONLINE

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.

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 registration@shantidevanyc.org.

*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 to $40

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

Register

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

If the registration above didn’t work for you, please try this alternative page, or 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.