Buddhist Teachings on Meeting our World with a Vast Mind & Fierce Heart

 

A thousand years ago, Machig Labdrön, the renowned 11th century Tibetan yogini, taught that it is only in meeting our fears and shadows that we are able to access the wisdom and peace we so deeply yearn for. We are invited to “go to the places that scare you” – not with armor and aggression but with curiosity and compassion.

In this retreat we will draw on Machig’s direct teachings, practice open awareness meditation, and cultivate the warmth of community in order to access the spacious brilliance of our minds and the tenderness of our care.

These ancient insights are grounded in the profound understanding of our fundamental, indestructible wholeness and the recognition that the sky-like vastness of our awareness can hold and embrace whatever arises. They offer refuge and guidance as we engage a world marked by uncertainty, confusion, and even despair.

How can we draw on the depths of our innate wakefulness to meet this moment of time with clarity and a fiercely loving heart? Our practice is not to effort more, but to access, rest into, and engage from the awakened heart-mind which lies within each of us.

Charlotte and Pieter will also lead a virtual conversation on the subject July 23. More information here. 

 

 

 

TEACHERS

 

Partners in life, teaching, and parenting, Charlotte Rotterdam and Pieter Oosthuizen draw on decades of dedicated study and practice to share the rich teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and their application to modern life. They are senior teachers (Lopöns) at Tara Mandala Retreat Center, founded by Lama Tsultrim Allione, and offer retreats world-wide. They have also studied with Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, Lama Wangdu Rinpoche, and Orgyen Khakhyab Lingpa Rinpoche, among others. Raised in New York City, Charlotte received a Masters in Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School. She is faculty at Naropa University and directs the Center for the Advancement of Contemplative Education. Pieter received his Law degree in his native South Africa. His love of people, places, and cultures has carried him around the globe. He has served in leadership roles at Naropa University and Tara Mandala, and currently directs the Feeding your Demons Institute. Their recent book, Skymind: The Radical Path of Open Awareness (Shambhala, 2026), highlights the nature of mind teachings of the 11th century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön and their application to modern life. Together they lead the Skymind Sangha from their home in Boulder, Colorado, where they live with their two sons. www.skymind.us

 

 

 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

There are Single, and Double rooms available. Please note, there is no available guest elevator and all rooms are accessible by stairs—except for those reserved for the mobility-impaired on the first floor. There are two communal bathrooms on each residential floor as well as a comfortable lounge with sofas and easy chairs, where tea and instant coffee are available. The lounges also are equipped with wireless, high-speed internet connection. There are several local hotels within driving distance from the Institute, for those who wish to stay off-site, as commuters. Onsite meals are included with commuter registrations.

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COVID-19

The health and safety of our guests and staff is a top priority for the Garrison Institute. To attend a retreat or event all guests, teachers, and staff are welcome to self-test (at home antigen test is acceptable) within the 48-hour window prior to arriving for a retreat on site, and to bring a 2nd self-test kit when coming on site. We encourage everyone to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and other illnesses before your visit. If you experience symptoms or have a positive diagnosis, please notify us immediately at events@garrisoninstitute.org We will continue to follow any COVID-19 guidelines set forth by our local officials, New York State and the CDC.