Compassion Cultivation Training

Course Description

Compassion is a feeling that arises from witnessing a being’s suffering which then ignites an intention to bring relief to that suffering. As such, it is also an expression of the capacity to care. Compassion has the power to transform suffering. It can fuel our efforts to improve ourselves, our surroundings, and the world. By wisely applying compassion in our specific circumstances, we can use suffering as a tool to raise our consciousness. This works only when we recognize the power of compassion within us and continually practice its application.

In this course, talking about compassion is important, — how to unfold it, apply it, and share experiences — but this is just a map. While this map will help us plan our direction, stay aware of where we are on the path, and avoid getting lost, the journey itself is made by moving forward — by experiencing, trying, doing, and reflecting. In other words, by practicing. The weekly two-hour group sessions are designed with this in mind.

Overview:

-Weekly 2-hour class — including lecture, discussion, and in-class exercises

-Daily meditation practices

-Real-world assignments for practicing compassionate thoughts and actions.

We’ll follow a step-by-step “training plan” and experiment with its various elements. Research indicates that eight weeks is sufficient to begin experiencing the initial positive effects of this training plan. This can provide the motivation to gradually and persistently shape our lives and personalities in a more compassion-centered direction.

The 8-Week CCT Journey:

Week 1 — Settling and focusing the mind

Week 2 — Loving-kindness & compassion for a loved one

Week 3 — Compassion for oneself

Week 4 — Loving-kindness for oneself

Week 5 — Embracing shared common humanity and developing an appreciation for others

Week 6 — Cultivating compassion for others

Week 7 — Active compassion practice

Week 8 — Integrated daily compassion cultivation practice

What effects can I expect

While everyone will have their own unique experience, research has shown CCT™ can lead to:

Increased: Happiness, Calmness, acceptance of emotions, self-acceptance, job satisfaction, self-caring behavior, compassion for self and others, and openness to receiving compassion from others.

Decreased: Worry and anxiety, anger, wandering mind, emotional suppression, reports of chronic pain severity.

Main Author of this Training

Compassion Cultivation Training™ (CCT™) was developed at Stanford University under the guidance of Geshe Thupten Jinpa. Jinpa trained as a monk at Shartse College and holds the prestigious Geshe Lharampa degree. He also earned a B.A. in philosophy and a Ph.D. in religious studies from Cambridge University. Since 1985, Jinpa has served as the principal English translator for H.H. the Dalai Lama and has collaborated on numerous works with him. His own notable publications include A Fearless Heart: How the Courage to Be Compassionate Can Transform Our Lives, as well as translations of key Tibetan Classic texts. Among these translations is the Ornament of Stainless Light: An Exposition of the Kālachakra Tantra. Jinpa is currently working on translating the Ocean of Definitive Meaning by Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen.

Sessions and Recordings

This course is an experiential introduction to compassion. All 8 sessions will be recorded and will be accessible for later viewing. However, due to the guided experiential nature of this course, if you will be unable to attend the majority of live sessions, we generally do not recommend your participation. The recordings are only intended for those who absolutely cannot avoid missing one or a few sessions.

Additional session: after the completion of the 8 main sessions, an additional optional session will be offered. This session will provide an orientation on how to move forward should you want further perspective or advice on how to deepen yourself within this profound subject.

Registration Costs 

We offer flexible offering levels to accommodate participants in different economic, life, and geographical contexts. REGISTER BELOW.

Sangha Supporter Registration Fee: 500,- Euro 

Normal Registration Fee: 250,- Euro

Early Bird Reduced Registration Fee: 200,- Euro 

Scholarship Reduced Registration Fee: 125,- Euro

Note: Registration costs for Dzokden Kalapa do not cover any time and effort of the course leader Tamás Schieszler. We are very grateful for his kind offer to guide this program. Should you wish to show your gratitude to Tamás during or after the course, you are welcome to make an online donation (Dana) to him. Details will be forthcoming as the course begins.