The Noble Eightfold Path

The cessation of suffering is approached here not as abstract theory, but as something to be recognized in daily life. This retreat invites you to look closely at the Buddha’s teachings and discover how they show up in your own experience. It begins with the meaning of “true right view” and the question of what “right” really means before unfolding the rest of the path through wisdom, compassion, texts, contemplations, and practical exercises.

The Noble Eightfold Path offers not only insight into suffering and its ending, but also a remarkably practical form of training. Its eight aspects are Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

What does “Right” mean in this context? That question is at the heart of the retreat. As your view shifts, your life can shift as well. From there, the path is explored through exercises and contemplations that point toward greater inner freedom, wisdom, and compassion. The program draws on sutras, a thangka showing the stages of meditative concentration (shamatha), Kum Nye yoga, and mantra chanting.

“If we rely on the Dharma and follow the teachings with concentration and devotion, we will certainly realize the joy and deep satisfaction of total fulfillment” – Tarthang Tulku: Verborgen Vrijheid

This retreat is part of the year-long “Mind and The Three Trainings” course, and it is also open to participants who already have some meditation experience.

All necessary texts will be provided. Materials include excerpts from the sutras and Tarthang Tulku’s book Verborgen Vrijheid, which is also available for purchase at the Lotus Design shop.