November 6 -10^th

FPMT Foundation Service Seminar Training 

With François Lecointre – FPMT centre service director, a senior FSS registered facilitator and director of Institut Vajra Yogini.

and Annelies Van der Heijden -Annelies is a registered FPMT teacher and accredited FDCW facilitator based in the Netherlands.

A special training for those offering and wishing to offer service within FPMT centers, services, and projects. 

Be inspired by Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision and wisdom, the amazing efforts of the FPMT family over the years to build and strengthen our organization and continuing to fulfill the wishes of our founder, Lama Yeshe.

Details

The Foundation Service Seminar (FSS) is the “FPMT immersion retreat”. It will provide essential information and nourishment for those already offering service, and for anyone interested in offering service in the FPMT organization.

The FSS retreat explores how to effectively offer our skills and qualities in service. We will investigate the purpose and mission of the FPMT organization, what it means to be an FPMT center, project or service: and how that vision can translate into joyful action for individuals. Interactive, enriching, inspiring and supportive, the FSS addresses all aspects of service – who we serve, why we serve and HOW we serve.

Long-term students and volunteers who have participated in the FSS have felt re-energized by it. The FSS is an opportunity to experience Lama Yeshe’s “family feeling” and to nourish existing and prepare future directors, SPCs, board members, registered teachers, staff and volunteers.

During this seminar you will explore: ways to develop your personal practice in the midst of service; your relationship to resources; communication skills; conflict resolution; teaching according to the level of the student; and methods to prevent burnout.  You will discuss service in terms of Guru devotion, karma, compassion, and emptiness, learning how to draw strength, inspiration, and guidance from these practices. You will learn how to use the Inner Job Description, a tool for developing what Lama Zopa Rinpoche said was the “inner professional” for integrating Dharma into our daily lives.

The FSS includes group discussion & activities, sharing of experiences, and is ‘retreat-like’, including daily meditations and group practice as advised by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The FSS lays the foundation for any other FPMT service seminar and the FSS certificate is given only to those who participate in every session of the seminar.

We encourage directors, SPCs, board members, registered teachers, introductory class leaders, center managers, and anyone offering service now, or considering offering service, within the FPMT organization to attend this FSS.

For more information on Foundation Service Seminars, visit FPMT Service Seminars.

Presenters

François Lecointre

François has been studying and practicing Buddhism in FPMT centres since 1994 after meeting the Dharma during the Kopan course. He was the director of Kalachakra Centre in Paris (France) from 1997 to 1999. He then became Spiritual Programme Coordinator in Institut Vajra Yogini in 2001. From 2002 to 2020, he has been directing Institut Vajra Yogini (IVY), managing this busy residential center in southwest France and hosting a CPMT meeting and three one-month retreats with Lama Zopa Rinpoche. In June 2020, François joined the International Office as Teacher Services and Communications director. In March 2021, he also took on the position of Chief Operating Officer of the International Office. François is a senior FSS facilitator, who can facilitate in French, English and Spanish.

Learn more about François Lecointre

Annelies Van der Heijden

Annelies is a registered FPMT teacher and accredited FDCW facilitator based in the Netherlands.

Costs

Registration cost is priced to cover the course expenses, facility fees, all meals, your choice of accommodation, and the FSS materials.

Begins Wednesday November 6th morning and finishes Sunday 10th midday.

Retreat cost is $300 for the 5 days, which includes course materials, lunch and refreshments. Please note that the online ticket includes PayPal transaction fees. If you want to pay directly via bank, please email us.

Accommodation is $110 per night and includes breakfast and dinner.

Camping option is $55 per night including breakfast and dinner.

Please let us know your accommodation preferences.

Bookings

Bookings to meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Or call Phillipa 0274348665

Anyone who has an interest in serving Chandrakirti Centre or any FPMT centre will greatly benefit from the experiential learning and growing in this immersion retreat.

Everyone welcome new comers and experienced alike.