Join us for five days of intensive spiritual practice at Padmasambhava Buddhist Center in New York, USA.

Wednesday, August 12 to Sunday, August 16, 2009

By all accounts, the 2007 and 2008 Gnostic Retreats were wonderful experiences. However, the 2009 retreat will be the most amazing yet, as we will gather at an authentic temple from the tradition of Padmasambhava, called by Tibetans “the Second Buddha,” famous for his book Bardol Thodol, often called “The Tibetan Book of the Dead.”

We are honored that this beautiful temple has graciously agreed to open its grounds for the first time ever to a non-Buddhist group. As part of the ancient Tibetan Buddhist Nyingmapa tradition, this is a sacred and protected refuge, whose radiant energy is a powerful source of spiritual inspiration.

As a Gnostic Retreat, participants will be focusing on intensive spiritual practice, whose goal is personal experience of Gnosis. Gnosis is Greek for “conscious, experiential knowledge.” The ancient science of Gnosis is a precise utilization of the consciousness, directed towards self-knowledge and the emergence of serenity and happiness. The International Gnostic Retreats focus on practical techniques for acquiring conscious knowledge within.

Retreat participants will learn about:

• Utilizing Awareness through Self-observation and Self-remembering
• Awakening the Consciousness and Gnostic Psychology
• The Stages of Meditation Insight into Reality: Samadhi or Ecstasy
• Transmutation of Energy: Pranayama and Tantra
• Creative Sound: Vocalization of Mantras
• Harmonizing the Body: Runic and Tibetan Exercises
• Inner Vision: Imagination and Clairvoyance

Although there will be lectures and social interaction, the emphasis of the retreat will be on an intensified development of meditation practice. The retreat will consist primarily of group meditation sessions. We will also observe extended periods of silence in order to focus attention upon our inner worlds.

• WHEN: Wednesday, August 12 to Sunday, August 16, 2009

• WHERE: Padmasambhava Buddhist Center in New York, USA

• WHY: For 5 days (4 nights) Gnostics from all over the world will gather together in order to practice and study Gnosis: the science of awakening the consciousness. We will learn meditation techniques and various other practices. This year we are also offering a special beginner’s introductory course.

• WHO: Everyone 18 and over is welcome to attend (exceptions may be made for serious 16 or 17 year olds who are accompanied by a parent - contact us if you are interested).

Early bird reservation (& pricing) for the retreat ends on June 15th. Final day for reserving your spot is July 30th. You can reserve your spot today by registering on this site or by going to www.gnosticstore.org under RETREATS.

We only have beds for fifty participants, on a first come, first serve basis. There are 5 COUPLES apartments available. There is unlimited space available for camping once the fifty slots have been filled up. If you would like to choose the Camping option, you will have to bring your own tent and sleeping bag. Your package includes twelve vegetarian meals, snacks, and the use of bathrooms, main lodge and all the other facilities.

Go to www.gnosticstore.org to reserve your spot.

We are looking forward to seeing you there!