Join Venerable Geshe Sangey Thinley for a Tara retreat at Jam Tse Dhargyey Ling over Labour Weekend, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026. Take time away from everyday demands to explore compassion and wisdom through Buddhist practice in the peaceful surroundings of the centre.
Affectionately known as Geshe-la, Venerable Geshe Sangey Thinley has been the centre’s resident spiritual teacher since October 1999. Born in Kham, eastern Tibet, he began his monastic studies at seven and went on to study at Sera Monastery. He attained his Geshe degree in 1990 and subsequently taught Buddhist philosophy and practice at Sera Je in South India. His teaching draws on decades of study and practice, offering guidance for cultivating kindness, patience and compassion in everyday life.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Tara embodies enlightened activity and active compassion. The centre's previous Tara retreats have explored White Tara, Green Tara and the Twenty-One Taras through teachings, mantra and practice, with time for questions and discussion.
This weekend draws on that tradition, with a proposed rhythm of morning and afternoon practice sessions, a lunch break and time for reflection together. Geshe-la will lead the retreat. The detailed practice programme and supporting facilitators will be confirmed closer to the retreat. Any empowerment or oral transmission would be announced separately once confirmed.
Everyone is welcome, including people new to Buddhism. Please enquire to register your interest and tell us whether you hope to attend both days or selected sessions, and whether you would like to ask about accommodation.
The provisional daily hours are 10 am to 5 pm on both days. Please confirm the final timetable and meal arrangements with the centre before making travel plans.
The retreat donation is NZ$100 per person, payable by bank transfer. Meals will be confirmed separately. Accommodation is offered by Ora Springs Retreat at NZ$50 per night; see Staying and Meals below.
Bank transfer details: Jam Tse Dhargyey Ling Trust — BNZ (Bank of New Zealand), Whangarei. Account number: 02-0492-0418461-00.
Please include your name and “Tara Retreat” in the payment particulars/reference, and email dharmanewzealand@gmail.com after making your transfer so we can match your donation to your registration.
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Who It Is Suitable For
Beginners and experienced practitioners. No previous experience of Tara practice is needed to enquire; guidance for any specific practices will be included in the final programme.
Beginners are welcome.
Staying and Meals
Accommodation for Tara retreat participants is offered by Ora Springs Retreat at a special rate of NZ$50 per night. Accommodation is separate from the NZ$100 retreat donation. Visit Ora Springs Retreat’s booking website to explore accommodation and enquire about the retreat offer.
Lunch arrangements and any meal costs will be confirmed with participants. Please let the centre know about dietary requirements when you enquire.
Schedule
- Provisional programme for Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October — final timetable to be confirmed
- 10:00 am — Morning Tara session
- 12:15 pm — Lunch break
- 1:30 pm — Discussion and reflection
- 3:00 pm — Afternoon Tara session
- 5:00 pm — Close for the day
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing and warm layers
- A notebook if you wish
Accessibility and Cancellation
Please tell the centre about any access or seating needs when you enquire.
Please contact the centre if your plans change. Attendance and final arrangements will be confirmed directly.