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March 20 - 28, 2027
The Water Buffalo In Your Mind
In-Person Retreat
Language: Dutch
Language: Dutch
Through study and the first stages of meditation, you begin to discover traces. You start to understand how the mind works and realize that a path to peace exists. You see the footprints of the water buffalo in the mud of everyday life.
3. Seeing the Water Buffalo (Direct Experience)
Suddenly, you see the water buffalo itself. In a moment of deep stillness, you experience your true mind. It is no longer a theory found in a book, but a direct and living experience of being.
4. Catching the Water Buffalo (Confrontation)
You have grasped the buffalo by the horns, but it is still wild and stubborn. The mind continually wants to run back to old habits and desires. This is the stage of effort and discipline, where you must repeatedly bring the mind back to the path.
5. Taming the Water Buffalo (Cultivation)
The buffalo gradually becomes calmer. You no longer need to pull so hard, yet vigilance remains necessary. The buffalo slowly turns white, symbolizing the purification of the mind and its alignment with inner wisdom.
6. Riding the Water Buffalo Home (Effortlessness)
The struggle is over. Relaxed, you ride on the buffalo’s back, perhaps even playing a flute. Harmony has arisen between you and your mind. Practice is no longer a burden but has become a natural way of being.
7. Forgetting the Buffalo, Remaining as Yourself (Unity)
Having arrived home, the buffalo is no longer needed. The buffalo—the method, the training—falls away. What remains is simple presence, peace, and stillness. There is no longer any separation between practice and life.
8. Forgetting Both Buffalo and Self (Emptiness)
Traditionally represented by an empty circle, this stage marks the disappearance of all concepts of self, enlightenment, and mind. This is the realization of complete emptiness (Śūnyatā). There is no seeker and nothing to be sought.
9. Returning to the Source (Reality)
The world is exactly as it is. Flowers bloom, rivers flow. The beauty of things reveals itself without the interference of the ego. Fully present, you live in the world without being trapped by it.
10. Entering the Marketplace with Open Hands (Compassion)
You return to society, to the busy marketplace of everyday life. Outwardly, you appear to be an ordinary person, yet you naturally bring peace, joy, and understanding to others. Your concern is no longer your own awakening, but the well-being of all beings.
This unique teaching is guided by Cuong Lu. It offers a rare opportunity to discover genuine freedom and to experience a life of peace, clarity, and joy.
DATE AND TIME DETAILS:
March 20 - 28, 2027
LOCATION:
2 Le Mont
87190 Magnac Laval. France
COSTS:
€1161 (VAT-exempt, shared twin room)
The fee includes all accommodation and living expenses throughout the retreat. The above fees do not include dāna (a voluntary offering) for the teacher.
REGISTRATION:
Register now
March 20 - 28, 2027
LOCATION:
2 Le Mont
87190 Magnac Laval. France
COSTS:
€1161 (VAT-exempt, shared twin room)
The fee includes all accommodation and living expenses throughout the retreat. The above fees do not include dāna (a voluntary offering) for the teacher.
REGISTRATION:
Register now
DATE AND TIME DETAILS:
March 20-28, 2027
LOCATION:
2 Le Mont
87190 Magnac Laval - France
COSTS:
€1161 (VAT-exempt, shared twin room)
The fee includes all accommodation and living expenses throughout the retreat. The above fees do not include dāna (a voluntary offering) for the teacher.
REGISTRATION:
Register now
March 20-28, 2027
LOCATION:
2 Le Mont
87190 Magnac Laval - France
COSTS:
€1161 (VAT-exempt, shared twin room)
The fee includes all accommodation and living expenses throughout the retreat. The above fees do not include dāna (a voluntary offering) for the teacher.
REGISTRATION:
Register now
Daily Schedule
5:30 AM – Wake-up bell
6:00 AM – Seated meditation
7:30 AM – Silent breakfast
10:00 AM – Dharma talk
11:00 AM – Walking meditation
12:00 PM – Silent lunch
2:00 PM – Afternoon practice/activity
4:00 PM – Work meditation
6:00 PM – Silent dinner
8:00 PM – Seated meditation
9:00 PM – Noble Silence begins
Retreat Fee
€1161 – Shared twin room (VAT-exempt), including accommodation and all retreat expenses.
The above fees do not include dāna for the teacher.
Donation
The registration fee covers accommodation, meals, and all retreat-related expenses. It does not include dāna (a voluntary offering) for the teacher. In the Buddhist tradition, the teachings are offered freely, and support for the teacher is left to the discretion and generosity of each participant.
If you wish to make an offering, a suggested range is between 35% and 50% of the registration fee, according to your financial circumstances and appreciation for the teachings. However, any amount is welcome and deeply appreciated.
Your generosity helps support the continuation of the Dharma and makes it possible for others to benefit from these teachings in the future. Thank you for helping keep the Dharma alive and accessible to al.
Cancelation Policy
You may cancel your registration up to six months before the start of the retreat and receive a full refund, minus a €50 administrative fee.
If you cancel between three and six months before the start of the retreat, 50% of the registration fee will be refunded. If you cancel less than three months before the retreat begins, no refund will be provided.
If you leave the retreat after it has started, no refund will be given. If, for any reason, the retreat cannot take place, we will notify you as soon as possible and refund the full registration fee.
Word Zen’s liability for a cancelled retreat is limited to the refund of the registration fee. We cannot be held responsible for any additional expenses, including travel costs, airline tickets, visa fees, accommodation booked elsewhere, or other related expenses.
You can cancel up to 1 day before the start of the program. You then only owe $ 50 administration costs.
Language
This event will be in Dutch
5:30 AM – Wake-up bell
6:00 AM – Seated meditation
7:30 AM – Silent breakfast
10:00 AM – Dharma talk
11:00 AM – Walking meditation
12:00 PM – Silent lunch
2:00 PM – Afternoon practice/activity
4:00 PM – Work meditation
6:00 PM – Silent dinner
8:00 PM – Seated meditation
9:00 PM – Noble Silence begins
Retreat Fee
€1161 – Shared twin room (VAT-exempt), including accommodation and all retreat expenses.
The above fees do not include dāna for the teacher.
Donation
The registration fee covers accommodation, meals, and all retreat-related expenses. It does not include dāna (a voluntary offering) for the teacher. In the Buddhist tradition, the teachings are offered freely, and support for the teacher is left to the discretion and generosity of each participant.
If you wish to make an offering, a suggested range is between 35% and 50% of the registration fee, according to your financial circumstances and appreciation for the teachings. However, any amount is welcome and deeply appreciated.
Your generosity helps support the continuation of the Dharma and makes it possible for others to benefit from these teachings in the future. Thank you for helping keep the Dharma alive and accessible to al.
Cancelation Policy
You may cancel your registration up to six months before the start of the retreat and receive a full refund, minus a €50 administrative fee.
If you cancel between three and six months before the start of the retreat, 50% of the registration fee will be refunded. If you cancel less than three months before the retreat begins, no refund will be provided.
If you leave the retreat after it has started, no refund will be given. If, for any reason, the retreat cannot take place, we will notify you as soon as possible and refund the full registration fee.
Word Zen’s liability for a cancelled retreat is limited to the refund of the registration fee. We cannot be held responsible for any additional expenses, including travel costs, airline tickets, visa fees, accommodation booked elsewhere, or other related expenses.
You can cancel up to 1 day before the start of the program. You then only owe $ 50 administration costs.
Language
This event will be in Dutch
Cuong Lu
“I look forward to meeting you and practicing the path of insight and compassion together. Let us do all that we can to build a world of peace.”
Register
The Water Buffalo In Your Mind
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