Chenrezig Retreat: Transforming the Mind with the Eight Verses

Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit) is the embodiment of universal compassion, revered in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. His practice awakens our own innate capacity for empathy and kindness, guiding us to live with greater love and openness.

This Easter, join Venerable Tony Beaumont for a special four-day retreat integrating Chenrezig meditation with the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation, a concise and profound text from the Tibetan tradition. These verses teach us to transform narrow self-centredness into a generous concern for others, turning life’s difficulties into opportunities for compassion and wisdom.

Through teachings, guided meditation, mantra recitation, and reflection, Ven. Tony will explain the meaning of each verse and its practical application — showing us how to shift from neurotic self-obsession toward intelligent understanding, resilience, and kindness for ourselves and others.

What to Expect

• Teachings on the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation and their relevance in daily life.

• Chenrezig practice with meditation and mantra recitation.

• Practical methods for transforming difficulties into the path of compassion.

• Discussion and Q&A, creating space for personal reflection and integration.

• A supportive environment for deep practice during the Easter weekend.

Why join this retreat?

Easter is a time of renewal, reflection, and compassion — qualities that resonate deeply with both the Eight Verses and Chenrezig practice. This retreat offers the opportunity to step away from daily life and connect with practices that cultivate a fearless, compassionate heart.

About Venerable Tony Beaumont

Ven. Tony Beaumont first made direct contact with the Buddhadharma in Nepal and India in 1976 -1977 during which time he attended 2 one-month long Kopan Lam-rim courses and their retreats, and a then a three-month group Vajrasattva retreat at Tushita in Dharamshala.

On returning to Australia, he trained and worked as a psychiatric nurse, then in the 1980’s was based at Chenrezig Institute during which time he served at different times as the cook, office worker and gardener. 

In 1991 he took novice ordination with Kirti Tshenshab Rinpoche at Kopan and in 1993 took full ordination with Geshe Yeshe Topden at Lama Tsong Khapa Institute in Italy. 

Following ordination as a monk in 1991, he lived for seventeen years at two different FPMT monasteries, at Nalanda Monastery in France and at Thubten Shedrup Ling monastery in Bendigo, where he served as director. He has led retreats and courses at various FPMT Centres throughout the world, as well as teaching in prisons and schools.

Practical Details

📅 Dates: Thursday evening 2 April – Monday lunchtime 6 April, 2026 (Easter weekend) 

📍 Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity, Colville, Coromandel 

✨ Format: Residential retreat with teachings, Chenrezig practice, mantra, and guided meditation. 

👥 Who can attend: Open to everyone — beginners and experienced practitioners alike.