Practices and prayers

Prayers in Buddhism play an important role in reminding ourselves of the goals, setting our intention, and developing Bodhicitta, as well as releasing unnecessary thoughts, and anxieties. Going through the new Bodhicharya Prayer Book, Rinpoche will explore different practices and prayers, and explain their meaning, their purpose, and their power.

In 2020 and 2021, due to the Corona virus outbreak, Bodhicharya Summer Camp happened via Zoom. This year, Rinpoche has kindly agreed to teach live, at Casa da Torre. Sessions will also be broadcasted, making it possible to attend via Zoom.

Like every year, Summer Camp will be accessible to everyone, even to those who do not have a deep knowledge of the Buddhist path and did not attend previous years’ sessions.

Please download a provisional version of the prayer book Rinpoche is going to teach, by clicking below. Left for the English version, right for the Spanish version.

Live attendance or
Zoom attendance

Live attendance

Casa da Torre – Centro de Retiros | Soutelo – Vila Verde – Braga

Casa da Torre is a Christian retreat house, in the North of Portugal. The facilities are excellent, with single and double rooms with twin beds. At a short walking distance flows a river where one can swim or just refresh oneself. There is a fluvial beach and a small terrace, perfect to sit, relax and enjoy a drink.

Participants may also relax and enjoy the activities available around the center. Families are most welcome, however, we are not in a position to provide childcare.

Accommodation

The accommodation is fully booked now. We are not accepting any new registrations.

If you want to look for accommodation elsewhere, you can still attend the teachings and share lunch with the rest of the Sangha.

Teachings and lunch

235€ / per person

Registration

If you wish to register for “teachings and lunch”, please send us an email.

Other information

Translations

The teachings will be given in English. There will be simultaneous translations into French and Portuguese. If you need translation, bring a FM radio.

Texts

Click here to download the prayers before and after the sessions

Contacts Casa da Torre

Casa da Torre | 4730-570 Soutelo | Vila Verde | tel: +351 253 310 400

Arriving at Casa da Torre

By plane

The closest international airport is Porto (OPO). Many low-cost airlines fly to Porto from a great number of places. The are no more restricting measures implemented in Portugal concerning covid-19

There will be buses collecting those who arrive at the airport and taking them back on the last day.

On arrival : 2 buses, one at 14:00 and a second one at 17:00

On departure : 2 buses, both at 14:00

Shuttles costs are included in Summer Camp price.

In case your plane arrives after the shuttle or leaves earlier, you can book here tickets for the regular shuttle service from Airport to Braga. The bus arrives at the buses terminal and from there you can take a taxi to Casa da Torre (more or less 15€).
By train

The closest train station is Braga. From there you can take a taxi to Casa da Torre. It costs around 15€.

Click here for the Portuguese Railway webpage

Timetable for trains Porto / Braga

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Zoom attendance

Zoom attendance

Simultaneous translation into French, Portuguese, German and Spanish

Register now

Summer Camp online attendance will be on a donation basis. Donations will be used for offerings to Rinpoche, as well as to the translators and technical team. We deeply value your contribution.

Make an offering
If you use Paypal, please choose the option “send money to a friend” to avoid paying fees.

Schedule

25th – 08 pm
26th – 10 am and 05 pm
27th – 10 am and 05 pm
28th – 10 am and 05 pm
29th – 10 am and 05 pm
30th – 10 am and 05 pm
31st – 09 am

UTC time

To calculate times in your time zone click here

If you miss a live session, recordings will be accessible through the archives.

If you experience any technical problems, contact us.

If you have any question you want to submit to Rinpoche in writing form, please send it through the form below.

Please reflect on your question carefully before you send it, and be concise and only use one short paragraph and less than 80 words.

Fragen können Sie uns gerne in deutscher Sprache zusenden

Si tiene alguna pregunta que desee enviar a Rinpoche por escrito, envíela a través del formulario a continuación.

Special programs for "Zoomers"

White Tara and Kum Nye Meetings with Mary Heneghan

White Tara Sadhana & Meditation

From the Bodhicharya Prayer Book

Bodhicharya UK is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting
Time: This is a recurring meeting, meet 8:45am – 9:30am UTC,
which is the following time in the UK and Portugal:

Tues 26 July    9.45am – 10.30am (join from 9.30am)
Wed 27 July     9.45am – 10.30am
Thurs 28 July    9.45am – 10.30am
Fri 29 July.        9.45am – 10.30am

Any problems joining, you can text Mary on 07967 757477

Download below a practice aid for White Tara Sadhana

Practice aid

Kum Nye Yoga & Meditation

Each session will include relaxation and meditation, interspersed with gentle exercises, which may be standing, sitting or lying down. Have your meditation cushion or chair available, as well as somewhere to lie down comfortably.  All instruction will be given, everyone welcome.  See website for more details about Kum Nye:  https://sites.google.com/site/acupuncturekumnyeyoga/kum-nye.

Bodhicharya UK is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting
Time: This is a recurring meeting, meet 3:30pm-4:30pm UTC,
which is the following time in the UK and Portugal:

Tues 26 July   4:30pm – 5:30pm (join from 4:20pm)
Wed 27 July    4:30pm – 5:30pm
Thurs 28 July  4:30pm – 5:30pm
Fri 29 July       4:30pm – 5:30pm