The Heart Sutra – Wisdom & Compassion in Everyday Life: A One-Day Urban Retreat

Sunday, May 18th | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM | Paramita Center Southeast | In-Person & Online

Join us for a day of contemplation and insight exploring Mahayana Buddhism’s most concise and profound wisdom text. The Heart Sutra, though brief enough to fit on two pages, contains the essence of the Buddha’s deepest teachings on the nature of reality.

In this urban retreat, Les Kertay (Lobsang Tharchin), a long-time Buddhist practitioner and former clinical psychologist trained as a teacher by Lama Lobsang Samten and his senior teachers, will guide participants through this transformative text following the time-honored Lamrim tradition that makes complex Buddhist wisdom accessible through clear, progressive steps.

What You’ll Experience:

• Clear explanations of the Heart Sutra’s key teachings on emptiness (śūnyatā)
• The three-fold approach to learning: listening to teachings, contemplating their meaning, and meditation practice
• Guided analytical and concentration (calm-abiding) meditations that form the foundation for deeper philosophical understanding
• Traditional visualization practices to develop insight
• Introduction to the Heart Sutra mantra and its significance
• Practical insights on how wisdom and compassion reinforce each other
• A supportive community environment for questions and discussion

This retreat offers a unique opportunity to explore how the profound wisdom of emptiness naturally gives rise to boundless compassion, creating a self-sustaining cycle of spiritual growth. You’ll experience how these ancient teachings can be applied universally, regardless of your background or belief system, to transform your everyday experience and relationships.

Who Should Attend: Whether you’re new to Buddhism or have an established practice, this retreat provides accessible entry points alongside deeper contemplations. Basic Buddhist concepts will be reviewed, making this suitable for sincere beginners while offering experienced practitioners fresh perspectives within the structured Paramita Center approach.

About the Teacher: Les Kertay (Lobsang Tharchin) combines years of Buddhist study with his background as a clinical psychologist. Trained as a teacher by Lama Lobsang Samten and his senior teachers, Les was authorized to bring these teachings to the US and establish the first Paramita Center in the United States. His approach bridges traditional Tibetan Buddhist wisdom with contemporary Western understanding, making profound concepts accessible without diluting their authenticity.

Details:

• Available in-person or online (by Zoom)
• Snacks, water, coffee, and tea provided in-person
• Bring your own lunch or a dish to share for a potluck meal
• Meditation cushions available, or bring your own preferred sitting support
• Suggested donation: $70 (proceeds benefit the development of Paramita Center Southeast in Chattanooga)
• Full and partial scholarships available by request
• Pre-registration required as space is limited

For More Information:

• Website: www.buddhismsoutheast.org
• Email: contact@paramitacentersoutheast.org
• Phone: (423) 637-6606

Paramita Center Southeast is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered as a charity in Tennessee.