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Sunday, March 29th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. IN PERSON & ON ZOOMIn this daylong retreat, John Bruna will explore the timeless wisdom of The Three Principal Aspects of the Path, a short yet profound teaching by Je Tsongkhapa that distills the essence of the entire Buddhist path into just fourteen verses. Together, we will unpack these pith instructions and explore how they speak directly to the challenges, aspirations and inner struggles of modern life.
Drawing from classical Buddhist philosophy while making clear connections to contemporary Western psychology and therapeutic models, this retreat offers both depth and accessibility. It is well-suited for those new to Buddhist thought as well as seasoned practitioners seeking to deepen and integrate their practice.
At the heart of this teaching are three essential qualities that support genuine well-being, inner freedom and compassionate engagement with the world:
Renunciation
Learning to recognize how misperceptions and habitual patterns of mind give rise to unnecessary suffering—for ourselves and others. Renunciation in this context is not withdrawal from life, but a clear-eyed understanding of what truly leads to happiness, freedom and meaning, and how to cultivate those conditions in daily life.
Bodhicitta (Great Compassion)
Discovering the profound strength, resilience and healing that emerge when we cultivate connection and an altruistic motivation to benefit others. Bodhicitta transforms personal practice into a source of purpose, belonging and service.
Wisdom
Developing the capacity to understand ourselves and our experience of the world more accurately. Through this clarity, we begin to loosen deeply ingrained misperceptions that fuel emotional reactivity, distress and confusion—opening the door to greater balance, insight and freedom.
Throughout the retreat, participants will be guided through reflection, contemplation and practice aimed at integrating these teachings into real life—not merely as philosophical ideas, but as living principles that support healing, ethical living and genuine happiness.
COST: The Dharma Center operates on the gift economy and the cost of the daylong is on a two-part sliding scale. The fee that you offer through the registration system ($50, $70, $89, or $108 or scholarship options of $25 or $0) supports our nonprofit, which pays the costs of the building, utilities, website, administration, etc. In keeping with our 2,600-year-old tradition, the teacher of the class is not compensated but rather shares the teachings freely. In turn, you are invited into the practice of dana, or generosity, a gift economy system that has been alive since the time of the Buddha. You are invited to make a donation to support the teacher in continuing their valuable work. Donations in any amount whatsoever are gratefully received, and the practice of generosity is always elective.
DATE: Sunday, March 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Durango Dharma Center, 1800 East Third Avenue, Suite 109 in Durango and Zoom
QUESTIONS: If you have questions, please reach out to the registrar, Kurt, at [email protected] or leave a message at 970-426-8983.
ABOUT THE TEACHER: John Bruna is the spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, a Rime (nonsectarian) Buddhist center focusing on teachings that are practical and accessible for Western students of all traditions located in Carbondale, CO. He began his training in Tibetan Buddhism in 2001, took initial vows in 2003 and was ordained in 2005. In 2012, John returned his monastic vows and was requested to become a lay teacher. He is known for his humor and practical approach to applying Dharma in everyday life.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: https://www.durangodharmacenter.org/events/#!event/register/2026/3/29/a-daylong-retreat-with-john-bruna
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Event Venue
1800 E 3rd Ave, Ste 109, Durango, AND ZOOM, United States
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