A Beginner's Look at Dependent Relativity & Emptiness, Retreat with Geshe Losel (In-Person & Online) - Fri 20th to Mon 23rd Nov 2026

• Date: Fri 20th to 23rd November 2026

• Times: Joining with a welcome Friday evening, ending Monday afternoon

• Format: In Person or Online

Overview

Why do we get so caught up in things? Why can one small problem take over our whole day? And why do anxiety, stress or dissatisfaction sometimes remain even when, on the surface, life seems to be going well?

Buddhism suggests that much of our unease comes not simply from what happens to us, but from how we see things. We tend to experience people, situations and even ourselves as fixed, solid and independent. Yet when we look more closely, everything exists through a combination of causes, conditions, relationships and changing circumstances.

Drawing on his book Tsonkghapa’s Praise for Dependent Relativity, a commentary on the verses that Je Tsongkhapa (1357 - 1419) wrote immediately after realising emptiness for the first time, Geshe Losel will introduce the Buddha’s profoundest insight, the wisdom that liberates from all suffering.

This may sound philosophical, but its implications are very down to earth. If things are less solid and permanent than we imagine, then our problems, identities, relationships and emotional reactions can also become much more workable. We can begin to hold life a little more lightly, respond with greater flexibility, and create space between what happens and how we react.

Over the weekend, Geshe Losel will guide us through these ideas with teaching, meditation, reflection and discussion, helping to connect Buddhism’s deepest wisdom with the challenges and experiences of ordinary life.

This teaching is organised in collaboration with BuddhaWeb, Czech Republic and so will be available to join online for anyone who wishes to join.

We will explore:

• Why Buddhism says our way of seeing things matters so much.

• How everything depends upon causes, conditions and relationships.

• How our exaggerated assumptions about ourselves and others create stress.

• How a different way of seeing can reduce attachment, frustration and anxiety.

• The connection between dependent relativity and emptiness.

• How these insights can help us live with more openness, flexibility and compassion.

This retreat will be hosted at Lam Rim Buddhist Centre Wales but the teachings can also be joined online.

About the Teacher

Geshe Tenzin Losel was born in mid-20th century Britain. He first met Buddhist teachings in England thanks to the exceptionally kind efforts of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa, reaching out to westerners. He left for India in 1990 for further studies and received full ordination as a Buddhist monk in the Tibetan tradition from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1994. He is one of the handful of Westerners trained for two decades in the traditional Tibetan way as a geshe. While a student at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Dharamsala, he attended many public teachings by His Holiness there. In 2006 he received his geshe degree from Drepung Loseling, the monastery where the late Geshe Damcho, founder of Lam Rim Wales also trained. After returning to Britain to care for his parents in their last years, he moved in 2018 to Nalanda Monastery in France. As well as teaching, he has been involved in translating vinaya materials, which deal with ethical conduct and vows, especially for monastics. In fulfilment of Geshe Damcho’s request to him to teach in his centres, he is now associated with Lam Rim Wales and Lam Rim Bristol.

Who Should Join?

No previous knowledge of Buddhism is required. Anyone interested in meditation, religious life, and inner development, Buddhist practitioners of all levels.

Schedule

• Arrivals from 5pm Friday, with supper at 6:30pm and a short course welcome starting 7:30pm

• Retreat closing after lunch on Monday 23rd Nov 2026

Who Should Attend

Anyone interested in meditation, religious life, and inner development, Buddhist practitioners of all levels.

Lunch & Refreshments

We are pleased to provide complimentary refreshments throughout the course, with breakfast, lunch and a evening meal. Please advise of any dietary requirements on the booking form.

Location

Teachings will be onsite at Lam Rim Buddhist Centre, Pentwyn Manor, Penrhos, Raglan, Usk, Wales, NP15 2LE - directions here >

Visiting by public transport, more information here >

Residential Accommodation

To understand more about residential accommodation and the various rooms available, click here >

Tickets & Donation

Everyone is welcome to attend Buddhist teachings freely, with no donation required. However, the Centre relies on the kindness and generosity of the community to remain open and continue offering teachings and retreats. We offer two main suggested donation levels to help make attendance accessible to as many people as possible, and we kindly encourage those who are able to contribute at the higher rate to do so.

• Standard Rate - Contributes to running costs and a little more to help sustain the Centre. Ticket includes food and accommodation at Lam Rim for the duration of the course.

• Basic Rate - Contributes to the very basic running costs of the course. Ticket includes food and accommodation at Lam Rim for the duration of the course.

• Attendance Only - For those who wish to attend the event but stay in nearby accommodation. Ticket includes lunch and supper for the duration of the course.

• Support Rate - Contact us via lamrimwalesmanagers@gmail.com if the above rates are too high for you where we can discuss further subsidised options, including open entry.